Quarry workers accuse Rayneau of inequality

Workers at Rayneau Construction, the company to which the former Unity Labour Party government leased lands at Richmond for a quarry, are accusing the company of providing better working conditions for non-nationals, especially those of a particular race.

iWitness News has been unsuccessful in its repeated attempts over the past two weeks to reach a company representative to respond to the allegations.

However, a letter sent to iWitness News on behalf of the disgruntled workers states that Vincentians employed by Rayneau Construction work 10 hours per day, and regardless of job position, are all paid the same rate of EC$7.14 per hour.

“We believe this is unfair as trade workers and skilled labourers should receive higher wages based on their qualifications and the nature of their work.”

The letter says that representatives from the Labour Department visited the workplace and workers were able to express their concerns. However, subsequently, instead of properly addressing the wage dispute, their employer made changes that negatively affected local workers.

Work hours for local workers have been reduced to seven hours per day, resulting in labourers earning below the EC$50 per day minimum wage, and tradesmen earning less than EC$100 per day.

The letter says “foreign workers — particularly Guyanese and Indian workers — continue to work full-time and receive full payment” and “many of these workers are earning $20 per hour and above, while Vincentian workers are being paid significantly less”.

Another concern was that some Vincentian workers who were employed as labourers were elevated to skilled positions, such as operators and masons, and performed those duties for over six months, and in some cases for one to two years, “without proper adjustments being made” to their salaries to reflect their skills.

“We strongly believe that Vincentian workers deserve equal and fair treatment. We are hardworking people and we are contributing to the success of this project, yet we are being paid far below what is reasonable compared to others performing similar work.

“This is not a battle we can fight alone,” the letter said, adding that while the job itself is a good opportunity, workers are seeking “immediate intervention” so that the issues can be resolved speedily.

The letter said the affected workers have not been receiving overtime payments and that the Labour Department has sensitised them to their rights.

“Because of this, we are requesting that all outstanding overtime payments be properly calculated and paid,” the letter states.

The workers are, however, facing a challenge from their employer, who they said is alleging that they had “agreed to work ten hours at the same hourly rate, without overtime compensation”.

Workers have said they believe that working the standard eight-hour day would entitle them to overtime pay if they work additional hours, but “it appears we were misled and taken advantage of”.

Workers are alleging that their employer has openly stated that he will pay employees however he chooses, simply because he is the boss.

“This behaviour shows a lack of respect and appreciation for the work we contribute to the company. It is important to note that other supervisors have witnessed our dedication and work ethic.

“They have expressed appreciation and have stated that if it were up to them, they would ensure we are paid more fairly, as they recognise that we truly deserve better. At this point, we feel there is only so much the Labour Office can do.

“We believe we may have to stand up and advocate for ourselves in a responsible manner. At the same time, we do not want to lose our jobs, because we genuinely value the work we do,” the letter states.

“All we are asking for is fairness, respect, and proper compensation for the hours we work,” the letter states.

The quarry workers are classified as industrial workers. The law says an industrial worker shall be paid by his employer time and a half for every hour or part thereof in excess of 8 hours. On a public holiday, the rate is double time and on a Sunday, double time.

The workers contend that, under the labour laws and industrial standards of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, employees working under industrial conditions are expected to receive higher wages and better compensation than domestic workers, given the nature, risks, and demands of the job.

“We are requesting that the company provide documented proof or a written agreement showing that employees voluntarily accepted a fixed ten-hour workday at the same hourly rate, without overtime pay, as this would go against normal labour standards and fair employment practices,” the letter states.

Workers say they are “requesting evidence of the company’s wage structure and how it aligns with the labour regulations and industrial standards of St. Vincent and the Grenadines”.

The workers are demanding that the company follow the rules of the country, contending that if a government can give this company the rights to bypass the laws of our country, then other companies would come to do the same.