Guyana investigating conditions at Russian owned bauxite plant following worker complaints
GEORGETOWN, Guyana _ The government is investigating a Russian-owned bauxite plant after a surprise inspection last week found “disturbing” working conditions.
Social Protection Minister Simona Broomes said some staff had to work for 12 hours in poorly ventilated rooms without safety gear or drinking water. The surprise inspection came after dozens of workers wrote to the ministry complaining of working conditions.
United Company Rusal officials did not return telephone calls for comment Saturday. Broomes said company managers pledged to make improvements but the government will present them with a formal complaint next week.
The company and authorities have been feuding since 50 plant workers were fired more than five years ago. Workers also complain about the lack of upward mobility and the company’s reluctance to recognize a labour union.
The Associated Press
Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora.
Also writes for GTA Weekly and GTA Today.
