RUSAL lays off over 140 employees over shortage of fuel

The Russian-owned Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) has laid off 142 workers effective Thursday, January 23.

In a letter seen by News Room, the company said this is as a result of a shortage in fuel, however, one of the workers who was laid off said he does not understand the reason given by the company.

The letter was not given to the employees individually but was posted outside of the workplace in Region Ten at the end of the shift -18:00hrs –on Wednesday with the names of those were laid off.

“We wish to advise that we are forced to reduce operations and lay-off employees due to shortage of fuel,” the letter stated.

The letter further stated that the employees listed will be recalled as soon as the situation stabilizes.

Workers believe the relationship between them and their employer began to worsen after they attempted to form a union to represent their concerns in 2019.

Employees turned up to the location for a further explanation and to also inquire about their benefits and monies owed to them but have not been able to meet with management.

In February 2019, the company fired 61 workers for protesting a one per cent increase in their wages and salaries. Subsequently, RUSAL fired 30 more employees.

The company refused to recognise the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&WU) until Government intervened and the employees were re-hired.

RUSAL owns 90% of the Bauxite Company of Guyana and was given licences to develop bauxite deposit groups along Linden, Kwakwani and Ituni.