CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Paul Bhim said although there have been no further developments in the investigations that led to Wednesday’s dismissal of nine employees attached to the Enmore Sugar Factory, they have several options to appeal the decision made. He explained, “We have issued a statement and nothing has changed, there are no new developments; but the workers do have an option to appeal through an internal process at GuySuCo, and they also can do this through the union that represents them.”
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Bhim also disclosed that no one from the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) has thus far contacted the corporation.
“No one from the union has contacted us, but I suspect that they will; it has only been a day since the workers were dismissed. The situation remains the same and the workers have a right to appeal,” the CEO stated.
When contacted on Wednesday, GAWU’s President, Komal Chand, explained that the union was awaiting the details of the matter before it pronounces on the dismissals.
It is unclear if GAWU has received the necessary documentation they require, since all efforts yesterday to contact Mr. Chand or GAWU’s General Secretary, Seepaul Narine, proved futile.
Following established disciplinary procedure on Wednesday, GuySuCo took the decision to terminate the employment of nine employees attached to the Enmore Sugar Factory, following thorough investigations.
According to a statement issued by the corporation, this action follows an incident which occurred on Friday, February 17, 2012, when the employees were sent to the LBI factory with specific instructions to uplift a quantity of lumber and carrier slats for use at the Enmore factory.
“During their time inside the factory, the men were observed by security personnel loading several cast-iron structures (firesides) on to a tractor-drawn trailer, and when questioned, they said that they had permission from a senior GuySuCo official, which later proved to be false,” the statement said.
The employees were detained, and following investigations, it was found that some of the employees from Enmore admitted to removing and loading the stolen items, while those who denied any involvement were fingered by their colleagues or pointed out by eyewitnesses who were present at the scene on the day in question.
GuySuCo further informed that a comprehensive report was prepared after exhaustive interviews with all involved, and the recommendations made by the investigating team are being enforced.