Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, says that GAWU has been premature in its recent release that called on the Minister to “Shoulder his responsibilities” in the GB&GWU Rusal industrial dispute.

The Minister said that he reaffirms that he and the Ministry are handling the matter in the best way, given all the circumstances. He said GAWU seems to be taking a vocal rather than a rational position.

“I am astonished that the GAWU would come out with such a statement.  All that the GAWU is doing is parroting the views of the GB&GWU,”  Minister Nadir said in a press statement.

Minister Nadir said that he has been executing his responsibilities to all workers and that he is proud of the work he has done in this regard.

These include:
* RECOGNITION CERTIFICATES
In at least three cases, he has spoken with workers and management so that cooperation and reasonableness could prevail, thereby ensuring recognition of unions to represent workers.  Minister Nadir also intervened in as many cases he and his officers worked to ensure that recognized agreements were enforced.

* MORE POLICING OF WORKPLACES
The LOSH Department today conducts over 4000 workplaces inspections as against under 1000 a few years ago.

* MORE WORKERS COMPLAINTS HANDLED
Today the changes that have been introduced has seen almost 1000 complaints from workers being successfully handled and over $36 M collected from errant employers – a 300% increase.

* OSH PROGRAMES
Work place safety and health programmes have been aggressively pursued and a National HIV and AIDS policy was approved.

* DEMOCRATISING THE VOICE OF THE WORKER
The changes made to the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Act have made it possible for voices of the workers to be heard through their representative organizations.

In exercising his responsibilities in the GB&GWU Rusal industrial dispute , Minister Nadir said that he has to do so with regard to all workers
* Those who applied for de-recognition.
* Those who are on the job and are not on strike.
* Those who feel that they are wrongfully dismissed and
* Those who are in the leadership of the recognized union.

According to the Minister, “The way forward rests with resolving these contradicting issues, one of which is the matter of the workers who have written to the TUR&CB re the de-recognition of the union.   One of the two representatives of the FITUG who sits on the TURC&B is the General Secretary of GAWU.”

“GAWU and the PPP have an excellent record of fighting for the just cause of workers.  I will uphold this fine record and laws of our country’, affirmed Minister Nadir.