Dear Editor,
Mr Leslie Gonsalves (‘These workers had never previously raised concerns about GB&GWU’s internal matters’ SN, March 28) in responding to our letter seeking information relative to the audit, annual returns, and delegates conference (‘Questions for Leslie Gonsalves’ SN, March 26), rambled on about our story being ridiculous. However, it is timely to say that we are not telling stories. He also said that we should be familiar with the procedures through which such answers could be obtained. We were never educated in such matters; the union never held seminars or workshops to educate members. In fact a copy of the union rules has never been seen. We still need answers from Mr Gonsalves. He would be surprised to learn that a sizable portion of the union membership is calling for answers to the questions asked by us.
About the laws allegedly broken by the company, we are sure the company can respond but we are advised that Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act states that the union and the employer shall bargain in good faith. However, it was the union which refused to sign the agreement Mr Gonsalves put in writing stating that the union agreed with the company’s proposed option # 1, which called for 75 workers to be terminated and an increase of 10% across the board to be paid by the company. Who then bargained in bad faith?
As to Section 26, workers were not dismissed for legitimate union activities but because of riot. The Minister can answer on the Labour Act, which he already has.
We do not want Mr Gonsalves to attack us and hide behind words; he should give us straight, simple answers.
Yours faithfully,
Orin Forde
Reford Byas
Elymuwell Barkoye
