-Local Gov’t Officers Union
The Guyana Local Govern-ment Officers Union (GLGOU) has condemned the recent actions of the Russian bauxite company RUSAL after several workers involved in industrial action had their services ended.
According to GLGOU President Andrew Garnett, the union views with “acute alarm and vehemently condemns” what he dubbed “union-busting” in response to legitimate action by workers to pursue better conditions and wages. In a statement, Garnett said the “unlawful de-recognition of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU); the brazen act to dismiss striking workers inclusive of union leaders; and the reported action of the company to force workers to sign withdrawal forms from the union are all scandalous actions which warrant a strong and unified response from the entire labour movement.”
Garnett added that for RUSAL to carry out these acts with impunity leads to the “perilous state” of industrial relations in Guyana, noting that while workers continue to struggle in abject economic circumstances and “with their rights under constant violation,” the current trade union movement is characterised by “unchecked disintegration” and that the leadership of the movement is “hell-bent on pursuing petty squabbles and personal and partisan political agendas.” Garnett also said that the Ministry of Labour appears to execute its mandate and enforces labour laws when the trade union is seen as friendly and sympathetic to its interest.
While noting that bauxite workers deserve better, Garnett stated that the workers have a “proud history” of consistently standing up with other unions while struggling for their cause.
He said that the body is calling on the authorities to operate in a fair, equitable and transparent manner and for RUSAL to immediately restore normal relations with the GB&GWU.
