Cotuí, Dominican Republic.- At least 17 people were injured yesterday during violent protests staged by laid off workers of the mining company Barrick Gold in the town Pueblo Viejo, Cotui (northeast), to demand severance payment.
The injured were reportedly taken to different medical centers in Cotuí, where most the victims had shotgun pellets.
The protest by Barrick Gold ex workers had the support of community organizations in the area and forced the temporary suspension of the mining operations.
Meanwhile Barrick Gold’s Pueblo Viejo Corporation executive director Fernando Sanchez Albavera stated the company’s concern for the safety of its workers, which led to exit of all of the mining project’s personnel. “We’re a responsible company with our employees, contractors and the communities, and we have always stated that we are open to a discussion and to respond to any difference of opinions, we have been doing this since we arrived in the country.”
In a statement however the company states that it “categorically rejects any type of actions that endanger the integrity of the people and which directly threatens the legal framework and the respect to the others.”
“In Barrick Pueblo Viejo we’ve always been willing and available to have a discussion and mediation in the resolution of conflicts, beside the fact that they (the protesters) are not our direct employees, so we make a call to dialogue and calm,” Sanchez Albavera said.
As to reasons for the protest, he added that “the authorities are investigating the facts and would take the corresponding actions established in the law against the people responsible for today’s actions."
From: United States
Trust me, I am a friend of Leonel and I personaly will take care of you!
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Nov 2010 9:59 AM
From: United States
What a bunch of Douchebags! They get fired and then they think they have some kind of right to disrupt and attack Barrick?
Should have shot them all.
Written by: Atabey, 17 Nov 2010 10:03 AM
From: United States, NYC
Does anyone know the facts surrounding this issue?
Written by: riosm, 17 Nov 2010 10:10 AM
From: United States
Atabey,
I'm right up there with you on this issue......
Maybe some one can shed some facts/truth.
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 11:17 AM
From: Canada
what a bunch of lies Barrick, first off this was on the camp, they were not fired or laid off employees,
they want to be paid.
if this was so called off the camp site then why did you all evacuate considering the camp is full of guards and security.all the companies fled to town if there was a protest the roads would have been blocked.
there would not of been a fire on the site , so why not say the truth now,
perhaps the workers now are fired......what a bunch of lies Barrick. are all your employees on site, NO they are scared , Sodexo and Fluor as well ...talk truth
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Nov 2010 11:58 AM
From: United States
MAltese,
How do you know all this when you are in CANADA?
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 12:12 PM
From: Canada
interested to know if the camp is up and running with ALL employees. If not why?
although all the articles read has been about labour relations maybe its believable if we were to read 1 or 2 stories but many many stories and it keeps on over the same thing.
The expats there (which are huge amount of employees) from all ove the world . Barrick expats/ Fluor expats? Sodexo expats? Gym expats?Barrick gold Along with all expenses paid with a average income of 4000.00 -
8000.00 PER MONTH if not more..Plus free airline tickets to to there home wherever they live in the country then paid return trip. This is a sad thing to say but the dominican workers are paid monthly and lucky if they make 800.00 per month. and now we understand why they are demanding better conditions...
although they chose to work there knowing that all Expats make a huge dollars , why do you think people work from all over the world in camps. That is where the money is.
Written by: Gringo_1, 17 Nov 2010 12:12 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Maimon (Bonao)
From what I hear, it started on-site, near the plant and Fluor offices. Given the tight security, there is no way former employees were instigators. Also road to Cotui and Maimon was never closed. Maltese is right on this account. A friend of mine's girlfriend showed up to work today and they were told the gate is closed until further notice.
From: United States
Barrick Gold does it again..
if they dont give any benefit..Only poisoning people , poisoning forever the land, not paying the employyes, using scam companies,,
WHY THE HELL they dont GO!
Don't they understand that they are not welcome in Dominican Republic?
Not a single inspector from Working Ministry?
The workers have no right? Not a U$10 million lawsuit , like would be the rule in the states?
Somebody should enforce the law!
