Workers at a major business company in Dominica who formed a trade union to address a variety of problems are being challenged by the business concerned – J Astaphan and Company (1970) Ltd.
The challenge came from managing director, Genevieve Astaphan who said that the company is not in the position to recognize such union.
Her response came days after the workers made public the formation of the National Service Workers Union (NSWU), which they say aims to tackle several grievances that they think are not being addressed adequately by the company.
But according to Astaphan, the management of the company is not aware of the existence or legal registration of the union nor is it aware of any notice for the union to be recognized by the company as required by law.
“J Astaphan and Co Ltd does not have a collective labour agreement with the National Service Workers Union nor is the national service workers union recognized as a bargaining agent for our employees,” Astaphan wrote to the union.
She said the company has contacted a number of government agencies and other organizations such as the The Division of Labour, the Registrar of the High Court, the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union, the Dominica Employers Federation but they were unable to provide information on the identity or authenticity of the NSWU.
“In the circumstances,” Astaphan wrote. “Be kindly advised that management does not and cannot recognize the National Service Workers Union or any of it authorized agents”
There has been no response from the National Service workers Union as yet.
