Dear Editor,

Reference is made to the article `Joseph rejects union busting claim- says bauxite workers approached NAACIE’ (SN 16th March, 2010). Mr. Kenneth Joseph’s response confirms NAACIE’s involvement in the impasse between the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI).  On one hand he says GB&GWU’s statements are “total trash” even as he states “that currently some workers of the bauxite company are in discussions with NAACIE officials about his union representing them.” A BCGI worker, a known PPP activist, walking around the plant asking fellow workers to sign that they want NAACIE to be their union and the company holding in-plant meetings asking them to become members of NAACIE cannot be construed as bauxite workers approaching NAACIE. The solicitation was instigated. It is an anti-union activity and is undermining the solidarity and struggle of the bauxite workers.

Trade unionists support fundamental principles such as the current struggle by BCGI workers for their rights protected in the laws. They stand in solidarity with each other, regardless of their politics and differences.

It should be said when the workers asked management when their union will return they were told the matter is in the hands of the government.

Joseph’s acknowledgement that “the process to derecognize the GB&GWU could only be done by the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board” is an acceptance by him that the GB&GWU is the legal bargaining agent for workers at BCGI. He should now join with the union to call on BCGI and the Government of Guyana to uphold the law and respect workers’ rights since the laws are not only there to protect some but there to protect all.

The union is encouraging law abiding citizens to join us in having the Minister end the lawlessness by signing on to our petition at http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=649  Thanks for the support and solidarity.

Yours faithfully,
Leslie Gonsalves
General Secretary (ag.)
GB&GWU