I AM tempted to respond to the misinformation being propagated by some sections of the media regarding the relations between the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

GAWU’s misrepresentation of workers’ rights took a new twist following the dismissal of Navin Chandarpal from Office of the President and his employment with GAWU. This marked the beginning of the recent antagonism by the union. Rather than fighting for legitimate workers’ rights and the upward mobility of the sugar sector, the union seems to be supporting presidential ambitions.

At a recent meeting to discuss the future and viability of the sugar industry, President Jagdeo, PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar as well as Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, were present, but the President of GAWU did not see the importance and avoided the meeting. Workers expressed their understanding of what the industry is undergoing and were against the strike action.

Further, the president of GAWU and Member of Parliament Mr. Komal Chand, is aware of the numerous difficulties that exist within the industry as it relates to resources for the government to take the industry to higher levels.

However, GAWU in recent months, being influenced by certain elements, seeks to disregard workers’ welfare and the entire sugar industry and now is on a campaign to support presidential ambitions.

Whilst workers interest are misrepresented and in some cases not represented at all, their dues continue to pay an exorbitant salary to the new GAWU star, who seems to be calling the shots.

Workers are no fools and the time has come to expose GAWU and its indirect or direct role in fertilizing certain presidential ambitions. What about the rights of workers?