Dear Minister,

The Union having taken note of your appointment as the subject minister for the Ministry of Labour and your profound experience as a trade
unionist wishes to record our expectation that you will bring to this ministry a level of tolerance and understanding of the importance in managing issues pertaining to labour  in a professional, dispassionate and constructive manner as appears to be the new agenda of this government in dealing with labour issues. The union also expects further, that you will treat with matters of conflict and grievance with due haste and in the best interest of fostering a harmonious environment conducive to production and productivity.
Taking note also of your statement that you are prepared to address all outstanding matters, the Union sees it fit to bring to your attention the following matters that are before the ministry:
1. Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI)
a)      The refusal of the company to honour Section 23 (1) ‘Compulsory recognition and duty to treat’ of the Trade Union Recognition Act, Chapter 98:07 since 2009;
b)      The arbitrary dismissal of 57 workers in December, 2009. It is opportune to note a third Christmas cometh as this matter remains unresolved;
c)       The 2009 outstanding Wages and Conditions Agreement;
d)      The suspension of 67 workers in May 2009 for protesting having to work with defective heavy duty equipment;
e)      The June 2010 industrial road accident that resulted in the death of Remington “Tuts” Wade and injuries to others;
f)      The June 2011 threat  of the spade-wielding General Manager to bash workers’ heads and bury them;
g)      The arbitrary dismissal in January 2011 of several workers who protested the preparation of their meals in a roach and rat-infested kitchen;
h)      The October 2011 industrial accident (mining pit) that resulted in the death of Franklyn Reece   and injury to Anthony Johnson;

2. Oldendorff Carriers Inc
a)      The refusal of the company to honour Section 23 (1) ‘Compulsory recognition and duty to treat’ with the Trade Union Recognition Act, Chapter 98:07;
b)   The  reluctance of the ministry to address grievances raised by workers and represented by the union
c)       Refusal to establishment arbitration procedures for 2010 Wages and Conditions Negotiations, even though the ministry declared the matter deadlocked;
d)      Officers of the ministry trying to facilitate the establishment of a company union.

3. Linden Electricity Company (state-owned)
a)      The refusal of the company to honour Section 23 (1) ‘Compulsory recognition and duty to treat’ with the Trade Union Recognition Act, Chapter 98:07 since 2007;
Recognising that you bring to the ministry years of experience as a workers’ representative, expectations are held that you would bring to the ministry the appreciation for respecting the rights of workers as critical to enhancing production and national development consistent with the International Core Labour Standards.
The Union looks forward to your urgent attention, recognising that you do understand that justice delayed is justice denied.

Yours sincerely,

Leslie Gonsalves
President
Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union
216 Bulletwood St.
McKenzie
Linden.