Operations resumed at Guyana Gold-fields’ Aurora mine yesterday following a three-day strike by over 100 workers.
“Employees are starting to return to work in a phased approach to ensure orderliness and full production is anticipated to resume shortly,” the Canadian company said in a statement yesterday.
The strike began on July 2nd, and the statement said that as a result of the three operational days lost, the company estimates that approximately 22,500 tonnes of ore were not processed. However, full year production guidance remains unaffected at 145,000-160,000 ounces of gold, it said.
“Personnel are being remobilised and the site is ramping back up to normal operations in a phased and safe manner. The company has agreed to a dialogue with employee representatives and Government authorities to resolve any outstanding issues in full compliance with Guyanese labour law,” Suresh Kalatil, Senior Vice President and Chief Operation Officer, was quoted as saying.
The workers had downed tools on Tuesday after fears that they would be made redundant and not paid severance. Those fears arose after workers heard that a private mining contractor would be taking over the operations of most of the company and would be bringing in their contracted employees.
On Thursday, the unofficial representative of the workers, the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG) met with officials from the Department of Labour of the Ministry of Social Protection including Minister responsible for Labour Keith Scott, Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle and others, where they were give the assurance that no worker would be fired and the application for the union to officially represent the workers would be expedited.
Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, head of the NMWUG Sherwayne Downer said that it is an extraordinary moment for the union.
“When many felt that this situation was another RUSAL, quick thinking by the union and support from the workers [ensured] we were able to bring a solution and end to the industrial unrest in a matter of two days. The NMWUG have not failed or let down the workers thus far. We have delivered and will continue to do so going up against Guyana Goldfields,” Downer said.
The Ministry of Social Protection will also be visiting the operations at Aurora to assess the situation and talk to the workers.
