WE are today observing the context of a rapidly changing environment in the sugar industry. The term that most aptly describes these changes is “strikes”. The process of strikes by unions has been taking place for a long time now. However, in the last decade it has accelerated by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

Strikes in the sugar industry have been marked by the growing disputes between the union and GUYSUCO. While it is recognised that strikes has the potential to improve the quality of life of the workers in terms of increased wages and salary, better working conditions etc, We must also take cognisance of the devastating effects it will take on the economy.

GAWU as a union have made an invaluable contribution to the on-going development of the country, and stands ready to defend the interests of its membership in the industry. Our country continues to suffer from these strikes. Nothing much has been achieved since our nation’s return to the democratic fold of nations in October of 1992.Yet there are long-standing emerging challenges we, as a people and Guyanese must confront. While we recognise that the wages and salaries level does not meet the expectation of a direct living wage, it must equally be recognised that disputes is not the way forward.

The recent crisis in South Asia is a good example of this. The collapse of financial markets not only affected the economic fundamentals of South and North America and Europe, but also led to a “slow down “of those economies. It is government’s responsibility that, at both the industrial and representative, and the political levels, interested parties in disputes must behave responsibly. There are laws, rules and regulations to be followed. These guidelines must be adhered to by both parties if peace and order is to prevail in the sugar industry.
MOHAMED KHAN