Production on hold at New Day Aluminium bauxite plant because of the strike by workers

As per the report on September 24, production at the New Day Aluminium Limited bauxite plant was put on hold, as almost 200 hourly-paid workers went on strike for approximately four hours.

The enraged workers reported that they had no choice but to protest because of the consistent delays in renewing their contracts. They claimed that they had been working for past three years without a contract and without several benefits that they should be entitled to.

“The workers reach a stage where enough is enough. We are waiting too long, nearly three years of expired contract and nothing can be done. Enough is enough,” said Alfred Hemmings, University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) Senior Union Delegate representing approximately 180 employees.

Hemmings further intimidated that a meeting was scheduled two months ago on September 19 for the Union Delegates to meet with the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) but got postponed.

Even the meeting, which was planned for yesterday September 24, got postponed since the Ministry of Labour failed to send the outstanding document to the IDT.

The workers believe they are being treated unfairly and want a contract to be put in place soon.