DTL workers down tools

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is most frustrated to witness the foot-dragging exercise by the Demerara Timbers Limited in not implementing a 5 per cent wage/salary increase to its employees at Mabura Hill and elsewhere retroactive to 1st January, 2007.

After many efforts to get a settlement with respect to last year’s increase in pay, the Union finally brokered the undermentioned Agreement with the assistance of the Chief Labour Officer, Cde M. Akeel.

“Memorandum of Agreement
Between
Demerara Timber Limited (DTL)
And
GAWU

The parties agree that the conciliatory proceeding into the dispute relative to negotiations 2007 concluded on June 13, 2008.

Further, it is the understanding of the parties that the Company will pay an increase of 5% across-the-board effective January 01, 2007 plus a $2,000 one off payment. Negotiations with respect to allowances for 2007 will commence within two (2) weeks.”

Date: 13/06/08

The Company is legally bound to honour the Agreement including the one-off payment of two thousand dollars ($2,000) to workers in the Union’s bargaining unit and to commence negotiations with respect to allowances for year 2007.

It is noted that a majority of the workers at Mabura Hill downed tools today (September 3, 2008) while some of their colleagues are engaged in a picketing exercise at Water Street and Battery Road, Kingston in support of their outstanding payments

The Union will be forced support other legitimate actions by the workers to ensure that the Company abides by the Agreement.