writes Corporation on intention to make employees redundant
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), as the bargaining agent on behalf of workers employed by the Demerara Habour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), is most concerned about the findings that are contained in the report of the team commissioned by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill to investigate certain occurrences at the Corporation’s Garden of Eden Asphalt Plant. The report, now the subject of several media reports, has pointed to a worrying situation and poor control mechanisms in the operations of the plant. We are conscious of the level of revenues the plant accrues and thus an absence of proper controls is disturbing, to say the least.
We noticed that the Management indicated at page twenty-five (25) of the report that it intends to make some workers redundant arising from the commissioning of the new asphalt plant. This is the first time the Union and the workers have heard of such intentions and we have since written to the DHBC on the matter. We have reminded the Corporation there are certain obligations it has in this regard and have sought an engagement to get greater clarity.
The report also pointed out to certain large purchases of exquisite items. This seems to indicate that monies are not an object. We believe armed with knowledge of such practices, there may be a need for further scrutiny of the gifts and donations that were made in the past by the DHBC as the report seems to indicate that this was not a one-off occurrence. For the GAWU, what is disturbing is that the workers and Union are told, on more than one occasion, that requests for improvements in conditions-of-work cannot be met. Though, at the same time it appears, there is high-priced gift giving.
The GAWU looks forward, at this time that the many relevant recommendations emanating from the report be embraced and implemented. These we see can go a long way to addressing many of the shortcomings identified. At the same time, we believe that the report has provided the basis for further examination of the operations which may unveil the need for further reform and strengthening.
