Guyana Observer News

Gov't breaking the laws to attack economic well-being of some workers

Saturday, 06 March 2010

By Lincoln Lewis

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The impasse between the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) and the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union has entered its fourth month with a seeming determination on the government’s part to continue the violations of the rule of law and the rights of bauxite workers. The refusal of the government to act consistent with its legal responsibility to bring about a closure is very disturbing. The Union has a responsibility to its members, including those wrongfully dismissed, but the Ministry of Labour, who by law, has a conciliatory role to play in the impasse is yet to act to bring the parties to the table.

The facts thus far are:

1) The continued refusal of President Jagdeo to respond to the several requests made by the Union and company to reinstate tax-free overtime as a mean of ensuring workers a better take-home pay;
2) The continued refusal of the Minister of Labour to intervene, consistent with his legal responsibility under Chapter 98:01 Section 4 (1), in as much as the Union wrote him over two months ago and he responded promising to do so;
3) The continued refusal of the Chief Labour Officer, since December, to adhere to his conciliatory responsibility in a much as the Union dispatched several letters to him to the effect, and;
4) The continued refusal of the company to engage the Union in as much as the Union was informed by the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board that it advised the company it has to work with them.

The Union has thus far discharged its responsibility and awaits action from the Chief Labour Officer and the Ministry of Labour. Justice delayed is justice denied and there is absolutely nothing hindering the government from acting. If the Union and workers were breaking the law the government would move with haste to stop it. This would be the correct thing to do so since no one is above the law. By the same extension BCGI and the government should not be allowed to break the law. Here exist a situation where the laws, were they to be enforced, would guarantee a resolution to the matter, yet the government refuses to act accordingly and this can only be for one reason- its determination to execute a policy to punish, undermine and destroy the economic wellbeing of some workers. There is no other explanation for the glaring discrimination and transgressions taking place.

Transgressions offer no protection to the people, the government, the nation or its sovereignty, and even those who think they are above the law. A nation that does not respect the rule of law- its foundation-has given in to anarchy and the attendant degeneracy. Our nation is in crisis and we have to speak out against the lawlessness, or it will suffocate and consume us all.

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