Berbice Bridge Inc., GAWU sign new wage deal

TIMES INT'L
BBCI management and workers and GAWU representatives after the signing of the new deal

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU)   and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) on Monday signed a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) which will see an increase of six per cent in the earnings of junior employees for 2012/13.
Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle hailed the agreement, which was signed in the BBCI conference room, as progressive.  Ogle observed that the escalator and night-shift premium clauses contained in the pact are very good for the multi-year agreements.
It was suggested that considerations be given to a ‘pay for performance’ bonus instead of the across-the-board payout. This strategy would motivate good employees and save the company from awarding employees who are not meeting the demands of their jobs.
GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine in a brief statement gave an overview of the agreement. The escalator clause was highlighted – in the event of inflation beyond five per cent. The clause would see the sides meeting to re-examine the CLA for the benefit of the workers within the two-year period.  The union has similar agreements with other companies, including the Demerara Distillers Limited to protect the interest of workers, Narine said.
Reflecting on the genesis of talks with the bridge company and GAWU, BBCI Chief Executive Officer Omadat Samaroo acknowledged that relations improved over time after a series of miscommunications, and eventually employees from the supervisory position down were paid a five per cent increase in 2010 and 2011. Following about five sessions of negotiations, the increase of six per cent was agreed for 2012/13. Workers are expected to begin receiving increases retroactive from January 2012.
Meanwhile, GAWU has called on the BBCI to lower the various tolls being charged to cross the bridge, but BBCI has defended the fees, saying they are cheaper than those of the ferry service.

Related posts