Following the conclusion of the BOSAI strike in Linden and the intervention of the Ministry of Labour, The Times of Linden once again sat down with Mr. Lorenzo Joseph, NAACIE’s Linden Branch Chairman.
In our previous interview, Mr. Joseph explained how the workers’ strike came about after BOSAI failed to implement agreed wage increases, which were already signed and approved. He described the frustrations of workers, many of whom felt their concerns had been ignored for years, and emphasised that the strike was never about rebellion but about fairness and respect. At that time, Mr. Joseph made it clear that NAACIE remained committed to lawful processes and to engaging the Ministry of Labour when necessary.
This follow-up interview picks up after the resolution of the strike. Mr. Joseph now reflects on the agreement reached, shares expectations for BOSAI’s management moving forward, and reassures workers and the wider Linden community of the union’s ongoing commitment to stand in their corner.
Times of Linden: Over the previous years, management has always kept their end of the agreement. Do you expect them to maintain that commitment this time around?
Lorenzo Joseph:
“Over the previous years, management has always kept their end of the agreement, so we don’t expect them to break that cycle now. But in the event they do, then we will engage the Ministry of Labour and Manpower for breaching the new agreement.”
Times of Linden: How does NAACIE view future negotiations with BOSAI management, given what has happened in this most recent strike?
Lorenzo Joseph:
“We hope management operates in good faith from now on in the future because negotiations are supposed to be in good faith by both parties, the union and management. NAACIE will always follow the necessary procedure by law if, in the future, disputes escalate like what occurred recently.”
Times of Linden: There have been suggestions that political leaders influenced the outcome of this dispute. How do you respond to that?
Lorenzo Joseph:
“The incoming opposition leader did not contribute in any way possible in the workers at BOSAI securing 7.5% for this year and 8% for next year. I am saying this with no reservation. His intervention, as you may want to call it, did not impact the outcome of our negotiation in any way.
It was the four workers that made up the negotiation team, along with the General President and General Secretary of the union, and advice from the Leader of the United Workers Party, veteran trade unionist Coretta McDonald, and MP Sharma Raheem Solomon, that helped us to fight relentlessly for everything we got at the Ministry of Labour and Manpower during the conciliation talks. So to say his intervention contributed to us securing what we got is totally false.
We, the workers of BOSAI Minerals in Linden, Region #10, have also noticed the blatant attempt by the above-mentioned party to take credit and glory for the success of the bauxite workers recently. Be it known to the public and beyond: the workers have a union that represented them through the negotiations.
The hard work and sacrifice by our Linden union representatives resulted in the success — not the visit by the opposition leader as claimed. All the opposition leader did was come, fold his hands, and listen. That’s all. No intervention on behalf of the workers was made, no recommendations, absolutely nothing. And in the first place, the industrial action was not a political issue.”
Times of Linden: What message do you have for the workers of BOSAI in Linden and the wider community about the union’s commitment going forward?
Lorenzo Joseph:
“BOSAI, which is located in Linden, is one of the many branches that NAACIE represents. What I can tell you is that the executives at the branch here in Linden, of which I am currently the chairman, we are trying our best and many of the workers can attest to that. We are going to continue to do our best to represent our fellow brothers and sisters who work at BOSAI going further in the future. No one is perfect. At times, there will be shortcomings, but at the end of the day, we will try to get the results for the workers—even if we have to end up at the Ministry of Labour like you saw occur a few days ago.”
Ites This
This follow-up interview highlights NAACIE’s continued vigilance in ensuring that BOSAI honours its commitments, while also underscoring the union’s role as both advocate and protector for the workers it represents. Mr. Joseph was also careful to clarify that the victory at BOSAI came directly from the strength of the workers, their union, and key trade union advisors — not from political leaders seeking to claim credit. With an agreement now in place, the path forward depends on good faith and cooperation from all sides. NAACIE, under the leadership of Mr. Lorenzo Joseph, has assured Linden’s BOSAI workers that their voices will not only be heard, but respected.