JUNIOR SOCIAL Protection Minister Keith Scott is seeking an amicable resolution in arbitration between Russian-owned Bauxite Company Guyana Inc (Rusal) and its workers.In a meeting with RUSAL officials Tuesday at the Ministry of Social Protection, Brickdam, Minister Scott said he expected the management of RUSAL to respect the laws of Guyana. Present at the meeting were RUSAL officials: Manager Igor Tolpykin and V. Premyakov.

Scott said since 2009 to the present time there had been trade union issues, for which there is now need for a recommitment to discussions with recognized trade unions since Article 147 gives Guyanese the right to be a part of any union of their choice.

The Minister handed over copies of the Trade Union Act and other applicable laws that were needed to be respected while executing operations in Guyana.

Workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI), a subsidiary of RUSAL, have complained about what they described as a “slave like” existence at the company’s Aroaima, Region 10 location and have called on the government to ensure that the country’s labour laws are respected.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) head, Lincoln Lewis, along with dismissed former employees previously called on Government to intervene in the operations of the company.

The GTUC has for years been accusing the Russian bauxite company of disregard for its employees, including subjecting them to working in unsafe conditions. Several former employees of the company, who were among 57 persons dismissed by RUSAL in 2009, called on the Government to address their concerns and examine the operations of the entity, including its labour practices.