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 12:36 PM
From: Canada
Also,
Barrick gold,Sodexo also up next for a strike, Fluor ,
well for sodexo workers next inline for a strike for wage, righfully so
they have a expat Project Manager on site who makes 6000.00-8000.00 us dollars per month
then assistant expat project manager on site who makes probably the same or a liittle less.
then a country manager who lives in town in a paid home,vehicle,,all the expats managers within the camp.If Sodexo would get rid of half there chiefs maybe the Dominicans would have a fair chance.
all the above get paid tickets back home as well.
and Sodexo cant give the Dominicans more pay? sad very sad. but as all the articles state, the union should get in, Barrick gold, Fluor,the same expats with same conditions.
Are the Dominicans not capable of opperating the project there, but instead you have to fight them for a pay increase..Its amazing I think, and also not understandable.
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 12:38 PM
From: Canada
ohvictor
so well said.........
its ok to be there but share and be fair with everyone, which this appears not the case.
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 12:55 PM
From: Canada
If the gate is closed means no operation today......lol
Ok all you Dominicans now is your chance to get what you are asking for.....without you all there
there is NO operation.
lol go get it what are they going to do fire all of you ? I think not considering the union is started to be in place for u all.
how many of you are there 3000, 4000 people?
go get what you want , now is your chance. But when the gate is open ur chances are slim and yes then u can be fired for not showing up.
wish you all luck, stand your ground and geat respected and paid as you wish for..
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 1:23 PM
From: Canada
anthony,
I know this because I read and I care ....Like we all should when we get invaded...and to top it off not treated correctly.
We all have resposibilities to ourself, we decide what where when. we decide who we work for.
The Dominicans are very lucky and very unlucky.
lucky to be working?
unlucky for the lack of respect they get especially from an outside company who is hated everywhere.
HMMMM this seems to be a pattern for Barrick Gold where ever they are.
One would think been in a place not yours (and believe me if they were in this country this crap wouldnt be going down as the minister of labour would fix that in a hurry. You would think that they would go the extra mile and appreciate who works for them, how they got there and were aloud in to set up , but most of all all these EXPATS making top dollar and there workers from the Dominican make nothing that we could even think of living on , but Barrick/Fluor?Sodexo is forgetting without the Dr you have nothing.
Written by: Gringo_1, 17 Nov 2010 2:20 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Maimon (Bonao)
Maltese, if you knew everything. You would know there is a union and it includes the ex-pats from Peru. What;s your personal problem with Sodexo? Are you a disgruntled former employee caught not washing his hands after using the bathroom? Shame on you, LOL
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 3:06 PM
From: Canada
Gringo,
I have no personal problem or issues with Sodexo, but the facts are the truth , and just stating the truth,
if you would read the messages I wasnt just talking expats sodexo Just what I know.
I know there is a union as stated before what does peru have to do with this. If they have any issues
its the same as everyone else there.
Also there is so many reports on sodexo and Barrick gold .....Just stating for the people there should fight for there rights.And get paid accordingly.
How many chiefs does Barrick or Fluor or sodexo need to operate such a high cost of pay when if the Peru as u say and the dominicans could get more if they would limit such high cost management .
whos sitting at home now not getting paid while the gate is closed....the dominicans whos getting top dollar right now.....Is the expats thats fair dont u think
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Nov 2010 3:34 PM
From: United States
Maltese reads anti-Barrick articles and comes here claiming to be an expert.
A few Questions for Maltese.
Have you ever worked for Barrick Gold?
Have you ever worked in the Dominican Republic?
Have you even been to the Dominican Republic?
I await the answers to see if you are just another paid shill for a Fascist organization like ohhhvictor is.
From: United States
again, the cretin and misrepresenter, anthonyc, spouts more incomprehensible stupidity. he states that the workers from Barrick were fired. well, anthonyc, maybe they were laid off when the company decided to close down operations, and not FIRED, as you state. then again, to use a question you used on maltese "how would you know? are you in cotui?
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Nov 2010 6:02 PM
From: United States
Hey Douchebag. The article said "LAID OFF WORKERS"!!!!
Only in your world of feel-good ,stealing from the productive would Laid Off not be the same as FIRED.
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 6:19 PM
From: Canada
ok looks like wd have some feather standing.
the fact is the fact if you go to the camp you will see the operation is not moving.
Do you actually believe what the paper says?
These people are promised things and dont get it......with absolutely no back up
Is Barrick Gold suffering NO why because all the subcontractors there pay crap to the workers only.
I know all this because I know. its up to you to believe or not.
nothing ive said comes from the internet, except the labour disputes other than that like i said your choice.
you can say as you wish , but this is true facts.....
show me and prove to me Im wrong. Until then take all this as you wand.
