Published by The Times of Linden on gtmemoirs.gy
The Times of Linden: Mr. Joseph, the most recent BOSAI strike in September 2025 ended only after the Ministry of Labour stepped in with a Terms of Resumption. How do you assess the significance of this latest dispute?
Lorenzo Joseph: I think this strike was a success because the workers have spoken by their showing up in their numbers, I would say about 99% of the workers participated in this strike. Also, the attention of the Ministry of Labor was captured, the reason for saying that is because of the fast intervention of facilitating the cancelation talking between the union, management, and the ministry.
The Times of Linden: BOSAI workers have downed tools several times before — in 2008 over allowances, in 2014 over benefits, and again in 2019 when the dispute ended with a 7% increase agreement. Why do you think these grievances keep resurfacing almost every few years?
Lorenzo Joseph: Actually, all the other times in the past whe. the workers down tools and initiate a strike actions it was for salary increases along with increases for other benefits/ allowances. It is a fact that all those other times the dispute ended with 7% years and the main reason I think this has been happening is because like company they workers try to to see the minimum they can pay out so that way they can save more.
Workers’ Rights and Representation
The Times of Linden: Looking across these disputes from 2008 right up to 2025, do you believe unions like NAACIE have effectively represented the workers? What more should political leaders like yourself be doing when conciliation keeps having to step in?
Lorenzo Joseph: Because of how the policatical landscape is currently on display in Guyana, the only the only thing political leader like my self can do is keep highlighting issues like this and other injustice workers face until we are in the position to make the much nessaseray changes that is needed to the labour sector.
The Times of Linden: Do you see this series of disputes as part of a larger, systemic struggle for workers’ rights in Linden’s bauxite sector — and by extension, in Guyana?
Lorenzo Joseph: It is indeed a part of a large, systematic struggle for workers’ rights not only in Linden or the bauxite sector but also by extension in Guyana at large because the government of the day would just talk the talk and now walk the talk.
The Times of Linden: With repeated strikes over the years, what does this pattern say about the state of labour relations between BOSAI’s management and its employees?
Lorenzo Joseph: That management does not respect the labor that is been put out by the workers because if they did, the workers would have to resort to strike actions just to get what they think they deserve.
Political & Economic Dimensions
The Times of Linden: As an executive of the United Workers Party, what policies or reforms would you prioritise to ensure disputes like those of 2008, 2014, 2019, and 2025 are not recurring every few years?
Lorenzo Joseph: Because we are living in a more modern era than in the 80s and 90s, it means the labor sector has changed tremendously. I would look at new policies that would put more money in the pockets of Guyanese workers.
The Times of Linden: Linden’s economy is heavily tied to BOSAI. Each time there is industrial action, the wider community feels the shock. What strategies should be in place to cushion households and businesses when strikes happen?
Lorenzo Joseph: In times like these, I would recommend that the business community should come together as one and support the affected workers in somewhere or the other by donating hampers of the basic grocery items that a house hold maybe to get by on because all year round it the money that been earn from the bauxite company mostly keep their business alive.
The Times of Linden: Looking back, do you feel successive governments have done enough to balance the interests of foreign investors like BOSAI with the well-being of Linden workers, given the repeated unrest?
Lorenzo Joseph: I dont think successive government has not done enough to balance the interests of foreign investors, I actually believe they put the foreign investors’ interests above workers of the country.
Resolution & The Way Forward
The Times of Linden: The Ministry’s Terms of Resumption in 2025 promised no victimisation and set a date for conciliation. From your standpoint, are those measures enough, or would you recommend stronger safeguards?
Lorenzo Joseph: I think it’s fearly okay since if either party violates the terms of resumption with be held accountable.
The Times of Linden: Beyond this present dispute, what long-term strategies do you believe are necessary to strengthen industrial relations in Linden — so that we don’t see another cycle like 2008, 2014, 2019, and now 2025?
Lorenzo Joseph: I wouldn’t say industrial relations Linden but industrial relations in the country at large, I think the government of the day needs to have a level playing field and poritorize the workers’ interest more than the foreign investors’ investment, because with out the worker the work can get done.
The Times of Linden: If you could send one direct message to BOSAI’s management, and another to the workers, what would they be today?
Lorenzo Joseph: To be more forthcoming and start appreciating your workers’ labor for hard work they are doing, going the extra mile and beyond the call of duty at time to get the work done. Respect the impact that your employee brings to your company.
The Times of Linden: Finally, Lindeners have seen these struggles for nearly two decades now. What assurances can you give that their concerns will not keep getting recycled every few years, but will actually translate into lasting change at the national and political level?
Lorenzo Joseph: I can’t give any assurance that these concenern will not keep getting recycled unless the government of the day drafts policies to prevent issues like this from occurring by foreign investors. The government of the day is responsible for whatever occurs with our workforce in Guyana.