– summons Company’s decision-makers to meet him and GAWU
This morning (July 19, 2021), Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, in a very blunt manner, told officials of the foreign-owned Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) that they must respect the Union and the workers. The Minister was disturbed that the Company has been refusing to engage the GAWU for some period now in clear contravention of the Laws of Guyana. The meeting with the Minister followed GAWU’s appeal last week for the Ministry of Labour to uphold Collective Bargaining between the Union and the Company.
The Minister was visibly upset that the DTL’s workers’ rights were wantonly being trampled upon by the Company. When asked for an explanation, the Company’s acting Human Resources Officer, offered a feeble response to say DTL’s stance originated from instructions from his superiors. Minister Hamilton found the explanation unacceptable and told the DTL representatives that he wishes to engage their bosses as it appeared they were constrained from making any decisions. As a result, Minister Hamilton, through the Chief Labour Officer (a.g.), has summoned the top officials of the DTL within the next two (2) weeks. He has also committed within the near future to visit the Company’s operations at Mabura Hill.
GAWU, through its President Seepaul Narine thanked the Minister for his intervention. He recognized the efforts of Minister Hamilton in seeking workers’ rights be respected. GAWU’s President pointed out that is it disturbing those enterprises are seeking to disregard workers rights while benefitting from our nation’s patrimony. He urged the Minister that should the Company fail to avail themselves stronger actions should be taken.