I am only sharing with all of you the facts.
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Nov 2010 6:44 PM
From: United States
maltese,
I am calling total BullSh*t on your part. It is apparent that your "sources" are from Fascist unions groups who despise the fact that work should be rewarded and compensated strictly on merit.
I can prove how you are wrong.
Nobody has a right to a job with Barrick Gold. NOBODY!!!!!
If you work for Barrick Gold and don't like your salary you have 3 choices.
#1 Quit
#2 Suck it up and keep working
#3 Peacefully protest off company property without disrupting the Peace.
Now if your fired from Barrick Gold you have 2 choices.
#1 Look for another job
#2 Peacefully protest off company property without disrupting the Peace.
Because of the Violence it is obvious that they didn't select one of the choices.
Written by: maltese, 17 Nov 2010 7:58 PM
From: Canada
oh anthony
do as u wish
You are a smart person no?
How do you think I know my information .......Im certain you can figure that on your own....
listen to what people say here, for one if i was a fascist union do you actually believe I would be
on this site.....I dont think so. If I was any part of that union I would be halping these people to at least a fair shot.
hey maybe we can start a ministry of labour there....my god they wouldnt know what hit them..
So Anthony until you can give me concrete evidence that what im saying is not correct, you should really listen as to what is actually happing.But for now your mind is on union crap.
my mine is on the unfairness that barrick gold holds. but anthony guess what the mine is still closed till further notice...hmmm wonder why. THINK ABOUT IT.
Written by: CadeJ, 17 Nov 2010 8:46 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Luperon
apologies anthonyc, but I can prove that YOU are wrong. You stated that people had only certain choices, yet they did not select one of the choices. Therefore, they DID have another choice - albeit one that got some of them shot . . . :)
From: United States
Maltese, you demonstrate the same amount of ignorance and hypocracy that unfortunately many of the Dominicans share. Read the article again and think about it: "violent protests staged by laid off workers". Now as a reader the first question I asked was: Why would they resort to violence to get a point across? And the second was: "What exactly did they do?" In any case, resorting to violence over a severance check, regardless of the amount, is never acceptable.
Honestly Maltese, if you think Barrick is the only company in the world that "underpays" its locals, crawl outta your cave and take a look around. Nearly every company is the US does that with the illegal Mexicans we have here!!
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Nov 2010 9:05 PM
From: United States
CadeJ,
By choice I meant legitimate, legal, moral choices.
Violently attacking a individual or a private institution just because you didn't get what you want is violating their rights.
So to resort to something but the choices I offered is just immoral and wrong.
Written by: anthonyC, 17 Nov 2010 9:09 PM
From: United States
Maltese,
How dare you promote your fascism?
In what way shape or form is Barrick Gold acting unfairly? Are they FORCING anyone to work? Are they FORCING anyone to violate the law?
The Answer is no.
To demand that Barrick do anything to support your cause is FASCISM in it's most purest form.
You already have admitted you know nothing about the situation except what others have told you.....In Canada. We ain't buying that kind of Crazy.
Written by: maltese, 18 Nov 2010 12:46 AM
From: Canada
Obviously a few of you dont agree , this is a issue as this is a very scary situation as I was part of this evacuation......there you happy now......this is why Im sharing with you and saying facts. Have a heart.
The mine is as dead today as can be. just management and very little locals to feed the little that are there. sad for them as they are sitting at home waiting to be called back if they continue.. meaning barrick gold mine..still dont know whats happening. but hopefully by next week everything will be back on track.
I am within one of the companies .....so what other questions do you want to know....Anthony
All I can say is I truly feel sorry for the local emplyees , but none of us can do anything.
if the locals want more fairness they really need to go about it the right way.
I wish there was protestor yesterday at least no persons would have been evacuated.
because the protestors are outside the gate thats what makes us safe inside, but yesterday was within .
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
another shakedown of Barrick---------Release the Hounds and use the gas and rubber bullets on the protesters
Written by: Gringo_1, 19 Nov 2010 10:55 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Maimon (Bonao)
Maltese. Since you were onsite you know that Barrick pays THEIR workers very well, including private insurance. Barricks employees are not unhappy. You also must know that the current labor issues directly relate to GyM who is a sub contractor to Fluor. You should also know that most of GyM issues relates to ex-pat Peruvian workers. You should also know that the locals are not supporting this in anyway. Both Maimon and Cotui have been peaceful and their have been no huelgas in support. You also know the Ministry of Labor has been involved for quite sometime and Barrick is compliant with the local labor laws.
