DTL workers picket company’s head office

Oct 04, 2016 News

Workers of the Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) and officials of their Union – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) – staged a picketing exercise yesterday outside the company’s Head

Some of the workers during the picketing exercise at the DTL Main Office in Kingston yesterday morning.

Office in Kingston, Georgetown.
Both parties called on the company to engage in what they described as “good faith negotiations” with the GAWU.
They said that the workers rates-of-pay have not increased since 2014. The negotiations between the Union and the Company for 2015 remain inconclusive at this point in time.
GAWU stated, yesterday, that the bilateral negotiations with the Company reached a stalemate on November 17, last year after the Company allegedly did not approve any pay increase but offered a Christmas Bonus of $5,000 to each worker instead.
“DTL informed that its financial state precluded it from offering a pay rise. The Company’s position was rejected by the workers who staged a one-day protest on November 19, 2015 at the Company’s Mabura Hill operations.” GAWU stated.
The union also stated that following the impasse, the dispute was next subjected to conciliatory services by the Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour.
However; the Company allegedly refused to attend meetings summoned by the conciliator, Francis Carryl.
“This led to the involvement of Minister Keith Scott of the Ministry of Social Protection who wrote the Company mandating a meeting with the Union and the Ministry.
“Though, a few meetings were held, the Company remains unmoved and is unwilling to divulge its financial statements for scrutiny by the parties.” GAWU reported.
Meanwhile, the Union stated that the workers have grown impatient over the attitude of the company which they have deemed as “disrespectful.”
“They (workers) maintain that they are deserving of a pay rise for both 2015 and 2016, especially in view of the rising cost-of-living. They noted that 2016 is nearly through and the Company continues to drag its feet thus, their resort to protest.”
During yesterday’s picketing exercise, the workers carried placards. Some read: 2016 nearly done and no pay rise since 2014; DTL not above the law; DTL must engage in good faith bargaining; End the foot dragging!; Management eye-pass workers; CEO disrespectful to workers, Union and Ministry; and Conclude 2015 negotiations now
“The workers and the Union are calling on the Company to return to the bargaining table and favourably resolve the matter,” the union said.

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