Dear Editor,
Reference is made to ‘Union should provide answers,’ SN, April 17, signed by Orin Forde, Reford Byas and Elymuwell Barkoye. On the question asked about the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) educating workers, Forde and Byas are being dishonest. As members of the union they are exposed to and have been the beneficiaries of various educational activities/programmes/tools. On the other hand, Mr Barkoye who led the activity soliciting workers to sign a form requesting NAACIE to be their bargaining agent, is not a member and is an open PPP activist, so in his intent is evident. The allegation that a “copy of the union rules has never been seen” is untrue. Mr Forde was an elected branch leader and given the rules, since it is the union’s policy to make sure at least every officer is armed to empower him/herself and the membership.
For Messrs Forde and Byas to allow themselves to be used in this manner is troubling.
First BCGI and Mohamed Akeel appointed a Workers’ Committee, headed by Mr Forde, in violation of Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Act, Chapter 98:07 (see SN, March 26). Recognition had already been granted to the GB&GWU to act as the sole bargaining agent for BCGI workers.
And now there is their letter in Stabroek News on April 17. They should therefore not be surprised if they are asked to engage in even more acts injurious to themselves, their fellow workers and the bauxite communities.
With respect to knowledge of the laws, the men are advised that when the gavel of justice falls there is no excuse for ignorance. If the trio is serious in seeking knowledge, they should refer to the labour laws, Chapters 98:01 and 98:07; ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98, and the BCGI/GB&GWU Collective Labour Agreement.
The GB&GWU will not be swayed, distracted or influenced by anything outside the battle before it. We reiterate our commitment to engage in any discussion as it relates to the impasse, which has to do with the violation of the laws, international conventions and collective labour agreement by BCGI, Mohamed Akeel, Manzoor Nadir and Yoganand Persaud.
Yours faithfully,
Leslie Gonsalves
General Secretary (ag)
GB&GWU
