Representatives of the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG) yesterday walked out of a meeting with the Department of Labour as they say the engagement did not address any of the issues of Aurora Gold Mines Inc. (AGM) workers, who may end up resuming strike action.
NMWUG President Sherwayne Downer said that about 15 minutes into the meeting, they chose to walk out since they were not making any progress as it relates to the matters the meeting was called to address.
The union is currently pursuing certification to represent workers from AGM, following industrial unrest earlier this month.
According to Downer, the union submitted 300 signed application forms from the AGM employees, a copy of the union’s constitution and its receipt book on Friday, as was requested.
At the meeting, which was held at the Department’s boardroom at its Brickdam office, there was a labour officer, while Downer and three others represented the union and two persons represented the company.
“We went there today basically for a confirmation or clarity survey meeting because they requested it. When we were there in the meeting, they decide to call Peter Benny [AGM’s Human Resource head] and the union made an objection to Benny because of his anti-union stance in the past. He is on record as stating that as long as he is at AGM no Union will be going there,” Downer said.
After they were told that Benny would be contacted via Skype, Downer said he objected to the decision and the labour officer subsequently sought advice from the Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle.
“Ogle sent to call me and he assured me and the workers that it is okay to leave Benny and to let him do what he has to do. We complied with the advice with our reservations still intact. While sitting on Skype, Benny started to question my credibility and give directives as to who and who should not be a part of the bargaining unit,” Downer explained.
He emphasised that the union was of the opinion that the meeting was called for them to verify the signatures on their applications, but later found out that the company had not requested signatures from the workers to corroborate those from the union.
“We already submitted 300 names and he’s giving the department directives. We went to a lecture with Benny instead of us attending a survey verification meeting. The workers that we had there today are saying that the company never approached them for their signatures. They presented some signatures today and they are asking for more time and we are saying that is unacceptable because there was a commitment from the Ministry and the Minister [Keith Scott] that within two weeks the union’s application would be expedited,” he explained.
Downer said that the union and its 20 odd members that stood outside of the meeting for support were expecting a decision as it relates to their application for a membership.
Fifteen minutes into the meeting, Downer said that he and his two other members decided to walk out, given the lack of progress and said they will be mobilising the workers.
“We acknowledge that we can’t decide who and who can be part of the team but we have no confidence in Benny. We will be notifying the company of our position that we would head to a stand down again and we will give them the necessary notice. It will be the workers who are doing this and not the union,” Downer added.
Over 100 workers had downed their tools earlier in the month 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.
The Social Protection Ministry had met with the aggrieved workers shortly after and was able to listen to their concerns and issues faced at the Aurora Mine in Cuyuni.
On July 15, the company had announced through a circular that it would be addressing issues raised at the meeting, including a raise in wages and salaries, among other things.
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.
