THE arbitration tribunal established to address the suspension of Skeldon Sugar Estate worker Daniel Stephen ended its sittings on November 26,but problems pertaining to the issue still linger. 

Speaking in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand noted that the tribunal sought to enquire into the disciplinary action taken against Stephen.
Chand stated that the tribunal held four sittings, where there were preliminary arguments on the issue.
In addition, the Arbitrator declared the Tribunal closed on November 26 and stated that Stephen will neither be suspended nor dismissed, this was according to Chand in the interview yesterday.
Subsequently, Stephen returned to work on November 27 and was given work to do, but approximately 20 minutes later he was given a notice stating that he could not work and must leave the premises immediately.
Chand noted that the executives of GAWU are disturbed by the actions of the management of the Skeldon Sugar Estate, because it was clearly stated in the terms of reference at the commencement of the Tribunal that at the closure Stephen should be able to work once the Arbitrator declares it.
He further stated that, following the continued persistence to keep Stephen out of the estate, the management has called another sitting with GAWU and GuySuCo but GAWU refused to attend the meeting which was scheduled for Tuesday.
Chand noted that the refusal came because the terms of reference already stated what should take place at the closure of the Arbitration tribunal and both GuySuCo had already agreed upon the terms of reference.
He also stated that GAWU is contemplating what their next step would be, and will make a cautious decision in taking this step.
In closing, Chand noted that the workers are getting more and more concerned about this issue which involves their fellow workmate, and also he stated that if GAWU refuses to let Stephen work, the workers will take industrial actions once again.

MASSIVE STRIKE

The suspension last month resulted in a massive strike in the sugar belt and subsequent agreement between GuySuCo and GAWU.
Six conditions were agreed to by the Union and GuySuCo: that the strike by field and factory workers will end; the union will ensure full resumption of duties by field and factory workers from the day the strike ended; there will be no victimisation on either side because of strike action; all workers who were on strike will not have their ‘strike day’ counted as absent, but as days not available for work; that the dismissal of the Skeldon factory employee, Mr. Daniel Stephen, will now be treated as a suspension, without pay, until the end of the reconciliation talks and within 24 hours after resumption of duties, the aggrieved parties – including GAWU – will meet with the Chief Labour Officer, who will make a final decision on the matter.
The Ministry of Labour’s recommendations were not binding, but those of the arbitration tribunal were.

(By Navendra Seoraj )