I suppose you are happy now because all of the locals are no longer recieving pay checks at all as a direct result of a violent protest by foreign workers. And yes, the ex-pats are probably still getting paid to sit on the beach while the gate is closed indefinitely. I am not affiliated with Barrick in any way whatsoever. Good Day.
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What a bunch of Douchebags! They get fired and then they think they have some kind of right to disrupt and attack Barrick?
Should have shot them all.
I'm right up there with you on this issue......
Maybe some one can shed some facts/truth.
they want to be paid.
if this was so called off the camp site then why did you all evacuate considering the camp is full of guards and security.all the companies fled to town if there was a protest the roads would have been blocked.
there would not of been a fire on the site , so why not say the truth now,
perhaps the workers now are fired......what a bunch of lies Barrick. are all your employees on site, NO they are scared , Sodexo and Fluor as well ...talk truth
How do you know all this when you are in CANADA?
although all the articles read has been about labour relations maybe its believable if we were to read 1 or 2 stories but many many stories and it keeps on over the same thing.
The expats there (which are huge amount of employees) from all ove the world . Barrick expats/ Fluor expats? Sodexo expats? Gym expats?Barrick gold Along with all expenses paid with a average income of 4000.00 -
8000.00 PER MONTH if not more..Plus free airline tickets to to there home wherever they live in the country then paid return trip. This is a sad thing to say but the dominican workers are paid monthly and lucky if they make 800.00 per month. and now we understand why they are demanding better conditions...
although they chose to work there knowing that all Expats make a huge dollars , why do you think people work from all over the world in camps. That is where the money is.
if they dont give any benefit..Only poisoning people , poisoning forever the land, not paying the employyes, using scam companies,,
WHY THE HELL they dont GO!
Don't they understand that they are not welcome in Dominican Republic?
Not a single inspector from Working Ministry?
The workers have no right? Not a U$10 million lawsuit , like would be the rule in the states?
Somebody should enforce the law!
Barrick gold,Sodexo also up next for a strike, Fluor ,
well for sodexo workers next inline for a strike for wage, righfully so
they have a expat Project Manager on site who makes 6000.00-8000.00 us dollars per month
then assistant expat project manager on site who makes probably the same or a liittle less.
then a country manager who lives in town in a paid home,vehicle,,all the expats managers within the camp.If Sodexo would get rid of half there chiefs maybe the Dominicans would have a fair chance.
all the above get paid tickets back home as well.
and Sodexo cant give the Dominicans more pay? sad very sad. but as all the articles state, the union should get in, Barrick gold, Fluor,the same expats with same conditions.
Are the Dominicans not capable of opperating the project there, but instead you have to fight them for a pay increase..Its amazing I think, and also not understandable.
so well said.........
its ok to be there but share and be fair with everyone, which this appears not the case.
Ok all you Dominicans now is your chance to get what you are asking for.....without you all there
there is NO operation.
lol go get it what are they going to do fire all of you ? I think not considering the union is started to be in place for u all.
how many of you are there 3000, 4000 people?
go get what you want , now is your chance. But when the gate is open ur chances are slim and yes then u can be fired for not showing up.
wish you all luck, stand your ground and geat respected and paid as you wish for..
I know this because I read and I care ....Like we all should when we get invaded...and to top it off not treated correctly.
We all have resposibilities to ourself, we decide what where when. we decide who we work for.
The Dominicans are very lucky and very unlucky.
lucky to be working?
unlucky for the lack of respect they get especially from an outside company who is hated everywhere.
HMMMM this seems to be a pattern for Barrick Gold where ever they are.
One would think been in a place not yours (and believe me if they were in this country this crap wouldnt be going down as the minister of labour would fix that in a hurry. You would think that they would go the extra mile and appreciate who works for them, how they got there and were aloud in to set up , but most of all all these EXPATS making top dollar and there workers from the Dominican make nothing that we could even think of living on , but Barrick/Fluor?Sodexo is forgetting without the Dr you have nothing.
I have no personal problem or issues with Sodexo, but the facts are the truth , and just stating the truth,
if you would read the messages I wasnt just talking expats sodexo Just what I know.
