Union looks forward to fruitful and cordial working relations
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) for the first time in nearly five (5) year met at the bilaterally last Thursday (September 09, 2021) to discuss several issues. The resumption of discussions followed the intervention of the Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, and other Ministry officials. The DTL had been refusing to engage the GAWU though the Union was the bona-fide representative of the workers employed by the Company seeking to minimize interactions through the exchange of writer correspondences. The Union contended that the DTL’s stance was a breach of the Trade Union Recognition Act which obligates discussions between the parties. The GAWU also pointed out that the Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement between the Union and the Company required the DTL to engage on a face-to-face basis.
Through the Ministry’s intervention, the DTL relented and agreed to resume bilateral discussions with the Union. At the meeting, both parties expressed a willingness to work together to advance the Company’s operations which seeking to improve the workers benefits and conditions-of-work. During the meeting, the Union made several proposals and sought that the Company soberly consider them. The DTL has undertaken to consult its managerial team before responding to the Union. Additionally, the GAWU and the DTL have agreed to collaborate on a few matters including the operationalization of a health centre at Mabura Hill and towards the improvement of water supply in the area. On some matters, the Company has agreed with our proposals and in other instances have begun to address the issues.
The GAWU is of the view that the meeting was positive. We are look forward to reengaging the DTL soon to continue our discussions. We believe that our working together could meaningfully assist the company and the workers.
