Guyana to re-examine relationship with Russian-owned bauxite company

The Guyana government says it will examine the operations of the Russian-owned United Company Russian Aluminum (RUSAL) here after more workers were dismissed amid an escalation of the industrial action at the company.

Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally, along with the Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, met for the second time with the RUSAL officials on Tuesday even as the Director of Aluminium and Bauxite Department, Vladimir Permyakov, outlined the company's new position on the issue.

RUSAL says any of the 61 workers who were dismissed after embarking upon strike action, would have to re-apply for their positions and that the company would sign a new labour contract with the workers.

The announcement comes even as the company laid off a further 30 workers and has started to disassemble its machinery. The company's representative said operators of those machines will be dismissed with full pay.

But Ally described the move by RUSAL as unreasonable.

“It is very clear that you do not want an amicable solution to this matter, because you have put on the table issues to the government of Guyana which says take it or leave. I believe that this is very unreasonable for you to do,” she told Permyakov.

She said none of the things agreed to at a prior meeting with the company has been honoured.

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