BCGI said that workers had begun returning to their jobs on Saturday.

The employees had been demanding an increase in salaries as well as protesting the decision of the bauxite company to lay off 75 workers.

Plant owners UC Rusal had closed down operations temporarily last week as the strike dragged on, having earlier claimed losses of up to US$350 million over the first week.

BCGI said that it would keep the promises made to workers to restart production and that it acknowledged the "loyalty and courage of those workers who returned to mine sites".

The company also said it was "exploring all options to enhance the yearend pay packet" to workers.

On November 22, workers at the company's operations at Aroaima and Kwakwani downed tools following a breakdown in negotiations.

Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union's acting general secretary Leslie Gonsalves said last week that the union and the company had agreed in principle that letters of suspension which were given to employees would be withdrawn.

- CMC