BCGI, GB&GWU continue negotiation for Collective Labour Agreement

The Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) continues to represent its workers as they negotiate with the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated for a new Collective Labour Agreement.
Initially, 61 workers had downed their tools in February of this year against the subsidiary of Russian Aluminum company (RUSAL) for a mere one per cent salary increase.
This resulted in a series of protests and the blockage of a section of the Berbice River which leads to the company’s operation located at Aroaima, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
On March 20, the deadlock finally ended when both parties signed a Terms of Resumption (ToR) which included the reinstatement of all dismissed workers and those laid off during the dispute. It also cited that there would be 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 clearance of the Berbice River.
In a statement, the Union explained that they have so far conducted activities in an “un-inhabited atmosphere”, where workers are operating but anxiously awaiting the ongoing negotiations.
“The Union has been able, to date, to conduct its activities in an uninhibited atmosphere. Workers are, however, still mobilised and are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a new Collective Labour Agreement which is to be realised from the on-going negotiation will continue on Friday.”
The team was led by General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis; BCGI Branch President, Ephraim Velloza and Secretary Leslie Junor.
Some of the demands from these workers include improvement in vacation benefit, increase in wages and salary and education allowances for workers and family. The Union has promised to represent these workers until they are alleviated from current working conditions.
In the past, there was some amount of struggle for the Union to be accepted by the company. During a meeting at the Labour Department, BCGI representatives said that the company did not recognise the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union. The Union was later given its due recognition.