The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has launched an investigation into a series of allegations concerning workers’ health and safety, wages, and salary increases at the Chinese-owned company Zijin Gold Mountain Ya Mei Construction Inc.
The concerns surfaced in several videos currently circulating on the Facebook page Team Mohamed’s, prompting the Ministry to respond.
In a statement, the Ministry said it had not previously received any formal complaint on the issues raised. This, it noted, is the first time such matters have come to its attention, and they are being treated seriously.
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Honourable Keoma Griffith, has directed the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to carry out a “thorough and immediate” investigation into the allegations featured in the videos. The probe will include consultations with all relevant parties to gather facts and determine the appropriate course of action.
Addressing claims linked to wages, salaries and fringe benefits, the Minister has also encouraged both employees and employers to engage the Ministry to begin a “peaceful conciliation process” in keeping with the country’s Labour Act. This process, the Ministry said, is designed to ensure that both sides are heard and that any dispute is resolved in a manner that leaves “both parties satisfied” at its conclusion.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all workers in Guyana are treated fairly and work in safe, healthy environments, in line with its mandate to safeguard workers’ rights and well-being.
Minister Griffith further underscored that the Labour Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act provide the legal framework for employer-employee relations, workplace safety, and dispute resolution.
He said the Ministry remains focused on strengthening protections for workers and ensuring compliance with these laws across all sectors.
On Thursday, videos surfaced involving workers and representatives of the company clashing over poor treatment and hazardous underground conditions, among other issues.
