Dismissed DTL workers stage protest at President’s office

Officials of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joined with 11 dismissed workers of the Demerara Timber Limited (DTL) on Friday picketing for their dismissal to be rescinded.
Standing in front of the Ministry of the Presidency, the workers all made their dissatisfaction heard. The workers were dismissed from the company following protest action taken early last month calling for bargaining with the company’s heads.

According to GAWU, the company’s decision must be seen as “yet another but telling antiworker and antiunion act.”
The union noted that the actions of the company must been seen as tantamount to denying the workers their rights.
It was revealed that the services of the Ministry of Social Protection was sought to address the situation, however, DTL failed to comply with notices sent by the Ministry to attend meetings.
“The company’s response must be seen as nothing other than blatant disrespect for the Ministry and the concerned workers” GAWU said in a release.
GAWU is calling on the Social Protection Ministry (and Government) to uphold its authority and to ensure that DTL respect the laws of the country.
“Our union strongly urges the Ministry (Government) to uphold its authority and, therefore, ensure that the foreign-owned company respect the laws of our country as well as the established principles and conventions which are integral to the welfare of our working people.”