Dear Editor,

The Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) is paying keen attention to recent statements being made by the Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir and Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Yoganand Persaud on the television and in the newspapers. The union has taken note that these gentlemen are now saying that they recognize the GB&GWU as the bargaining agent for workers at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI). In the case of Minister Nadir, he is saying before he acts he has to await the decision of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board. This is not the truth because the board has nothing to do with the Minister or the CLO conciliating in any trade dispute between a recognized union and the employer. Consistent with the Recognition Act, the union wrote several letters to the Minister and CLO bringing to their attention the unsolved issues. Letters were sent in December, January and February. Neither the Minister nor the CLO has responded to them.  The Minister and the CLO are engaging in double standards since as recently as last week there was a recognition dispute with Pegasus and CCWU and the ministry got involved.  This involvement was in respect of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Act, Chapter 98:07 Section 23. (1) Compulsory recognition and duty to treat which states, “When a trade union obtains a certificate of recognition for workers comprised in a bargaining unit in accordance with this Part, the employer shall recognise the union, and the union and the employer shall bargain in good faith and enter into negotiations with each other for the purpose of collective bargaining.” Rightly so the ministry moved with due haste to address the issue by inviting Pegasus and the CCWU to a meeting. On the other hand there is absolutely no movement from the Minister and CLO to act consistent with the said section with regard to the GB&GWU by inviting BCGI and the union to a meeting. The bauxite impasse is almost six months old and counting, with no movement from the ministry to enforce the laws and carry out its mandate. In the meanwhile, Mohamed Akeel and BCGI by circular dated April 1, informed the workers of a Workers Committee, headed by Orin Ford which they claim will now “replace” the union to represent workers’ interests.  This is another violation of the Recognition Act and denying workers the right to select a union of their choice. The Minister and CLO cannot pretend that they are not aware of these laws and conventions being violated and the actions of Akeel and BCGI. The union believes that the Minister and CLO are deliberately aiding and abetting these illegal acts while trying to fool the public that the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board has to deal with the matter. These gentlemen are hoping they can engage in these dilatory and dishonest tactics and the union will grow weary and give up the fight. This couldn’t be farther from the truth, because the union will continue to hold them accountable as we intensify local and international action to ensure the respect for the laws and workers’ rights. We are committed to the long haul.  In the end justice must prevail!

Yours faithfully,
Carlton Sinclair
President Aroiama/Kwakwani Branch
GB&GWU