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The arbitration tribunal setup to arbitrate the labour dispute between Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) and the National Association of Agricultural,Drew Bledsoe Patriots Jersey, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) will have its first meeting with both parties on Monday.The meeting is expected to be held at the Ministry of Labour boardroom.The panel comprises Justice Prem Persaud; Dr. Gobind Ganga,Sean Davis Steelers Jersey, Deputy Governor of Bank of Guyana; and Grantley Culbard,Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Packers Jersey, former General Secretary of Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union.Justice Persaud has been appointed the chairman while Senior Labour Officer of the Ministry Muchell Baburam will conduct duties of Secretary to the tribunal.On February 27,Steve Grogan Patriots Jersey, GPL employees downed tools over a five percent all inclusive package. This included a one percent across the board pay increase. This has been rejected by the Union which is demanding an eight percent across the board increase.But,Deion Sanders Falcons Jersey, GPL is adamant that it cannot afford the five percent package being offered much less the eight percent. It claims that high fuel price is a burden. In addition it may have to increase its contribution to the employees’ pension fund with the Hand In Hand Trust Company.However,Nick Perry Packers Jersey, the Union is of a different contention.NAACIE believes that the company could afford to pay the demanded increase because it recently accessed a $11B loan.Two days after strike action,Patrick Chung Patriots Jersey, Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopual engaged both parties. They were given the weekend to ponder on the discussions and to decide on a feasible outcome. However,Julian Edelman Patriots Jersey, both parties stood their grounds and the Minister ruled the matter must be sent to arbitration.As a condition to have the arbitration tribunal functioning the six-day strike was called off and workers returned to their work duties.The power company and Union are now each tasked with preparing and submitting memoranda comprising their positions to the panel. |
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