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Workers at Linden Utility Services Coop Society Limited (LUSCSL) went on strike last Wednesday, in protest against the installed Interim Management Committee (IMC). Workers are contending the installation of the IMC is an infringement of the rules of the LUSCSL and under the new management workers are being victimised.
The IMC was put in place by the Ministry of Labour, who in reacting to complaints against the organisation, rather than investigate before taking action, opted to take action and has still not carried out any investigation into the allegations. The application of natural justice requires persons being given a hearing.
Among issues raised by the striking workers are the transfer of employees, the arbitrary reduction of their pay, and the non-confirmation of persons who are acting in vacant positions for long periods.
The unauthorised removal of company property by a member of the IMC and abuse of the organisation’s finances are also of concern to workers. The government has increased the stipend of IMC members by more than 100 per cent and also their telephone allowances by 150 per cent.
Workers are also expressing concerns that the IMC has been intruding into the day-to-day management of the organisation when their role s
According to the workers, the committee members have taken upon themselves to write to workers, and issue instructions, by-passing the authority of the General Manager, Mr. Olston Thorman.
Last Friday, workers said, one Committee member jumped the fence and cut padlocks to the building, informing workers he was instructed to do so by the IMC Chairman.
The Union met with the General Manager on last Friday where the following Terms for Resumption, on behalf of the workers, was presented: –
ü There shall be no victimisation by either party (employee or management).
ü There shall be no loss in services and benefits.
ü Employees acting vacant positions shall be appointed with immediate effect.
ü LUSCSL agrees to enter into negotiation for a new Collective Labour Agreement within 72-hours of full resumption.
ü All outstanding grievances shall be presented to the management within forty-eight hours after resumption.
ü Mr. Courtney Handy, member of the IMC, be removed with immediate effect
ü There shall be an inquiry an inquiry into the conduct of IMC since its installation
ü There shall be full resumption of work within 72-hours of after the signing of the agreement.
At the time of writing the story Village Voice was told Management has not yet indicated when they will meet the Union to discuss Terms of Resumption. The workers are represented by the Guyana Bauxite Workers and General Union (GB&GWU). Village Voice was also informed that the Ministry of Labour has not yet reached out to the Union indicating its desire to have the workers’ grievances resolved.
