Dear Editor,
Reference is made to Sasenarine Singh’s letter “The budget failed to flesh out the real issues in bauxite and abandoned the workers to their own fates” (SN March 25, 2010). It should be said that the current struggle by bauxite workers is based on two basic elements in any society, namely, respect for the rule of law by all and the protection of the human rights of all. These are fundamental issues. These are the real issues before us and should not be conflated, confused or skirted by economic considerations.  RUSAL/BCGI has a right to make a profit but not at the expense of denying workers their rights and breaking the law.

There are no international conventions, laws or ethical business practices giving support to the violations taking place against bauxite workers. ILO Conventions No. 87 gives the workers the right to freedom of association and No. 98, the right to collective bargaining. ILO also has a Decent Work agenda that guides workplace practices, procedures and principles between employer and employees. CARICOM also endorse these principles. The Government of Guyana is a member of these organizations and has ratified the stated tenets. There is absolutely no excuse for their non-compliance. Further, under the Labour Law Chapter 98:01, Section 4(1) the minister is empowered to act in a dispute and to date he is refusing to carry out his legal responsibility. The Trade Union Recognition and Certification Act, Chapter 98:07 is also clear on the role of the Recognition Board and has outlined the parameters for acceptable behaviour/treatment all of which are being violated. Again, I am forced to bring to the attention of this nation, that those who seek to make apologies for the violators of our laws and deny bauxite workers their rights, beyond profuse denial and skewing of issues (respect for the rule of law by all, and human rights for all) there has been no counter charges supported by conventions, laws and ethical business practices to prove the actions of the company and government of Guyana right and prove bauxite workers wrong.

Bauxite workers, like sugar workers, and as do all workers, have a right to a decent wage and any effort to deny them this must be premised, only, on hard evidence produced from detailed perusal of  BCGI’s financial accounts before such arguments become acceptable for consideration by the Union. BCGI must be transparent. To date BCGI is yet to open its’ books for independent review and beyond speculations no one knows the real financial status of BCGI. The reputable international Financial Times has also cited RUSAL on many occasions, for its closed and shady business practices.

Global free trade can never be fair trade if international conventions, local laws and acceptable business practices are broken/compromised. Respect for human rights and law are key elements in driving and sustaining any trading deal and we should not lose focus of them.  These are principles embraced by ethical governments and promoted at international trade and labour conferences. The government, RUSAL and BCGI are well aware of these as these are the defining characteristics of their operational environment in modern times.

As I sought to inform the general public before, Berbice bauxite (metallurgical) was sold to Russia since the 1970s. This bauxite has always been used as a “sweetener” to enhance the production performance of Russian Ukraine plants, which RUSAL now owns. Singh calls it the “icing on the cake.” The only other similar specification bauxite is produced in neighbouring Brazil and owned by Alcoa. There is an interdependency with RUSAL and Guyana and not a relationship where Guyana has little or no value. This value seems to be underplayed by people and recently by President Jagdeo.

Singh said the President lobbied the Russians to stay in Guyana but contends “What is not clear is what he offered in return?” He goes on to question whether the unknown deal is the reason “why the Ministry of Labour is very lethargic and complacent in its dealings with the current Union’s complaint?” If perchance there was any deal that may have given cover to unethical business practices then it says we are treading in dangerous and murky waters. Workers must not be made mules to support any company, foreign or local. There are established guidelines that regulate employer/employee relationship and it must be respected at all times. Lest we forget, BCGI is owned by the Russians and Government of Guyana, the latter being answerable to the people of Guyana. It is therefore not within the power of Manzoor Nadir or President Jagdeo to misread their role in this process. For their role is not that of a sole proprietor of an estate but one as custodian of the laws which must be executed on behalf of the people. They have taken an oath to uphold the laws of our country and to govern in the interest of our nation without fear, favour or ill will. This is not happening and this is the contention of the union that must be addressed.

It is time to get serious on the violations taking place since the livelihood and sustainability of bauxite workers, their families and communities are being destroyed.

No one, under any guise, should be expected to tolerate such transgressions for themselves, families and supporters.  Bauxite workers will not tolerate this.

Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis