Bauxite strike…
– Luncheon
THE ongoing industrial action by Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) workers at Aroaima and Kwakwani, Berbice River, has attracted the attention of Cabinet.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon reported yesterday that, at its Tuesday meeting, Cabinet was apprised of the situation by the relevant subject Ministers responsible for Mining and Labour.

Luncheon pointed to the dire circumstances facing bauxite in sister CARICOM States and urged both the company and Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) to negotiate for a solution which will benefit both Guyana and the Guyanese workers.

The BCGI employees started a strike last Sunday, following failed negotiations wage and salary increases for 2009.

Reports said, with no agreed terms of resumption and some of the strikers being arrested by Police, the workers are planning to step up their protest.

Noting that RUSAL, the Russian parent company of BCGI, has been deeply affected by the consequences of the world and global economic crisis, Luncheon said Cabinet having recalled and reiterated its earlier position in relation to industrial arena, further emphasised the importance of companies and workers in the productive sector making mature decisions at this juncture of the country’s and its citizens’ economic position.

He said the primary focus of the Government, in relation to the economy, surrounds the preservation and retention of jobs for workers.

The work stoppage at BCGI continued for the fifth day yesterday and workers and the union said they are prepared for the long haul and would maintain the protest action until their demands are met. (W. Davidson