Tribunal rules in favour of dismissed GPL workers

The Arbitration Tribunal appointed to settle the dispute between GPL and NAACIE on Friday presented its award which stated that the workers dismissed on a number of charges are to be reinstated.

In a press release NAACIE said “Having regard to all the evidence and submission made by the Company and the Union the Tribunal ruled: that Gladstone Cadogan, Deonarine Ramroop, Otis Jamieson, Quacy La Rose, Rawle Benjamin, Brian Seecharran, Renville Mc Bean, Quinsie Huntley and Leon Andrews be reinstated.

The reinstatement means that the employees are able to return to work and paid as if they had never left.

“They are to be paid all wages and shall be entitled to leave or payment in lieu of leave and leave passage when applicable,” NAACIE said.

It said too all emoluments calculated shall not attract any interest and are to be reduced by 33 1/3% representing a sum assessed to have been earned elsewhere during the period of wrongful dismissal.

According to the release the company was represented by the Human Services Director, her department and legal council from GPL while the workers were represented by the Council, Nikhil Ramkarran and NAACIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph. Francis Carryl was the lone arbitrator.

Cadogan, of the New Amsterdam T&D Station was dismissed in September 2005 for alleged malpractice with fraudulent intent. Ramroop, of the Versailles Power Station was dismissed in October 2005 for allegedly stealing the company’s property.

The other workers, all of the Lamaha Workshop were dismissed in March 2006 for alleged malpractice with fraudulent intent.