Dear Editor,
It is noted with deep concern the media report of an allegation made by RUSAL of “arson of the electricity pylon basement and other corporate property” at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI). The suggestion that this may be linked to bauxite workers is disingenuous and orchestrated wickedness. Never in the history of Guyana has arson been a tool of striking workers. Such will never be instigated nor condoned by the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU). Note, neither will the accusations and efforts to malign bauxite workers and their unions be treated with lightly.
GB&GWU is aware that when the news broke workers, residents and leaders in the surrounding communities were without exception dumbfounded at this claim. None knew of the incident nor heard of it until they were told or saw reportage of the allegation. Leadership of the union is also unaware of any such actions intended or unintended caused by workers under its umbrella that could have even resulted in such an event.
This is a dangerous precedent being set by BCGI management who is continuously demonstrating it is prepared to engage in dangerous and desperate manoeuvres ably supported by some sections of the Guyanese community. GB&GWU calls on the relevant authorities to investigate these claims of arson even as it calls on the Government and people of Guyana to be on the alert for further mischief and plots to destabilise our society using labour to create unrest and social chaos.
Such tactics are not unfamiliar to the Russian management of BCGI for they are well known and orchestrated by those with certain ideological persuasions. GB&GWU also wishes to make clear that access to the areas the company claims were damaged are protected by their security personnel who are non-unionised and not part of industrial action.
GB&GWU is of the view that Guyanese are living in desperate times where the management of RUSAL is prepared to join forces with local operatives willing to sink to any level to realise political gains. They are prepared to sacrifice sections of the work force to achieve these ends. We note with grave concern the loud silence of the Opposition and the opposition supported sectors of our community who are prepared to justify wrongs or turn the nelson’s eye for political gain. It is over ten years of RUSAL abuse of bauxite workers and every Guyanese should cry shame!
GB&GWU is of the view that the Russian management of BCGI seems more interested in creating internal social upheaval in effort to influence our elections rather than establishing a stable industrial environment by attending to the more than 10-year old grievances as per the Grievance Procedures and Labour Laws. RUSAL dubbing the industrial environment at BCGI as one of “unrest” is of their own manipulations and verbal distortions. Same as their speaking of arson and presenting as though they are forced to shut their business due to the investment climate.
We note the effort by RUSAL to lay the groundwork to suggest Guyana is not investment friendly. Even as they seek to hurt the investment image of Guyana and that of Guyanese to the international community with these falsehoods of “unrest” and “arson” they fail to tell what a rogue employer they are and about their disrespect for host country’s laws and citizens. Perhaps they think in their targeted propaganda orbit none would be aware of, nor care about RUSAL’s poor track record. A quick Google search of RUSAL’s name and the litany of global malpractices will hit like a tonne of bricks. Guyana is their newest exposed target.
They violate our Labour Laws and transgress the rights of workers/ citizens. They refuse to honour their tax obligations and pay over dividends for the 10-percent shares the People of Guyana have in BCGI. They want to be contemptuous of us and expect compliance/acceptance from us. Most Guyanese are not going to allow it and GB&GWU is prepared to resist their transgressions and expose their bad performance.
It is clear Guyanese would do better without this company.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
General Secretary
GB&GWU
