RUSAL and the Bauxite Union have finally reached an agreement which will see the fired workers being reinstated and the clearing of the blockages in the Berbice River.
See excerpts of the statement from the Union:
Strike ends and Terms of Resumption
The workers’ struggle, which began on 22nd November 2009, has ended after approximately nine (9) years, three (3) months, and twenty-eight (28) days. The recent industrial conflict from February 15th, one (1) month and four (4) days, has also ended today with the signing of Terms of Resumption (ToR) which includes reinstatement of all 61 dismissed workers and those laid off during the dispute; 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 clearing of the Berbice River.
Both parties have further agreed to recognise the sovereignty, Constitution and Laws of Guyana and neither shall act in contravention thereof; promised to uphold the spirit and goodwill to which the ToR was negotiated and signed and will do nothing to circumvent same.
Subsequent meeting with be held within fourteen (14) days following the full resumption of work and the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) shall commence negotiation of a new Collective Labour Agreement (CLA). The parties agreed that in the pursuit of a new CLA and in the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes the procedure used for dealing with same in the old (former) CLA shall be utilised as an interim measure; and further agreed that all major issues which involve conditions of employment shall be addressed with a view to achieving resolution.
History of BCGI workers struggle
In the history of independent Guyana this is the longest industrial conflict on record occurring under the Bharrat Jagdeo regime, and continued under the Donald Ramotar regime, only be resolved finally under the Coalition Government. Looking back this is a struggle that never should have been. It is a struggle that GB&GWU was bound to come out successful, regardless of long it went, because the laws were on our side.
It is unfortunate however inspite of the Constitution and laws that protect workers that successive PPP governments ignored the pleas and struggles of GB&GWU to hold BCGI accountable and to protect those who it was bound by Constitution to represent. And to imagine that could have occurred under a government headed by a party founded by working class advocate Dr. Cheddie Jagan is an indictment of his legacy.
