Sugar proceed on strike action

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) wishes to acknowledge that gangs of cane harvesters attached to Enmore, LBI, Rose Hall, Albion and Wales Estates have resorted to industrial action with effect from today (Wednesday) August 13, 2008 demanding an increase in pay.

The Union and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) are currently at the negotiation table. The Union’s 46 man delegation and the Corporation concluded one of the negotiating sessions yesterday (Tuesday) August 12, 2008 and agreed to meet again on (Saturday) August 16, 2008 to continue the negotiations.

The action by the workers caught the Union and undoubtedly the Corporation by surprise especially in light of the last day’s discussion which can be described as cordial.

The Union, in recognizing the need to have the negotiations concluded as early as possible, has intimated to the Corporation its willingness to refer the dispute to Conciliation if the parties cannot arrive at a negotiated settlement at the bilateral level. It is expected at Saturday’s meeting both the Union and the Corporation would agree to seek the services of the Ministry of Labour to assist in the resolution of the dispute.

At the conclusion of yesterday’s meeting the Corporation’s latest offer was 4½ per cent. The Union, pressing for a 15 per cent increase has shifted its position to 14¾ per cent in the spirit of compromise to find a settlement.