The National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG) has been given notice that it will be certified as the majority union of rank and file workers of Aurora Gold Mines Inc. (AGM).
NMWUG President Sherwin Downer told Stabroek News yesterday that the union received a letter, dated August 29, 2019, from Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, who informed of its success.
The letter, which was seen by this newspaper, is titled ‘Outcome of Survey pursuant to certification as recognised majority union’ and it states that the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board facilitated the conduct of a survey to determine the level of support the union enjoys. This was based on an application by the union that was dated July 15th, 2019 to be treated as the recognised majority union for workers below the level of supervisors at AGM in Region Seven.
After reviewing submissions from both the company and the union, Ogle said the Board conducted a survey which revealed that the NMWUG enjoyed a level of support to the recognised majority union.
“The Board is currently engaged in other matters at the conclusion of which, the requisite Certificate of Recognition will be issued to your Union and a copy transmitted to AGM,” the letter added, while stating that a copy of the letter was also sent to the management of AGM and it is being apprised of the development.
Speaking to Stabroek News, Downer said the letter brings an end to almost four years of struggle since the application was first filed in 2016, and it is not a victory for him or the union but for the employees “who will be on the receiving end of the highest level of respective representation.”
“The interest of the workers will always take precedence and there’s a lot of work to be done,” he added.
Downer noted that the union is moving ahead with plans full throttle and is currently organising the workers on the ground and setting up branch representatives and identifying persons for various offices.
Early in July, over 100 workers downed tools after fears that they would be made redundant and not paid severance. Those fears arose after workers heard that a private mining contractor would be taking over the operations of most of AGM and would be bringing in their contracted employees.
The Social Protection Ministry had met with the aggrieved workers shortly after and was able to listen to their concerns and hear about the issues faced at the Aurora Mine in Cuyuni. The ministry had also promised to expedite the process to have the union become the recognised representative of the workers.
On July 15th, the company had announced through a circular that it would be addressing issues raised at the meeting, including a raise in wages and salaries, among other things.
The circular also addressed the issue of the unofficial union and said that the company is happy for the employees to engage in discussions about the possibility of a union, as per the laws and regulations of the country.
