Linden Utilities Co-op workers tell PM of need for union representation
Stabroek News
June 20, 2003
Workers at the Linden Utilities Co-op Society Limited (LUCSL) told Prime Minister Samuel Hinds last week that they are seeking to have a union of their choice represent them but said that the Board of Directors was reluctant to allow them such representation.
Hinds was in Linden to fulfill a commitment made by President Bharrat Jagdeo to the LUCSL workers to have the Prime Minister hold a meeting with them as well as with management before measures are taken to address their concerns.
The workers, claiming that the Board of Directors was reluctant to allow then to have union representation, declared: “Because we don’t have anybody representing us these people does want to do we anything and there is not much that we can do to represent ourselves.”
The Prime Minister said that he firmly believes that the laws provide for union representation. After the issue would have been properly investigated, he noted, it is expected that management would allow the workers to choose a union to represent them.
Other issues such as better wages and working conditions were also brought to the Prime Minister’s attention. The workers said that the committee of management had claimed that the society did not have money to increase wages and salaries, but increased their own stipends while also holding a number of retreats at expensive resorts.
According to the workers, the committee of management’s stipend has been increased from $1,500 to $15,000 per month. Moreover, the workers expressed the view that the committee spends unnecessary time at the co-op and does not allow the managers to do their work. That is an issue, Hinds said, that has to be talked through and resolved quickly.
It was also noted that the management of LUCSL has instituted a system that requires workers to have their personal tool kits, and if at any given time they are not equipped they could be sent home. Though the management has committed the society to paying half the cost for the kit which costs approximately $22,000, the workers argued that the society should be meeting the full cost.
However, Hinds said such a system was not a new one and he was in support of management’s position on that matter. “In most places you have to go with your tool kits and because it is your personal belongings you will take good care of it.”
He also expressed concern about the financial sustainability of the co-op, noting that even after substantial write-offs LUCSL owed the government in excess of $50M.
Besides meeting with the workers, the Prime Minister visited a number of areas in the town, including those where drainage works are being conducted, as well as the Linmine mines site. Mayor of Linden Stan Smith was present for most of the community visits. (Cathy Wilson)
