The management of the state-run Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) have agreed to meet with a Labour Ministry mediator to resolve the dispute over a hike in wages and salaries for workers.
GUYOIL’s management held firm to its position of no increase and no bonus, while the CCWU has maintained its call for a previously agreed 8% increase based on an appraisal and 5% across the board.
Both sides agreed to a proposal by Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton to defer until the first quarter of 2021 to allow for the union and GUYOIL’s management to meet with a mediator of the Ministry of Labour to further discuss the matter.
When contacted, President of the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) Sherwood Clarke told Stabroek News that the union did not oppose the suggestion as he believed that some form of movement on the way forward will be sought. He explained that a “bonus” was a consideration of management and therefore the union cannot fight for a bonus but its contention lies with the increase of wages and salaries for the workers for the fiscal year.
He further revealed that, as is routine, the workers are entitled to $28,000, where $20,000 is given in the form of a hamper and the additional $8,000 is put towards a staff party.
However, given the COVID-19 situation, he noted that the remaining $8,000 was divided among the staff.
No additional money was given, he said.
Hundreds of GUYOIL workers took part in a countrywide sit-in last week after they were informed that they would not be receiving agreed increases in wages and salaries or bonus.
Clarke previously told this newspaper that the industrial action was taken after management informed the workers of the decision.
Clarke had explained that the CCWU, which represents supervisors, junior staff and security officers at the company, had submitted a proposal for negotiation on February 10th and negotiations commenced in July/August.
He noted that the board had a fiscal budget that had catered for an 8% increase for 2020 as well as a six-week bonus based on an agreement with the union for increases based on a performance appraisal system.
However, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the board made the decision to revise the budget and reduce the previously agreed increase to 5% with a three-week bonus.
Clarke stated that at a meeting in August, the union was told that the company had seen some improvements in its performance and as a result the original 8% increase and six-week bonus would be reinstituted.
On December 18th, he said, GUYOIL’s management met again and informed the union that there would be no increase or bonus, angering workers as a result.
Clarke stated that the union could not understand the justification for the reasons and as a result the sit-in was done and the union demanded the reopening of negotiations.
