By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
Guyanese workers employed by China Railway and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) on the Berbice four-lane expansion project say they are once again facing uncertainty and financial hardship after another missed salary deadline — with no clear indication of when they will be paid.
The workers, many of whom are drivers and heavy-equipment operators, gathered on Friday, expressing frustration and disbelief after being told there were no funds available for their wages.
“Today is payday. We went to collect our salary and were told there is no finance for the workers,” one employee said, visibly upset. Several others echoed the sentiment, noting that delayed payments have now become routine. “This keeps happening fortnight after fortnight,” another worker lamented. “We have no insurance, nothing — but we’re expected to keep working.”
With Christmas fast approaching, the sudden non-payment has placed additional strain on workers who say they are struggling to support their families. Many told reporters they are increasingly concerned about whether they will receive any salary before the holiday season.
The grievances come amid growing national scrutiny of labour practices among some Chinese-operated companies in Guyana. In recent weeks, another viral incident showed a Guyanese worker angrily confronting his foreign employer during a dispute over workplace safety.
Workers in Berbice argue that if the company anticipates financing delays, employees should not be left in the dark. “If you know money isn’t coming on time, at least give the workers proper notice,” one man insisted.
Efforts by Nightly News to obtain a comment from the company were unsuccessful.
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, responding to earlier concerns about labour relations with foreign firms, reaffirmed that while Guyana welcomes international investment, all companies — including Chinese corporations — must adhere fully to the country’s labour standards. These include timely payment of wages, safe working conditions, and fair treatment of employees.
Investigations into the salary dispute are expected to continue as pressure mounts on the companies to resolve their long-standing payment issues.
