The government of Guyana has launched an investigation into allegations of abuse and labor violations involving 38 Indian workers employed at a quarrying company in the country’s Region Seven mining district.
The workers, employed by Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources in Batavia Village, reportedly complained of confiscated passports, unfair contracts, unpaid or delayed wages, arbitrary salary cuts and poor working conditions.
According to Guyana’s Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, a joint investigation is now underway involving labor officials, the Guyana Police Force, the Trafficking in Persons Unit and other authorities.
Labor Minister Keoma Griffith said the ministry was treating the allegations with “serious concern” and had given the company 24 hours to respond to the claims.
The allegations relate to the company’s mining operations in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region. Reports also claim that unsafe working conditions at the site resulted in severe injuries to one worker and the death of another employee earlier this month.
The ministry confirmed that allegations surrounding the reported May 12 death will form part of the wider investigation.
In a statement, the ministry said Griffith met with India’s Acting High Commissioner to Guyana, Manoj Kumar, before holding talks with the workers and company management.
Officials said the workers were given an opportunity to directly outline their grievances, including complaints that their passports had been withheld by the employer.
“The issue of passports was raised and as a result of the intervention made by Minister Griffith, that matter has already been rectified and the passports have been returned to the workers,” the ministry said.
The company, Ekaa HRIM Earth Resources, is reportedly owned by Coimbatore-based businessman Saju Bhaskar.
Back in India, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said Indian authorities were monitoring developments.
“We are yet to receive any kind of information on this front. But, we will definitely monitor the development and do the needful,” Mandaviya told Indian media outlet The Tribune.
The allegations have sparked criticism in Guyana, with some critics accusing authorities of responding too slowly to claims involving possible forced labor, exploitation and human trafficking.
The Labour Ministry said investigations are continuing and pledged to ensure compliance with Guyanese labor laws.
