–in bid to resolve their differences

By Wendella Davidson

FOLLOWING a three-day strike by more than 100 workers that commenced on July 2 last, and saw the Aurora Gold Mines losing an estimated 22,500 ounces of unprocessed ore during the period, the company is on a move to boost employer-employee relations.
In light of this development, the company has announced a series of measures, among them the promise of a 7.6 per cent second quarter (Q2) bonus payout to eligible employees on July 25, 2019.

The announcement, by way of an internal missive to employees from Senior Vice- President and Chief Operation Officer, Suresh Kalathil, was intended to inform workers of new approaches that will be taken by the company as part of its initiative to resolve their differences.

On top of the ‘Q2’ bonus payout, ‘Aurora’ also said it is in the process of working on the formula for a ‘Q3’ bonus, the details of which will be relayed to employees by next month.
The decisions were as a result of a meeting last Monday to firstly hear what complaints the workers had, followed by another last Friday to work on a solution.
‘Aurora’ says it is committed to addressing workers’ concerns, being in regular communication with them, and treating all employees in a respective and inclusive manner.
The company has also promised that its Performance Management Process (PMP) will ensure regular follow-up to ensure behaviour shifts in the right decision and within a reasonable period of time.

On the issue of compensation, as it relates to salary levels and pay rates, the memorandum was stated that a site compensation committee and mandate will be created and initiated by August 31, 2019 to review compensation-related issues, including those of contract employment.

A final report containing recommendations will be provided to the AGM management by October 2019 for review.

Another decision dealt with production targets, and management stated that it will devise a plan to further cascade specific goals and objectives to all employees by August 2019.
Additionally, in an effort to ensure that employees are informed of the company’s 2019 objectives, and that they perform and deliver accordingly, the AGM has also committed to convening a series of Town Hall-type meetings and internal communications.

In all cases where the termination of employment is required, the AGM said it will abide by the Employment Legislation and Regulations of Guyana, “as this topic relates to the possible Aurora Mining Alliance”. The notice stated, however, that though “no decision has been made yet regarding this possible venture,” the company is, nevertheless, committed to communicating whatever decision is taken in relation to the issue at hand in a timely and transparent fashion.

Other decisions taken by the company are: Discussions re. the unionisation of the workers; updating the existing job description inventory by September 15, 2019, as a set towards promotion and training plans; a review of employees to also be completed by September 15, along with an active review of matters relating to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The AGM says it is on track to achieving its full year production of between 145, 000 to 160, 000 ounces of gold, having announced a 45 per cent in gold production.
During the first quarter, 74, 000 ounces of gold was produced and 37, 000 for the second quarter.