Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 20, 2014 News
Disgruntled staffers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), with the
support of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), went on a three-day strike to register their dissatisfaction with broken promises of increased wages and salaries, GGMC management and the Board of directors have taken steps to address the issue.
After frustrated workers threatened to spill the dirty secrets of the Commission on Tuesday, the GGMC eventually proposed an eight percent increase yesterday, but the Union representatives and GGMC employees were not appeased. They were hoping for a 30 percent increase.
They have decided to debate the matter before finalizing the agreement with the GGMC management team.
The Commission, via a release yesterday, said that while employees sought to hold protests at its Brickdam Headquarters, even though negotiations with the Management of the Commission were ongoing, it has taken note of their concerns.
Tthe GGMC said that it had tried through several steps to effectively handle the concerns of its workers. It said that the first of its initiatives was to hold a meeting with the Union and the Ministry of Labour to have an intervention by the entity responsible of labour relations.
It said that the recommendations of the Ministry of Labour were that the Union and workers should cease its strike action and resume work whilst allowing for the continuation of the negotiating process.
The Commission disclosed that this initial intervention proved futile and the industrial action continued.
The GGMC management claimed that it sought to implement a second initiative which was to hold a meeting between the Board of the Commission and the GPSU so that the Union could articulate the issues surrounding and leading to the current impasse and industrial action and make efforts to resolve it.
The Union was advised that the proposal for staff remuneration in 2014 was modified to reflect payments based on functions and performance rather than across the board payments which it was proposing.
The Commission management team noted that it was agreed that given the information provided by the Board, the Union would revert to its membership and in the spirit of ensuring that the impasse be overcome, the industrial action would be ceased and staff/Union resume negotiations. It was also agreed that the Union would formally communicate to the Commission its position by 10:00 hrs yesterday.
Unfortunately, the mineral regulating body said that the industrial action continued. A second meeting was subsequently held between the Union, Commission and the Ministry of Labour where the Chief Labour Officer (CLO) outlined specific terms and conditions as is customary for such situations.
GGMC Management agreed to the terms of resumption proposed by the Ministry of Labour while the Union had additional requests and asked for more time to consult with its members.
Despite the foregoing, GGMC Management following a second meeting with the Board of Directors approved the payment of an interim eight percent for all staff for the fiscal year 2014. The Union however, advanced a different position that would lead to the resumption of duties. This was not supported by the GGMC Management or the Ministry of Labour.
The Commission did not provide the details of the Union’s “changed position.” As a result, the Union once again requested time, to consult on the new developments.
While this was the case, the Commission also sought to categorically state that it rejects any political interference in this situation. The Commission said that it is prepared to let the natural process and spirit of negotiations continue and follow the due process established to address such situations without politicizing matters.
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