Now that the PNCR-1G motion has been roundly defeated in Parliament, there is a common clarion among the opposition that the subject minister did not do enough to defend the rights of the affected local bauxite workers. Is there any merit in this contention? Given the demand for wages increase by the GB& GWU, on behalf of the GBCI workforce, it was inevitable that the prevailing global economic situation would have had to be considered. The fact to be emphasised is that no arbitrary action on the part of GBCI was taken on the question of the possible downsizing of the industry’s workforce. Instead, in the ensuing discussions that took place between the two sides, three options were presented and discussed.

The  GB&GWU, it was certain, would have kept their membership informed of the negotiations. This was evident when the third of the three options – a ten % increase for the workforce was offered, but with a retrenchment of some seventy five staff being the result of such an award. It was reported at the time, in November, 2009, that the union did relay the GBCI’s offer to their members who accepted the deal. Many of the members at that time, it was reported, even spoke of future employment options should they become affected by the lay-off plan. All of their union representatives were cognisant.

Of course, the GBCI  requested a written acceptance of their offer, and the resultant slashdown. But the BG&GWU, maybe waking up to the realization of such an agreement, never responded.

Such an arrangement was done between the principals. The relevant ministry, of course, would have been the neutral party, taking the guidance role as constituted. Whatever impasse has since occurred cannot be blamed on the subject minister.

Is the PNCR-1G opposition stoking the fires of discontent among the bauxite workers in a constituency that was once their bastion of support, and in which there are clear signs, since the 2006 polls, that they are becoming irrelevant? Their tactic of  moving a no- confidence vote against the Labour Minister can be seen as a clear sign of frantically rallying their fast dwindling faithfuls in the bauxite town. As we have seen, this tactic did not work.