By: Antonio Dey – HGP Nightly News – A period of industrial uncertainty at the Aurora Gold Mines operation in Region Seven has been formally concluded with the signing of a two-year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) between the mine’s management and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).
The agreement, which covers the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, brings to an end months of negotiations that were prompted by worker dissatisfaction and included strike actions. Workers had previously cited concerns regarding working conditions and compensation.
The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, which facilitated the dialogue, officially welcomed the conclusion of the pact. The CLA guarantees a structured wage increase for the covered employees, comprising a 10 percent rise in 2025, followed by an additional 8 percent increase in 2026.
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, expressed satisfaction with the resolution. In a statement, the Minister emphasized the importance of maturity and good faith demonstrated during the bargaining process, describing the agreement as a positive step forward for Guyanese workers and a testament to collaborative dispute resolution.
The agreement has been met with measured approval from labour advocates. Mark Goring, an Executive Member of the advocacy group We Invest In Nationhood (WIN), acknowledged the substantial wage increases secured while noting that some workers may have harboured aspirations for greater gains. His comments reflect a perspective that views the pact as significant progress within the broader context of ongoing efforts to improve labour conditions in the sector.
The newly signed CLA establishes a clear framework for labour relations at the mining operation for the next two years. It is seen by stakeholders as a critical mechanism for fostering stability, ensuring fair compensation, and constructively addressing worker concerns, thereby setting a procedural precedent for future negotiations in Guyana’s extractive industries.
