Dear Editor,

In response to an article, dated June 9, 2009 in the Stabroek News, under the caption ‘Government urged to make details of Aroaima sale to RUSAL public,’ I wish to state that the Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer intervened to settle the industrial dispute between management and employees of RUSAL, on an invitation of workers’ representatives.
A team from the ministry consisting of Mr Yoganand Persaud, Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer and Mr Charles Ogle, Assistant Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer visited Aroaima to meet and mediate between workers and management of RUSAL.

I would like to state unequivocally that Lumumba was not part of this team. The Chief Labour Officer convened a meeting with management and workers’ representative at about 1.30 pm, on May 25, 2009. Management and workers were given the opportunity to share their opinions, air their grievances and put forward suggestions for the way forward. The atmosphere of the meeting was cordial. Both sides were allowed to express themselves fully. Suggestions came from both sides in an effort to work out a solution acceptable to the parties.  After about 10 hours of discussions and deliberations there emerged terms of resumption that were mutually agreed upon by the parties.

Mr Odinga Lumumba, Presidential Advisor on Empower-ment and Mr Mortimer Mingo, Regional Chairman did visit Aroaima and spoke to workers. However, neither Mr Lumumba nor Mr Mingo had any involvement in the crafting of the terms of resumption which took place primarily in the presence of workers and the management of RUSAL with the ministry’s officials mediating.

To date most of the agreed terms have already been satisfied by the company.

The union has expressed satisfaction with the way management has implemented the terms of resumption and it has expressed a willingness to work with management in resolving all other issues.

Yours faithfully,
Yoganand Persaud
Chief Labour Occupational Safety and Health Officer