STAFFERS of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, with the support of the Guyana Public Service Union, commenced industrial action on November 17, 2014, on the issue of wage increases even while the negotiations with the management of the Commission was ongoing. Cognizant of the impact of such action, the management, along with the board of directors, continued its effort to take a number of initiatives to address this issue.

The first of such initiatives was a meeting which was held with the union, the Commission and the Ministry of Labour to have intervention by the entity responsible for labour relations. The commendations of the Ministry of Labour was that the union and workers should cease their strike action and resume work while allowing for the continuation of the negotiating process; this initial intervention proved futile and the industrial action continued.

The second initiative was a meeting between the board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the leadership of the GPSU, so that the union can articulate the issues surrounding and leading to the current impasse and industrial action, and efforts made to resolve it. At this engagement, the union was advised that the proposal for staff remuneration in 2014 was modified to reflect payments based on functions and performance rather than across the board payments.

It was agreed that given the information provided by the board, the union would revert to its membership, and in the spirit of ensuring that the impasse be overcome, the industrial action would cease and negotiations would resume. It was also agreed that the union would formally communicate to the Commission its position by 10:00 hrs on the 19th November, 2014.

Unfortunately, the industrial action continued on the 19th November, 2014, and a second meeting was subsequently held between the union, Commission and the Ministry of Labour, where the Chief Labour Officer outlined specific terms and conditions as is customary for such situations. GGMC management agreed to the terms of resumption proposed by the Ministry of Labour, while the union had additional requests and asked for more time to consult with its members.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, GGMC management, following a second meeting with the Board of Directors, approved the payment of an interim 8% for all staff for the fiscal year 2014. The union, however, advanced a different position that would lead to the resumption of duties, and this was not supported by the GGMC management or the Ministry of Labour.
As a result the Union once again requested time to consult with its membership on the new development.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission noted the press statements by politicians on this issue, and wish to categorically state that it rejects any political interference in this situation. The Commission is prepared to let the natural process and spirit of negotiations continue and follow the due process established to address such situations without the politicising of matters.