The Department of Labour of the Ministry of Social Protection yesterday afternoon (October 22) invited the GAWU and the GuySuCo regarding the protest actions by the factory workers of Blairmont Estate which resumed on October 21. The Department, which was represented by Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Charles Ogle, among others, sought to hear from the Union and the Corporation what factors are at the root of the dispute that mushroomed into protest action by the workers.
The GAWU, through its General Secretary, Seepaul Narine, explained what transpired and the circumstances which forced the workers into protest action. GuySuCo, through its representatives, also explained their version of the matter. Following those explanations, it was agreed that the dispute would be addressed by the Ministry at the conciliation level with the Parties.
Towards restoring normalcy at the estate, the parties inked a Terms of Resumption. Through the agreement inked, the workers of the factory returned to work this morning (October 23). The Union and the Corporation also agreed to meet at conciliation, under the Chairmanship of the Department, on October 30 at 14:00h when arguments will be proffered by the parties to advance and sustain their contentions. The agreement also stipulates no victimization by either side.
The Union and the workers are hopeful that the conciliatory proceedings will ensure that justice is meted out and the Corporation would respect its own long-standing procedures and practices. The workers have shared the view that their demands are principled and just and all they seek is fair and equitable treatment.
