THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has welcomed the ongoing dialogue to seek peaceful solutions and outcomes to the Linden situation. The umbrella body, for Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Guyana Labour Union (GLU), National Association of Agricutural, Commercial and Industrial Employees  (NAACIE) and Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), said it is supporting workers employed by the Linden municipality, Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge, BOSAI, insurance companies, COURTS, National Communications Network (NCN), Bai Shan Lin and Demerara Timbers, all in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).
Government officials have been meeting with the Linden stakeholders, including Regional Democratic Council, Linden Town Council and private sector representatives.
The parliamentary opposition and civic groups are all talking and negotiating positions in keeping with the willingness to pursue consultation in place of confrontation, protests, vigils and other physical demonstrations.
FITUG said while it respects people’s inalienable rights to protest, the demonstrations should not impede and erode other non-demonstrators’ rights, especially their right to work.
Consequently, FITUG called on the die-hard Linden protesters and their organisers to allow fellow Lindeners, who are members of the trade unions and employees, their option and right to enter their workplaces to exercise their democratic freedom to work.

Running bare
“They have chosen to work because their cupboards are running bare and having to remain garrison-like at home is not and will not solve the larger problems identified. In fact, it is well understood that no union in the Linden community has authorised any industrial action. And they are happy that there seems to be no interest, in their employers, to penalise any workers for their absence and who, in small ways, are providing safety for themselves and families.
“Indeed BOSAI’s management is already reviewing its operations and potential investments in Region 10. The company has told FITUG affiliate NAACIE that it is being viewed as unreliable and an investment risk, not being in a position to produce.
“Bauxite ships will leave empty. Employees are not being paid for days lost. FITUG sees dialogue as much more sensible than disruption in this instance and the possibility of additional massive unemployment if BOSAI folds. How does this advance the protesters’ causes?” FITUG asked.
The release continued:”Therefore, even as FITUG appreciates government’s concessions and announcement of plans to review the electricity tariff issue, the technical team’s immediate work in the troubled town and the Private Sector Commission’s positive inputs, the Federation appeals to the protest organisers to allow employees their right to work and earn.
“Any other negative alternative is not an option. It’s also easy to consult these unionised employees as to their preferences,” FITUG posited.