LaTonya Linton, Gleaner Writer
BAUXITE GIANTS Windalco said yesterday that it would be reporting National Workers Union (NWU) vice-president Norman DaCosta to the police after he carried out aggressive actions that caused members of its management team to fear for their lives.
In a statement issued yesterday, Windalco said that, during a meeting yesterday, the NWU raised several items which were not related to the wage negotiations on the agenda.
"These included the investigation into the fatality at Kirkvine, worker insurance and sick-out incident in 2005," Windalco said. "Mr. DaCosta continued in a very belligerent and aggressive manner, refusing to dwell on the negotiation offer."
ACCUSATIONS DENIED
In response, Mr. DaCosta told The Gleaner yesterday that he was aware of the accusations.
"I categorically refute and deny these wild and baseless accusations being made," Mr. DaCosta said.
According to Windalco, when its Human Resources Director Marcia Tai Chun left the room to make a phone call, Mr. DaCosta "instructed one of the local delegates to not only follow her but keep her within earshot."
Windalco added that company representatives subsequently noticed that Mr. DaCosta's firearm was "exposed". They requested a recess, which was refused by the NWU vice-president.
Mr. DaCosta then allegedly pushed a filing cabinet behind the door, effectively blocking the exit and dared members of the negotiating team to leave.
In addition to the police, the matter was to be reported to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the president of the NWU, requesting their intervention.
"Under the circumstances, the company will not be meeting with Mr. DaCosta and the NWU delegates until the personal safety of the company's negotiating team is assured," Windalco said.
