AMAZON Caribbean (Guyana) Limited, better known as AMCAR has recognised the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) as the bargaining agent for its employees.

The two parties signed a Recognition and Settlement of Disputes agreement at the Department of Labour, Ministry of Social Protection, Brickdam, Georgetown, in the presence of Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle on Friday.

GAWU President Komal Chand praised the agreement which recognises the union as the bargaining agent for the 35 employees based at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice.

The employees approached the union seeking representation and had made an application to be considered by the board since 2014.

Chand noted that there were delays in formalising the agreement as all contentious matters had to be resolved, pointing out that these were done in an amicable manner, resulting in the inking of the agreement.

He is now looking forward to fruitful relations with the heart of palm processing company.

Meanwhile, Amazon Caribbean (Guyana) Limited Chief Executive Officer Jean-Francois Gerin said his company has been a certified agro-processor of perishables since 1997 and is very pleased to ink the recognition agreement.

The company, he said, is here to push the agro-industry and wants to see fruitful collaboration.

Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle said he is satisfied the parties have reached an agreement and is optimistic that they can wrap up the conditions-of-work labour agreement soon.

Trade unions, he said, are here to help build, not to disrupt and their place is to negotiate and make representation for workers and act as watchdogs against malpractices at the workplace.