Gov’t threatens to withhold payment to striking workers

PARAMARIBO (CMC):

The Public Works Employees’ Organization (WOOW) has condemned the decision by the government not to pay workers who are staying off their jobs since April last year.

“Since he took office, we have written numerous letters to the minister asking for a target date on which matters can be resolved, but nothing is happening,” said president, Michael Sallons, adding “there is a lot wrong”.

The employees have been turning up for work since April last year, but leaving their workplace before midday.

Public Works Minister Riad Nurmohamed has criticised the action of the workers, threatening to withhold payment for the period when they are not at work.

In letters personally addressed to the workers and signed by the deputy director of administrative services, the workers have been told that paying wages for the strike period is the responsibility of the union that has called out the employees.

The authorities said that their action is in conformity with Article 28 of the Personnel Act.

But the union insists that it has been calling for a re-evaluation of all public workers.

“Since the introduction of the Fiso (Function Information System of the Government) a lot has changed and different requirements apply. There must be a revaluation,” said Sallons.

He said that there are many problems related to the work environment, adding “for example, you can’t see your fingers when you go to the toilet, it’s that dark”.

Sallons said while no date has been set for “which things must be in order”, the union is leaving it too, but leave it to Nurmohamed “to give us a target date, because for some matters he depends on other ministries”.