The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) cannot, at this time, fail to express its deep concern and utter dismay regarding the unfolding developments regarding the workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI). They, like all workers, are seeking better pay and working conditions especially taking account of the circumstances of life now-a-days. The workers are rightly demanding that their rights to Collective Bargaining be respected and have seen their principled position met with a most distasteful, and arguably illegal, response by the foreign-owned Company.
The FITUG sees the high-handed approach by the BCGI as grossly disrespectful to our workers, our laws, and all Guyanese. The actions by BCGI are reminiscent of a similar act by another foreign-owned enterprise – Demerara Timbers Limited. That Company in 2016 chose a similar route apparently to punish workers for taking part in a protest to demand improvements. The matter which reached the High Court came to an end when that Company opted to settle the matter obviously recognizing that it was in the breach.
The right to Collective Bargaining and Union representation, the FITUG reiterates, was won by the struggles of past generations of Guyanese and have now become a proud feature of life in Guyana. The naked and clear disrespect to these hard-fought rights cannot be condoned in any way, shape or form.
We recognized that the workers are not daunted but are committed to their struggle, this is indeed laudable and they can be assured of our full support. The Federation also calls on the Department of Labour, and more so the Government of Guyana, to apprehend the situation and ensure that the workers’ rights are, unconditionally, respected. At this time, the FITUG extends its full and unstinted solidarity with the workers, their families and their Union.
