| Officials of the Russian company, RUSAL,NFL Jerseys Cheap, yesterday met with the Minister in the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, at his office on Brickdam, Georgetown, to discuss various issues, including workers-related ones that have been in the public domain for the past couple of years.Minister in the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott (second from right) and Igor Tolpykin (extreme right) sharing a moment with other representatives of BCGI yesterday.RUSAL and the Government of Guyana in 2014,Cheap Jerseys From China, via an agreement founded the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI). According to the RUSAL website, the Russian company owns 90 percent of BCGI with the remaining 10 percent belonging to Guyana.In 2006, RUSAL acquired the assets of Aroaima Mining Company from the Government of Guyana and transferred them to the BCGI. The Website states that RUSAL owns licences to develop Linden, Kwakwani and Ituni deposit groups in Guyana.Over the years, workers have been complaining about the “inhumane” conditions, management’s refusal to negotiate and the alleged call for the disbandment of the trade union (s) representing their workers.November 2009 saw close to 60 workers opting to take industrial action demanding increases in wages and salaries; and better working conditions. These workers were reportedly dismissed some time during that period, resulting in the union, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GBGWU), having to intervene.After management refused to satisfy or negotiate with the union, the CBGWU sought the Ministry’s intervention.The workers, while accusing the former regime of turning a blind eye to their plights, are now hopeful that their rights will be up kept,Wholesale China Jerseys, at least these were the expectations when this publication spoke to about 25 of them last February.It was reported that during the discussions between the union and the company later in 2009, when the issue of salary and wage increase was raised, the General Manager (GM), slammed his palms against the desk, rose up and shouted “I will not discuss wages and salaries”, before walking out.Workers have pointed out that since then the BCGI has been denying workers the right to be unionized. Any efforts by employees to push for union representation, has allegedly resulted in dismissal or “indefinite suspension”.Workers who were also vocal in support of their fellow workmates were reportedly served dismissal letters which stated, “This letter is served to inform you that the company has lost confidence in you as an employee and can no longer have you continue in employment here at BCGI.”In some cases, workers were reportedly dismissed for “propagandising”.In 2010,Cheap Jerseys From China, five workers were allegedly dismissed after they accused management of cooking meals with expired items.The situation intensified following the recent laying off of three Machine Operators after they refused to operate a “defective” excavator.Yesterday, the Minister told the visiting team that while he has been following the company’s expansion, he has also been following other aspects as well, including the various labour issues that would have arisen throughout the years.Scott said that he would like to see some of these issues resolved.He continued that while he understands that some of the issues would be difficult to address due to the time that would have elapsed, the meeting was set up to find amicable solutions to these said issues.The company’s Human Resources Manager, Igor Tolpykin told the minister that with regards to the dismissed workers,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, three have returned to the company. Others, he said, have also expressed the desire to return. He assured the minister that he will be providing the opportunity for these workers to come back to be a part of the company again.The Minister told Tolpykin that he understands that it would be difficult for the company to reinstate all the workers, however those that would not be reinstated, the company should consider offering some sort of “(severance) package” so that their dismissals would not leave a “bitter taste in their (workers’) mouths”.Tolpykin told the minister that the company has been trying hard to keep their workers happy since they provide free amenities and commodities such as electricity, food, water,Nike Air Max Shoes For Women, accommodation etc.The Minister in response informed the official that BCGI’s provisions are not actually “unique” since companies operating in the interior often provide these commodities.The Minister further stated that he is happy to allow the company to have access to Guyana’s national resources; however, the company should also be happy to allow employment to the people of Guyana and at the same time,Wholesale Cheap Jerseys, recognise and respect the laws of Guyana.The minister has earlier offered a copy of a section of the constitution, which clearly states the workers’ rights to be represented by a recognised union.He then urged the company representatives to peruse the document, at their leisure time so that they can have a full understanding of that particular section.Scott also highlighted the environmental protection laws.Tolpykin said that the company sees no need for a union to be between them and the workers since they satisfy all their workers’ needs. He also related that the workers do not want to be represented by a union.However, he promised to allow for negotiations in the future with other trade unions, “but not in an aggressive manner” as he recalls one trade-unionist resorting to inappropriate name-calling. |
