Dear Editor
THE GAWU was disappointed to see the comments of GuySuCo’s Corporate Communications Manager, Ms Audreyanna Thomas, in the June 28, 2018 Stabroek News relative to a picketing exercise by workers and pensioners of Uitvlugt Estate on June 27, 2018.

Ms Thomas is reported to have said that “…they are of the opinion that GAWU is using the situation to encourage workers to protest.” It seems to us that the GuySuCo spokeswoman is living in a disjointed reality and we cannot help to wonder whether she rationally considers her statement. Doesn’t she find it strange that workers would stand in the pouring rain, in order to let their strong views be aired? The fact that workers are willing to protest in spite of the adverse weather conditions should send a clear and unambiguous message to the corporation.

The news article goes on to say that Ms Thomas said our union should encourage workers to get bank accounts. Apart from the corporation never formally engaging us on its new policy, the statement, serves dismayingly to demonstrate, once more, the company’s clear, inconsiderate view of its employees’ realities and plight.

Rather than adopt a contemporary approach of discussion and dialogue, the corporation, like it has in recent times, literally, is commanding the workers to go in the direction it seeks. We urge the GuySuCo, as we have before, to listen sincerely to the workers’ concerns. Such an engagement we genuinely believe will be useful. Experience has thought us that the bull-in-a-china-shop approach does not breed success.

We urge also, once more, the GuySuCo to accede to the workers’ justifiable requests rather than continue to take a high-handed approach to the issue, which can only worsen a bad situation that workers face today.

Regards
Seepaul Narine
General-Secretary
GAWU