Govt to examine future of RUSAL operation – Min. Ally

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbuXehqBJ9Y” width=”100%” height=”315″]

― says company’s position is unthinkable, unreasonable

― workers must be reinstated

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally today said that the government would have to examine the future of the United Company Russian Aluminum (RUSAL)’s operation in Guyana as an amicable solution has not been met to the ongoing issue with the company.

Minister Ally, along with Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, met for the second time with the RUSAL officials today. However, while Minister Ally was expecting some positive information on the way forward, Director of Aluminum and Bauxite Department Vladimir Permyakov, instead, laid out an 11-point position the company has taken, none of which the government supports.

Instead of reinstating the workers, as was originally agreed, the RUSAL representative said dismissed workers who wish to continue working would have to reapply after which they can write their demands to the company.

He said the company would sign a new labour contract with the workers.

The enterprise has also commenced disassembling machinery. The company’s representative said operators of those machines will be dismissed with full pay.

Minister Ally, seemingly upset by the options, said the management of RUSAL is unreasonable and has taken an unthinkable position on the matter.

“It is very clear that you do not want an amicable solution to this matter, because you have put on the table issues to the government of Guyana which says take it or leave. I believe that this is very unreasonable for you to do,” she told the company’s representatives.

She said none of the things agreed to prior, have been honoured.

“We have asked that the 61 workers be reinstated immediately. You have now before us, conditions that all the people who are working are not paid, and that will not gel with the labour laws of this country.”

The ministerial team learnt this afternoon that another 30 workers were sent notices by Personnel Manager, Mikhail Krupenin, informing them that their department was down and that they were out of work for the time.

While workers are being dismissed, the company is at the same time seeking out other persons to join a new shift. Minister Ally said the move is ludicrous.

“Why do you want to punish the existing workers instead of settling a dispute which is existing,” she questioned. “I can tell you for sure we definitely have to look at the future of the company. This is not right for workers to be punished in this respect.”

Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott said the government will not go back on its word of support to the workers. He said the reinstatement of workers is not an option.

“What we want you to take back is that we want the workers reinstated… Workers have the right to organise and strike, and you cannot make any moves against that. Any time you dismiss 60 and that amount you are sending a psychological message that you are the master of them, and they dare not strike.”

Alexis Rodney.

Images: Kawise Wishart.

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