The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) today (December 22, 2021) signed agreements with the respective managements of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), and the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC). The three (3) simple signing ceremonies were held under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour.
Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI)
At the BBCI, the workers will receive increases of between five (5) and twenty-seven (27) percent arising from union negotiations which saw agreement reached on an across-the-board pay increase and adjustments to the salary scales. The payments which are retroactive to January 01, this year represent a significant improvement in the workers pay.
Additionally, the Union and the Company agreed to workers receiving an end-of-year bonus. Through the agreement, workers will receive one month’s pay as bonus. Speaking at the signing, the Union’s President, Seepaul Narine expressed the GAWU’s delight in appending the agreement. He shared that though the workers had hoped for greater improvements, in the spirit of compromise, an agreement was reached with the Company. He commended the union’s members, particularly the shop stewards, who considered fully all the factors paving the way for an agreement. The GAWU President believed that this augured well for the worker/management relations as he expressed hope that the fruitful relations fertilized over the years will continue to flourish.
BBCI’s Administrative Manager, Amarnauth Singh, on behalf of the Company, indicated that he was pleased that an agreement and was heartened that the parties could have resolved the discussions at the bilateral level. Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Dhaneshwar Deonarine congratulated the parties. He shared that it was encouraging that the Union and the Company were able to reach an agreement bilaterally. The CLO echoing the Union wished the parties a positive and healthy relations in the interest of the workers and the company.
Guyana Gold Board (GGB)
Following GAWU’s victory at a poll a few weeks ago, the Union and the GGB today appended the Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement. The agreement will set out the parameters of the relationship between the Union and the Board. Several matters are addressed in the agreement including dispute resolution, the appointment of shop stewards, among other things.
GAWU’s President, Seepaul Narine in brief remarks said he was buoyed that the Union and the Board had been able to quickly append the agreement. He shared that it was important for the parties to have an agreement to guide their relations. He saw the signing as a positive step in the Union’s steadily developing relation with the Board. GGB General Manager, Eodorene Thompson shared that the Board was happy to ink the agreement with GAWU. She shared that she looked forward to a good relationship with the Union and to have mature and frank discussions on issues. The CLO, on behalf of the Labour Ministry, said he was indeed delighted to see that the GAWU and the GGB had been able to quickly address the signing of the agreement. He said he believed it was a step in the right direction as he wished the parties good relations.
Demerara Habour Bridge Corporation (DHBC)
Workers of the DHBC represented by the GAWU have secured several improvements arising out of negotiations. Through the agreement signed, the workers are benefitting from a seven (7) percent pay hike. Additionally, the workers are to benefit from a ten (10) percent improvement in their meal’s allowances, the introduction of a night premium for maintenance employees, and an end-of-year bonus.
President of GAWU, Seepaul Narine expressed optimism as he indicated that this agreement provides further improvement for the workers. He said that the GAWU was gladdened to have discussions concluded at the bilateral level and he believes it indicates that relations between the Union and the Corporation were strong. General Manager of the DHBC, Wayne Watson indicated that he was happy to be signing the agreement. He recognized that through his interactions with the Union much had been achieved. He committed to working together with the Union to improve the operations of the DHBC and the well-being of the workers. CLO, Dhaneshwar Deonarine used the opportunity to congratulate the parties. He said that the Ministry was happy that discussions could have been concluded bilaterally. This he said was an indicator of a healthy relationship between the GAWU and the DHBC.
The GAWU is heartened that it has been able to sign several agreements today. This is seminal to our work as a Union and improving the well-being of our members while enhancing the protections they receive. Over the year, the Union has been able to secure improvements at several workplaces where it enjoys bargaining rights.
