When workers speak, we must listen

Dear Editor,
As a trade unionist, I write out of genuine concern following the recent work stoppage by employees at Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), especially when placed alongside the troubling issue that arose only weeks ago involving workers at Gold Mountain, a subcontractor operating within the same mining space.
These events are connected. They tell a story many workers know too well, a story of concerns raised quietly at first, then repeatedly, and too often without meaningful response. When workers finally down tools, it is not because they want conflict, but because they feel they have run out of options.
The situation at Gold Mountain should have been treated as a warning sign. Instead, it appears that the lessons were not fully taken on board, and now we are seeing frustration surface more broadly at AGM itself. This is unfortunate, but not surprising.
Mining is not easy work. It is physically demanding, often dangerous, and takes workers away from their families for long hours. When those sacrifices are met with wages that struggle to meet today’s cost of living, or when workers feel unsafe or disrespected, morale suffers. No worker wants to feel invisible in the very industry they help sustain.
This moment calls for understanding, not blame. It calls for listening, truly listening to the men and women who power this industry. Respectful dialogue, fair pay, and safe working conditions are not unreasonable demands; they are the foundation of industrial peace.
I urge the management of Aurora Gold Mines, its subcontractors, and the Ministry of Labour to approach this situation with empathy and urgency. Addressing workers’ concerns early and honestly can prevent unrest and build trust where it has been strained.
Guyana’s development must include the wellbeing of its workers. When workers feel valued and heard, everyone benefits — the company, the community, and the country.

Yours sincerely,
Lorenzo Joseph
Trade Unionist