SUGAR workers nationwide have downed tools after the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) failed to engage in collective bargaining with the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), despite the conclusion of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the ailing sugar industry.
GAWU’s President, Komal Chand during an interview with this publication highlighted that “the industry has been closed down by workers with effect from Saturday, given GuySuCo’s continued postponement of discussions with our union on the wages issue for this year.”
He said that GuySuCo was urged by the union over the past months to begin negotiations, given that the Corporation had fixed October 7, 2015 to address the Union’s claims for wages ad adjustment to certain fringe benefits.
However, the Corporation by letter dated October 06, 2015 to the Union requested a further deferment. The letter, in referring to the expected recommendations from the COI, GuySuCo stated inter alia:-
“Those recommendations you would agree will provide food for thought and a guide to all stakeholders on the way forward. Therefore, it would not be the opportune time for GuySuCo and the Union (GAWU) to commence negotiations when such an important report is awaited.
We trust that our employees who are members of your Union perceive the wisdom in our request and allow the momentum developed in production and productivity to prevail. The Corporation once again urges your Union and its membership to resume negotiations meetings after the report of the COI is submitted.”
The COI report was presented to the Ministry of Agriculture on October 19, 2015. Yet Chand lamented that the Union has been unable to get the Corporation to sit at the bargaining table for wages discussions.
A meeting is planned with all the workers to decide on a way forward.