By Utamu Belle
Employees at bauxite mining company Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) in Linden, Region 10 said they are dissatisfied with a recent proposal by management of the company for a 3.5 per cent increase across the board in wages and salaries, and as such staged a massive protest in front of the company’s north gate on Monday morning.
The employees contended that they received an increase every year based on the company’s budget, which they maintained was also agreed to by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).
However, they noted that the budget was read in March and the increase in wages and salaries was expected to follow in April.
They further claimed that the increase was not paid in the month of April and the management of BMGGI did not consult with them to say why the money was not paid at the said time.
During the protest, the crowd quickly began to build up as more employees from different departments including production, electrical, mills and maintenance continued to walk out of the company’s compound. Some stated that they will only accept an increase from 20 per cent upwards.
Soon afterwards, the employees became even more agitated after an address by GPSU Branch Chairman and Senior Vice Chairman of National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) Linnell Warden.
Assurances
Warden who had consultations with the management of BMGGI while the protest was ongoing sought to clarify issues affecting the employees. He assured the gathering that negotiations are still ongoing and that it has not stopped at the 3.5 per cent increase.
After an address by BMGGI Senior Personnel Officer Trudel Marks later on Monday, it was agreed that negotiations over the increase will continue on condition that the employees resumed duties.
“The management has decided to re-commence negotiations and we are going to meet and continue next week, until we come to an agreement, there is no agreement if protest is ongoing. We just can’t come here and say that we agree to something, negotiation is an ongoing process and we are doing just that. We ask for your understanding,” she explained.
The employees then agreed to resume work on Tuesday and also called for no victimisation of those who protested.
