Workers at Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) initiated a brief work stoppage on Sunday morning to emphasize their demands for improved compensation packages, highlighting ongoing tensions between labor and management at the Cuyuni mining operation. The industrial action, which lasted approximately 52 minutes between 7:18 AM and 8:10 AM, specifically involved employees from the Mills Department who temporarily halted operations at the mills round pad area.
The Chinese-owned mining company, operated by Zijin Mining since its acquisition in August 2020, confirmed the incident resulted from ongoing negotiations regarding proposed wage adjustments. According to company statements, the matter was resolved following discussions between human resources representatives and union officials, including direct communication with Dawchan Nagasar, General Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).
Negotiation dynamics reveal significant disparities between worker expectations and management offers. Union representatives initially sought a 20% wage increase for both 2025 and 2026, while Zijin Mining proposed substantially lower figures of 6% for 2025 and 8% for 2026. The union has since moderated its demand to 10% annually, though Nagasar emphasized this does not represent a final settlement.
Beyond base wages, negotiations encompass multiple compensation elements. The night premium for 12-hour shifts has seen progressive increases from just over GY$20 to the current offer of GY$200 per hour. Similarly, leave allowances have doubled from 4% to 8% of previous year’s basic salary. The company has also proposed enhancing annual leave entitlements, suggesting additional days based on years of service.
Workers express growing frustration, having not received wage increases since 2023 despite expanding operational responsibilities and infrastructure growth. Sources indicate Zijin Mining has expanded mine infrastructure by approximately 200% and tripled mill capacity since assuming control. Current compensation ranges from GY$600 hourly for unskilled workers to GY$700 for skilled positions.
With critical meetings scheduled with the Labor Minister on Monday and Zijin Mining representatives on Tuesday, the situation remains fluid. Workers have issued an ultimatum, threatening complete operational shutdown if their demands remain unmet by Tuesday, potentially escalating the labor dispute significantly.