AFTER the national and regional elections of October, 1992 Dr Cheddi Jagan as Executive President of Guyana continued to embrace the workers’ cause and support their interests.

The number of labour-friendly legislations passed included -the Trade Union Recognition Act, the Prevention of Discrimination Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Holidays with Pay Act and the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act all passed in the National Assembly. All workers are now covered; previously only certain categories of workers enjoyed these benefits. The government must remain committed to these Acts and the struggles of the bauxite workers. The Ministry of Labour must aggressively got down to business and began to address the many issues facing these workers because its activities are not restricted under the Labour Relation Bill which was intended to make it compulsory for Rusal to recognise and negotiate with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union.

According to the Labour laws the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union must be recognised by Rusal management so it can negotiate pay and other conditions. If Rusal refuses to recognise the union the union has every right to ask the Minister of Labour to intervene. If this does not work the workers and the union can decide to take industrial action, such as going on strike for as long as possible. Remember very often, what matters in practice is the collective agreement between the union and the employer and the various Acts of Parliament and regulations made under them which cover matters such as health and safety, pay, discrimination and so on.

The Constitution protects your right to join a trade union of your choice. If anyone tries to stop you exercising this right you can take him/her to court. If your employer sacks you without sufficient reason for doing so you can sue him/her for damages for wrongful dismissal.
MOHAMED KHAN