Latest update April 3rd, 2026 12:35 AM
BOSAI fires staff who fought for pay increase
…cites misalignment of worker’s approach and company’s operations
BOSAI’s bauxite operation in Linden, Region 10.
(Kaieteur News) –BOSAI Mineral Group (Guyana) Inc., a Chinese-owned bauxite mining company operating in Linden, Region 10 has fired one of its employees who successfully fought for a pay increase along with his colleagues last September.
The services of the employee, Lorenzo Joseph of Blue Berry Hill, Wismar Linden were terminated on 27th February, 2026 with immediate effect.
Joseph said that the company has not given any explanation or a valid reason for his termination except for one sentence in his termination letter which states, “It has become evident that your professional goals and work approach are no longer aligned with the core requirements of your role and the overarching policies of Bosai Mineral Group (Guyana) Inc. (BMGGI).”
Joseph was not only an employee with the Chinese firm but also a member of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Employees (NAACIE) -a union that has always been on the forefront representing the bauxite workers, especially in pay disputes.
Joseph never stayed quiet when workers’ rights were being abused and with the help of NAACIE spearheaded negotiations with BMGGI to remedy its shortcomings.
Chinese bauxite firm fires employee who successfully fought for pay increase.
Among those negotiations, were better working conditions, fairer treatment for local employees among others. But his most recent success with NAACIE was negotiating a 7.5 percent pay increase along with additional benefits for bauxite workers in September last year.
Workers had reportedly downed tools on 20th September, after initial negotiations for a pay increase fell through. Reports were that the workers were demanding a salary increase of eight percent for 2025 and 8.5 percent in 2026 but their Chinese bosses had refused offering only 7 percent.
They followed with strike actions on the 21st September. The strike was widely reported by the media and engaged the attention of the Ministry of Labour.
The strike was subsequently called off after Labour Ministry intervened by offering to mediate conciliation talks between the union, NAACIE and the company.
At the end of those talks the Chinese management were forced to make a better offer on the pay increase. On 30th September, 2025 it was reported by the press that both parties had agreed to a pay increase of 7.5 percent in 2025 and 8 percent in 2026 along with additional benefits for workers.
Joseph said that it was a victory for the bauxite workers but he did not expect that the company would fire him months later in 2026.
While the company did not give any other reasons for his sudden and immediate termination, Joseph told Kaieteur News that he believes that it might have to do with his efforts in performing his role as a member of NAACIE and fighting for workers’ rights.
Meanwhile, former trade unionist now turned politician, Sherwin Downer said that his party, the United Workers Party, stands with Joseph.
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