THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is reportedly awaiting advice from its lawyer before taking further action following the recent arbitration decision in the Daniel Stephen matter.

GAWU President Komal Chand yesterday made this disclosure in an interview with this publication.

The Arbitrator’s decision came after conclusion of the tribunal which looked into disciplinary action meted out against Skeldon Sugar Estate worker Daniel Stephen after he had had an encounter with that estate’s manager in September.

Arbitrator Mohamed Akeel declared the tribunal closed and Stephen dismissed after reviewing the reports which were given to him by the parties involved. GAWU expressed its disappointment at that decision in a release which stated: “GAWU favoured Daniel Stephen, but then, it seems, our experienced arbitrator rather suddenly experienced a sea change”.

The release also said that GAWU was flabbergasted by the conclusion of the report, wherein the arbitrator declared that Daniel Stephen remains dismissed although GuySuCo had suspended Daniel Stephen by letter of September 25, 2014, which reads: “This letter therefore confirms that your summary dismissal has been recalled, and you shall remain off the job as suspension without pay until the outcome of either conciliation or arbitration proceedings.”

That apart, GAWU also noted in the report that it has vowed to pursue this matter at different fora, and “We remain convinced that our member is unjustly penalised and is deserving of our full solidarity”.

In the interview yesterday, Chand said the Union’s lawyer is expected to advise the union shortly, so that entity’s next step should be expected very soon. (Navendra Seoraj)