Workers of the Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) would have commenced discussions with officials of the Labour Department to negotiate their requests for improved working conditions and unionisation but presently, it is too early to predict if their calls will materialise.
One worker told Guyana Times International that their problems were heard earlier this week and some were deemed non-negotiable on the Department’s end, promising that it will be fixed. While their representative, the National Mine Workers Union was uninvited to attend these briefings, it is unclear as to whether other Union representatives were present.
“The meeting was just the government coming. They had a general meeting with the workers and heard some of the problems that the workers were having on the ground here. They did say that some of the problems are non-negotiable and they are going to fix it immediately. They have not rejected the workers’ call for a union. It looks like a work in progress but we just have to look and see. We didn’t have our representative on the ground but we’re all for the National Mine Workers Union,” the miner explained.
They were advised to foster talks with their employer, Canadian-based Aurora Gold Mines, to determine if some of their requests will be granted. Another worker stated that he is awaiting the outcome of this deliberation before they make their next moves. Some have already signaled at strike actions if their demands are not met.
“We are to go back and have a meeting with AGM management to watch and observe to see if some of the stuff that was raised are going to be dealt with…This is not something big we’re asking for. These things are basic workplace facility we’re asking for. I don’t know why AGM taking so long to treat their workers properly,” he asserted.
Workers are demanding better wages, better quality food and laundry services, out of town allowance, missing NIS contributions and severance payments.
Last week, over 200 workers had downed their tools and initiated strike actions for two days after calls mounted for them to be officially represented by a union and other improved working conditions and wages.
In March, 61 workers took strike actions against RUSAL’s subsidiary, the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BGCI) for a mere one percent salary increase. This resulted in a series of protests from the workers and the blockage of a section of the Berbice River, which leads to the company’s operation located at Aroaima, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
After back and forth negotiations, the issue was resolved after both parties signed a Terms of Resumption (ToR) which includes reinstatement of all 61 dismissed workers and those laid off during the dispute. It also cited that there would be no victimisation or change of conditions for the reinstated workers; no compensation for time not worked during the dispute; return of the check-off system; and clearance of the Berbice River which was blocked during the strike.
