Wage Talks Deadlocked

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) in a dramatic move, at the end of the conciliatory proceedings today (October 29, 2009) between the Union and the Corporation under the Chairmanship of the Chief Labour Officer, withdrew its offer of three (3) per cent increase in wages/salary for this year.

The fifty (50) odd member Union team were astonished by Guysuco’s decision and recalled on previous occasions there were no such acts of provocation by the Corporation.

Members of the Union’s team belonging to the eight (8) sugar estate location immediately began to communicate thru the use of their mobile phones this unusual and provocative decision of the Corporation. It was reported that the workers are incensed by the Corporation’s move and already the factory workers at Rose Hall Estate have walked out forcing the factory to cease operation.

The Union sought to the end of the conciliatory proceedings, before the Chief Labour Officer deemed the talks deadlocked, to reach a settlement but the Corporation remained obstinate.

Members of the Union’s delegation opined that the Corporation’s three (3) per cent position became unchangeable at this time since the number most likely is identifiable with the Government’s position, noting Dr Roger Luncheon at recent post Cabinet press briefing, as reported in the October 16, 2009 edition of Kaieteur News, reportedly alluded to the need for political intervention regarding Guysuco’s wage dispute.