I know there is a union as stated before what does peru have to do with this. If they have any issues
its the same as everyone else there.
Also there is so many reports on sodexo and Barrick gold .....Just stating for the people there should fight for there rights.And get paid accordingly.
How many chiefs does Barrick or Fluor or sodexo need to operate such a high cost of pay when if the Peru as u say and the dominicans could get more if they would limit such high cost management .
whos sitting at home now not getting paid while the gate is closed....the dominicans whos getting top dollar right now.....Is the expats thats fair dont u think
A few Questions for Maltese.
Have you ever worked for Barrick Gold?
Have you ever worked in the Dominican Republic?
Have you even been to the Dominican Republic?
I await the answers to see if you are just another paid shill for a Fascist organization like ohhhvictor is.
Hey Douchebag. The article said "LAID OFF WORKERS"!!!!
Only in your world of feel-good ,stealing from the productive would Laid Off not be the same as FIRED.
the fact is the fact if you go to the camp you will see the operation is not moving.
Do you actually believe what the paper says?
These people are promised things and dont get it......with absolutely no back up
Is Barrick Gold suffering NO why because all the subcontractors there pay crap to the workers only.
I know all this because I know. its up to you to believe or not.
nothing ive said comes from the internet, except the labour disputes other than that like i said your choice.
you can say as you wish , but this is true facts.....
show me and prove to me Im wrong. Until then take all this as you wand.
I am only sharing with all of you the facts.
I am calling total BullSh*t on your part. It is apparent that your "sources" are from Fascist unions groups who despise the fact that work should be rewarded and compensated strictly on merit.
I can prove how you are wrong.
Nobody has a right to a job with Barrick Gold. NOBODY!!!!!
If you work for Barrick Gold and don't like your salary you have 3 choices.
#1 Quit
#2 Suck it up and keep working
#3 Peacefully protest off company property without disrupting the Peace.
Now if your fired from Barrick Gold you have 2 choices.
#1 Look for another job
#2 Peacefully protest off company property without disrupting the Peace.
Because of the Violence it is obvious that they didn't select one of the choices.
do as u wish
You are a smart person no?
How do you think I know my information .......Im certain you can figure that on your own....
listen to what people say here, for one if i was a fascist union do you actually believe I would be
on this site.....I dont think so. If I was any part of that union I would be halping these people to at least a fair shot.
hey maybe we can start a ministry of labour there....my god they wouldnt know what hit them..
So Anthony until you can give me concrete evidence that what im saying is not correct, you should really listen as to what is actually happing.But for now your mind is on union crap.
my mine is on the unfairness that barrick gold holds. but anthony guess what the mine is still closed till further notice...hmmm wonder why. THINK ABOUT IT.
Honestly Maltese, if you think Barrick is the only company in the world that "underpays" its locals, crawl outta your cave and take a look around. Nearly every company is the US does that with the illegal Mexicans we have here!!
By choice I meant legitimate, legal, moral choices.
Violently attacking a individual or a private institution just because you didn't get what you want is violating their rights.
So to resort to something but the choices I offered is just immoral and wrong.
How dare you promote your fascism?
In what way shape or form is Barrick Gold acting unfairly? Are they FORCING anyone to work? Are they FORCING anyone to violate the law?
The Answer is no.
To demand that Barrick do anything to support your cause is FASCISM in it's most purest form.
You already have admitted you know nothing about the situation except what others have told you.....In Canada. We ain't buying that kind of Crazy.
The mine is as dead today as can be. just management and very little locals to feed the little that are there. sad for them as they are sitting at home waiting to be called back if they continue.. meaning barrick gold mine..still dont know whats happening. but hopefully by next week everything will be back on track.
I am within one of the companies .....so what other questions do you want to know....Anthony
All I can say is I truly feel sorry for the local emplyees , but none of us can do anything.
if the locals want more fairness they really need to go about it the right way.
I wish there was protestor yesterday at least no persons would have been evacuated.
because the protestors are outside the gate thats what makes us safe inside, but yesterday was within .
I suppose you are happy now because all of the locals are no longer recieving pay checks at all as a direct result of a violent protest by foreign workers. And yes, the ex-pats are probably still getting paid to sit on the beach while the gate is closed indefinitely. I am not affiliated with Barrick in any way whatsoever. Good Day.