.jpg)
General Workers Union (GAWU), on November 26, officially signed a two- year (2012 & 2013) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding wages, salaries and conditions of employment. Signing of the agreement was witnessed and endorsed by Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer Mr. Charles Ogle.
Mr. Omadat Samaroo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BBCI, began the meeting by thanking Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle for taking time off from his busy schedule to travel to Berbice to witness and sign the Collective Labour Agreement between BBCI and GAWU.
He also thanked the officials from the Union for the spirit of goodwill displayed during the negotiations.
The CEO then gave a brief history of the events leading up to GAWU becoming the sole bargaining unit for the employees of BBCI. He noted that in the initial stages, there had been a series of miscommunications between the Union and BBCI; but with the intervention of the Ministry of Labour, both sides met to amicably establish proper communications.
This resulted in GAWU being recognised as the sole bargaining unit for the employees of BBCI, excluding directors and managers.
The CEO then listed in chronological order the series of events that took place that resulted in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreements:
1. On April 13, 2010, the MOA regarding recognition and the avoidance and settlement of disputes was signed.
2. On February 17, 2011, the MOA regarding wages/salaries and conditions of employment was signed.
The above set the tone for the signing of the Collective Labour Agreements for the years 2010, when 5% across-the-board was offered; and 2011, when another 5% across-the-board was offered.
He noted that on May 22, 2012, the BBCI received a letter from GAWU requesting commencement of negotiations for the year 2012.
After five rounds of negotiations, both parties arrived at an agreement whereby the employees would be offered a 6% across-the-board increase for 2012 (retroactive to January 2012) and 6% across-the-board increase for 2013, effective January 1, 2013.
However, there is an inflation clause in the agreement providing for an additional increase should the inflation rate rise above 5% for the year 2013.
Also included in the Agreement is a night shift premium paid to shift workers working the 22:00hrs to 6hrs shift only.
The CEO also stated that although the company is currently not in a strong financial position, mainly due to its commencing commercial operation one year later than estimated, and as such having had to borrow additional funds to complete ancillary works on the eastern and western sides, together with other financial commitments, the company still managed to facilitate the wage increase of 6% for 2012 and 2013, together with other fringe benefits.
The company also has an arrangement whereby each employee who owns a vehicle or motor cycle would be given one free pass per month.
The CEO mentioned that the company has been placed under the Schedule of
Services under the Essential Services Act 54:01, which was signed by the Honourable Minister on April 16, 2012 and was officially Gazzeted on April 18, 2012.
He stressed the importance of human resources in the company, stating that in the company’s vision the employees are viewed as assets, or as one of the most important assets, whose value is enhanced by continued training and development.
The company has engaged in aggressive human resource management practices to capitalize on these assets. The other assets, such as fixed and current, are maintained to high standards to ensure continuity, reliability, efficiency and, last but not least, safety.
The company has covered all its employees under a group personal accident and employer liability insurance plan at a yearly cost of $600,000. Employees will benefit from death & permanent disablement; bodily injuries/medical expenses and weekly indemnity.
It should be noted that this cost is fully absorbed by the employer
(BBCI) and there is no charge to the employees.
Also, the company will finalize its Pension Scheme in 2013 with a reputable insurance company. Negotiations commenced in 2012.
Finally, the Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Ogle, handed over to BBCI the signed copies of the Memorandum of Agreement, or the Collective Labour Agreement, for years 2012 and 2013. The same was done for GAWU.
