President of National Mine Workers’ Union promises effective representation

Aug 29, 2016 News

– as Mining Week commences

President of the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana, (NMWG) Sherwyn Delano Downer has vowed to go above and beyond to bring much deserving union representation and a voice to the voiceless mining workers.
Downer made the promise during the celebration of Mining Week.
“As president of the National Mine Workers Union, I declare the salvation of mining workers in all categories of mining. I urge the mining workers; in all categories of mining to stand with the National Mine Workers Union as all other grounds is sinking sand.”
He added as the union’s president, he would bring attention through effective representation of mining workers to the unacceptable working conditions, flouting of the labour laws, inhumane treatment of mining workers, disrespect for workers’ rights, “as I declare this trade unionist is not for sale. I am not walking around with a “for sale” tag and my integrity is not up for grabs.”
Apart from May 1, Labour Day celebration, he said that it is the objective of the NMWG to give due and well deserved recognition to the hard working mining workers, “as we join with the Government of Guyana, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and employers of mining workers to celebrate together and show our appreciation for mining workers throughout this mining week of activities.”
He said that mining workers form part of the laboring masses of Guyana, whose work is known as a contributor in keeping the wheels of Guyana’s economy spinning, day and night.
“The National Mine Workers Union is not here to wage war against any mining company, rather, as president of the National mine workers Union, I extend an olive branch to all mining companies but more so to the following companies of which the National Mine Workers Union is awaiting the Department of Labour of the Ministry of Social Protection for a response,” Downer said in his statement.
According to Downer, with Guyana Goldfields/Aurora Gold Mines being the largest mining company, presently, Troy Resources, the second largest, and ExxonMobil magnanimous oil find and many other mining companies, both local and international, mining workers are well deserving of the highest level of effective representation.
“This is exactly the intent of the National Mine Workers Union as mining workers in all categories of mining remain hungry for effective union representation.”
He noted that, with mining being redefined in Guyana whereby it is one of the largest contributors to our country’s Gross Domestic Product, the formation of a national mining workers’ union of Guyana is pertinent.
“After 14 months of consulting with mining workers in all categories of mining across the mining districts, in groups and individually, prior to August 25, 2015, the reviews and support for a mining workers union was and remains overwhelming and support continues to exceed our expectations.”
“The reality of a mining workers union was established and registered on the 25th day of August 2015, under the Trade Union Act: 98:03 herein referred to as National Mine Workers’ Union of Guyana.”

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