Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has asserted that the 37 Indian nationals were not informed about their obligation to meet with officials from the Ministry of Labour and representatives from EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management. These meetings were intended to address grievances and facilitate the collection of outstanding payments. Mr. Mohamed expressed his concerns in a statement to Demerara Waves Online News, emphasizing that the workers were not made aware of any scheduled meetings.
He indicated that the workers planned to arrive at the Labour Ministry by 9:30 AM on Friday for individual meetings. Mr. Mohamed mentioned that the workers had been present in the seating area of the Labour Ministry building, where they had a meal, and were not informed about the necessity of attending individual meetings.
Yoganand Persaud, a consultant for EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management, stated during a news conference that the company was keen to resolve the complaints and ensure that the workers received all outstanding payments. He claimed that the workers had remained outside the Labour Ministry instead of participating in the individual meetings that were scheduled.
Mr. Persaud also addressed concerns regarding the return airfare for workers wishing to return to India, noting that certain stipulations in their contracts would need to be considered. He responded to claims about the workers not receiving food and the involvement of the Indian High Commission, stating that the workers had eaten lunch on the premises the previous day.
Documentation reviewed by Demerara Waves Online News revealed that the contracts stipulated that workers would incur a fee of US$3,000 if terminated for breaches or poor performance and would be responsible for their own return travel expenses. Mr. Persaud defended these terms, stating they were part of the negotiated contract.
He clarified that the workers’ passports were not confiscated upon their arrival in Guyana, but rather, they had agreed to lodge their travel documents with management for safekeeping. He provided evidence that workers could retrieve their passports for banking and other transactions.
Additionally, the company claimed that social security deductions were made to the National Insurance Scheme and refuted allegations that workers were barred from contacting their families in India, asserting that they provided internet services for communication. EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management also stated that the quality of food and accommodation met acceptable standards.
In a separate matter, Mr. Persaud mentioned that a formal complaint had been filed with the Bartica Police Station, alleging that Mr. Mohamed had taken the workers from the quarry site at Batavia.
Source: demerarawaves.com
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