THE recently registered Justice for the Unjust Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) took to the streets of New Amsterdam on September 1 to protest before the Regional Democratic Council’s office and call for the removal of Ronal Bissoondial, the lone labour officer in Region 6 [East Berbice/Corentyne].

NGO spokesman Ishmael King explained that whenever an employee airs a grievance with respect to underpayment or being overworked, or being physically or sexually violated, or denied the relevant lunch periods, or in respect of non-payment of workers’ contributions to the National Insurance Scheme, among other complaints, those grievances are not addressed. Instead, the labour officer would inform the respective employer about the complaint, and that complainant would be fired.

As a result, King said some persons have lost confidence in this labour officer and are calling for his removal. The protestors allege he is a retiree and should have been out of the work force, thereby making way for other persons to be employed.

“So many people [are] not finding jobs, and they got a man there who already attain the age of retirement still seated in the position. Imagine, a large region like this [and] they only got one labour officer; they should appoint at least four officers, [and that should] effectively address the concerns of the labour force,” King explained.

Region 6 Chairman Mr. David Armogan in an invited comment, noted that the labour officer is neither attached to the region nor does he report to the Regional Administration.

“We have no working relationship with the Ministry of Labour and that particular labour officer. He reports directly to the Ministry of Labour. We do not know what he is doing and what matters he is addressing,” Armogan explained.

Armogan’s comments came after protestors had picketed the Regional Administration Complex, even as the chairman was exiting the compound during his lunch break. He said: “I hope the present Government will address the working relationship between these various departments and the Regional Administration. The persons working in these ministries have no reporting relationship with us, no accounting relationship with us. They do exactly what their subject ministry tells them to do, and when the thing is blown out of proportion, people are coming to protest in front of the Regional Complex.”

In an attempt to solicit a comment from Mr. Ronal Bissoondial, this reporter visited his offices at Princess Elizabeth Road on Tuesday, but was told by his secretary that he was unavailable as he was currently investigating a matter.

By Jeune Vankeric