. . . some plant workers retained, others retrenched
The Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has commissioned a new, modernised and fully automated bottling plant at its Diamond headquarters site on the East Bank, Demerara.

Consequent to the commissioning of the new facility, 68 non-management staff were re-deployed and 19 made redundant, in accordance with a re-assignment of staff exercise which was completed April month end.

The employees who have been made redundant will all receive their benefits, a company release stated.

DDL said the company has had consultations with the Ministry of Labour and the unions which represented the 19 employees in relation to their severance package. Some of the workers were represented by the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and others by the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU).

Commenting on the issue, DDL Human Resources Director, Bal Persaud, said that “the fact that the new plant is fully automated means that fewer employees are now required to operate the plant, and those employees must be of the highest skill level.”

He added ,“Over the past four months, the company made every effort to re-deploy all staff members who were likely to be affected by the start up of the new plant; regrettably we were not able to find places for all of the employees.”

During a meeting with staff on Friday, he noted, “In addition to the payment of all benefits, the company would be offering counselling and retraining services to the affected employees.”

Persaud also indicated that those laid off would be the first to be considered for re-employment should suitable vacancies arise.