Republic Bank employees slam management over unfair treatment

The employees at the Republic Bank on Friday went on a lightning strike to protest against the unfair treatment that they receive from management. Union Chairman Willy Rodrigues told Times of Suriname that the lightning strike was also carried out to protest against the fact that management has not executed the collective labor agreement. “The employees are being insulted. And I was kicked out of the bank. Management has no respect for the union and its employees,” said Rodrigues. The main office and the regional offices of the bank were closed on Friday. Customers were eventually given the opportunity to enter the main office but could not use all of the bank’s services. Management reportedly called the police to evict the workers who were on strike. Rodrigues explained that it was not necessary because the workers who were on strike did not keep the others from doing their job. Last year the union and management agreed that the workers would be given a raise because of the high inflation. All of the other banks have already given their employees a raise but the Republic Bank which has reportedly made more profits than the other banks refuses to give its workers a raise. “The bank refuses to pay the employees more money but it has money to let workers from Trinidad fly over to do the work that Surinamese people also can do. The bank reportedly covers transport and housing expenses of the foreign workers. Management has no respect for the union and the employees,” said the union chairman who criticized the way management treats adults. The union chairman also pointed out that management invites the employees to attend activities on Saturdays and Sundays but that they do not get paid overtime. “Employees who refuse to participate are being threatened,” said the union chairman who added that the bank’s policy has led to the departure of several executives. The Mediation Council on Friday invited the union and management to a meeting.