Guyana Goldfields Inc. has reiterated that a decision is yet to be taken on an alliance with another company that could see workers at its Aurora Gold Mine, in Region Seven, being made redundant.
However, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Suresh Kalathil, in a circular issued to workers on July 13th, assured that they would be notified of any decision in a “timely and transparent” manner.
“As this topic relates to the possible Aurora Mining Alliance, I state again that no decision has been made yet regarding this possible venture. I commit to all employees that management will communicate any decision related to this issue in a timely and transparent fashion,” he stated.
The circular sought to address issues raised at a meeting between workers and the Depart-ment of Labour of the Ministry of Social Protection, in the aftermath of a three-day work stoppage.
Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, other representatives from the Department of Labour as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources had visited the operation on July 5th, in wake of the stoppage, which was partly triggered by fears of redundancy. 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 its contracted employees.
The workers’ grievances also included National Insurance Scheme (NIS) payments not being deducted from their salaries and paid over, and having to work 28 days on the site while only being able to spend 14 days off the site.
Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, Sherwayne Downer, head of the unofficial workers’ union, the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG), related that the circular from the company was given to the workers on Saturday and it touched on several of the issues that were raised.
As it relates to compensation, that is, salary levels and pay rates, the circular said a Site Compensation Committee and mandate will be created and initiated by the end of August to review compensation related issues, including those related to contract employment.
A final report with recommendations is expected to be provided to the management for review by October 31st, this year.
As it relates to severance, the company noted that in all cases where termination of employment is required, it will abide by Guyana’s laws and regulations.
The circular also addressed the issue of the unofficial union and said that the company is happy for the employees to engage in discussions about the possibility of a union, as per the laws and regulations of the country.
Addressing training and progression, the circular noted that the existing job description inventory will be updated by the middle of September, which will form the basis to finalise all departmental progression and training plans.
It also addressed schedules and rotations, and noted that it has started a mandate to review and optimise employee schedules and a report with recommendations is expected to be completed by September 15th, this year.
Lastly, as it relates to the company’s contribution to the NIS for the workers, it committed to review the situation and inform the workers of the outcome.
Kalathil also confirmed second quarter bonus payments of 7.6% to be made on July 25th, 2019 and a review of the formula for the third quarter bonus, which will include greater emphasis on team performance. He said details will be communicated by the end of August.
Downer said that the NMWUG encourages all the workers to accept the unilateral increase of 7.6%, but also urged them to retain the union as their final bargaining agent.
“7.6% and the return of the bonus [are] most welcome but it is regrettable that the company’s hands had to be forced to act by the workers’ industrial strike and intervention by the NMWUG. In light of this development, the NMWUG is happy to announce that we have in our possession over 300 signed application forms from AGM employees that have to be submitted to the Labour Department soon,” Downer added, while noting that he is urging the company to continue being part of the solution to the workers’ issues.
Due to the three days of industrial action, the company had stated that it estimated that approximately 22,500 tonnes of ore were not processed, but full year production remained unaffected, with between 145,000 and 160,000 ounces of gold projected.
