A strike by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) workers continued into a second day, while the Ministry of Labour moved to resolve the dispute.
The Ministry of Labour facilitated a meeting yesterday between the workers’ union and the GGMC’s management to settle the dispute over proposed wage increases that prompted the strike.
The union representing the striking workers, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), and the management of the GGMC were asked by the Ministry of Labour to come to a compromise. GPSU industrial relations officer Jermaine Hermanstyne later stated that negotiations are still underway and the union is hoping that the GGMC accepts its proposal so that normalcy returns.
He further related that what transpired didn’t favour the union and the union will have to consult with other members and stakeholders before any decision is made. The union has up to 10am today to arrive at a decision.
Hermanstyne also said that a 33% salary increase proposal for 2013 had been sent to management and in response, a consultant’s report which had salary increases attached to various positions was sent to the union. According to the union, lower-end workers would not benefit fully and the proposal would not have done justice across the board.
The union has accused the GGMC’s management of constantly brushing aside any proposal placed before it and as a result the union made another proposal for workers to be given a 15% interim increase so that the workers would not lose out during the negotiations. The GGMC denied this proposal and the union retaliated with a strike.
Efforts to contact the Deputy Commissioner of the GGMC Newell Dennison for comment were unsuccessful.
The GPSU said in a statement on Monday that as workers step up their calls for better wages, the GGMC management has given approval for several benefits and increases dating back to 2013 and a notice dispatched to staff members from their representative on the GGMC Board of Directors said that it had given approval for an increase in the annual Christmas voucher from $30,000 to $50,000 per month, increases in the annual Bursary for the children of staff members from $25,000 to $75,000 per year as well as increases in casual workers’ wages and the implementation of risk allowance for carpenters, lab and electrical staff.
It also said that workers were being offered an increase in the life insurance for staff from $1 million to $4 million and the field allowance will be increased from $2,500 per day to $3,750 per day and the Chairman of the GGMC has indicated that he has submitted a plan to increase salaries to the Minister of Natural Resources.
“The annual increases for all staff will move from $75 million to $150 million for 2014,” the notice said
