PARAMARIBO - Workers at the Energy Company Suriname (EBS) on Tuesday went on a flash strike in front of the main entrance of its power plant that is located in the Saramaccastraat.
This campaign was aimed at expressing their discontent with the delay of the talks regarding the collective labor agreement and the tactics of management. Union Chairman Marciano Hellings explained that the negotiations started in January but that there has been no progress whatsoever. “Management kept fooling us for months. The talks started at the end of June even though we had already presented a list of our wishes in March,” said Hellings who added that promises were made but not kept. “Despite our repeated calls management did not take any steps. This has enfuriated the employees.” The flash strike was aimed at increasing pressure without disrupting the services too long. “This is just a warning. We want management to address the issue seriously. If that does not happen, we do not rule out more action. It could be another flash strike are a full strike,” said the union chairman.