Over a dozen former workers have accused the SAJ Rice Group Inc of wrongfully dismissing them after they moved to join a union.
A total of 17 employees received termination letters; the first 11 received letters on August 3rd, while the remainder received their letters two days later.
The workers and General President of the General Workers Union (GWU) Norris Witter On Friday staged a protest in front the Ministry of Labour to highlight their dismissals.
“Massa day done,” “Workers’ rights are human rights,” “Rights at work non-negotiable,” were among the messages on placards carried by some of the dismissed workers who were part of the protest.
Junior Bourne, who worked with SAJ for over eight years, said he decided to speak out since he is also concerned about the remaining workers who are still employed by the company.
Another, Terrence (only name given) said he decided to join in the protest because he believes that he was wrongfully terminated and he wants justice.
According to Witter, the workers had approached the union for information about joining. As a result, on July 31st, union officers visited the workers and had discussions with them. However, he said management subsequently dismissed the workers “on the grounds of redundancy.”
Witter added that on August 4th, the union contacted the Ministry of Labour and apprised it of the situation. “We took the pains to point out to the ministry that the action of the administration was illegal, it was in conflict and it was in violation of the Termination of Employ-ment and Severance Pay Act,” he said.
Under the provisions of the legislation, before any employer can proceed to terminate on the grounds of redundancy, at least one month’s notice must be given to the employee and ministry. This was not done. “The action of the employer was not only a violation of the rights of the employees but it also demonstrates disrespect to the ministry,” Witter added.
He said Friday’s protest was a reminder that despite the fact that there has been a change of the political administration, there are still employers who are prepared to continue to violate the rights of workers with injustice and to treat workers disrespectfully.
He added that the protest was also aimed at sending a very strong message to all such employers, whether they are state, private- or foreign-owned, that workers are not going to disregard these atrocities any longer. “We are determined to exercise our militancy and bring an end to all acts of violation against workers of this country. The rights of workers is non-negotiable,” Witter added.
Minister of Social Pro-tection Volda Lawrence, who stepped out to enquire what the protest was about, subsequently informed that she was told that the matter is presently with the Ministry of Labour and an officer has been assigned to it.
