The Organization of Workers at Suriname Energy Companies (OWOS) has formally engaged the Mediation Council for Suriname to intervene in the stalled negotiations with the management of N.V. Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS). This decision, according to the OWOS board, was made after careful consideration, as the current state of negotiations is deemed detrimental to the interests of the union and its members. In a letter to the EBS management, OWOS highlighted the company’s approach and the absence of a new Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) as reasons for requesting mediation. The union, which has represented EBS employees since July 28, 1964, emphasized that workers have been waiting for a new CAO for a considerable time. Negotiations between OWOS and EBS management began earlier this year but have yet to yield an agreement on wages and working conditions for 2025. OWOS hopes that the mediation council’s intervention will lead to a resolution that upholds the rights of employees while ensuring the continuity of EBS services. The EBS management has not publicly responded to OWOS’s decision to involve the mediation council. OWOS Chairman Marciano Hellings confirmed to starnieuws that the Mediation Council has agreed to mediate, with the first discussions scheduled for the upcoming week.