GAWU disappointed with Tribunal Award

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the thousands of sugar workers it represents are sadly disappointed at the Award by the Gobind Ganga Arbitration Tribunal. The Tribunal, at a hurriedly summoned meeting on (Tuesday) 8th December, 2009, presented the Report of the Tribunal to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (Guysuco) at the Roof Garden of the Bank of Guyana. With respect to the wage/salary adjustment for this year (2009) the Report states “The Tribunal recommends an across the board increase of 3.0 per cent for 2009 which should be paid no later than the end of March, 2010.”

Indeed, sad days are ahead for the thousands of toiling, productive sugar workers. THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTED TRIBUNAL undoubtedly, in executing its special mandate, ignominiously transferred and embraced the three (3) per cent offer proposed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco) originally. GAWU sees this as an injustice of the highest order. To add insult to injury to the poor sugar workers, the sugar bosses have been given until 31st March, 2010 to pay the pittance.

Unlike, the public servants, according to a reliable source, who would be paid a five (5) per cent increase retroactive to 1st January, 2009, and which according to the source is currently being computed or has been computed awaiting the official ANNOUNCEMENT by the Government. Certainly the public servants deserve greater than five (5) per cent vis-à-vis the cost of living and the LOWNESS of the wages and salaries of those at the bottom. Our solidarity is with them!

From indications the GAWU is of the opinion that those who manage and those who give directions to the management of the sugar industry are poised to carry out more onslaughts on the workers. We understand that a “Specialist” who now manages the sugar industry intends to give workers no Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2009. Even in the worst days of sugar production in 1990 – 129,920 tonnes – five (5) days’ pay were awarded as Annual Production Incentive (API).

Workers must look out for Closure and Retreat from the gains they have fought for and won in previous struggles. They must be vigilant as they continue the struggle against the anti-workers elite.

To cover up for management’s failure, the ground is being prepared for blame to fall on the Union and the Workers.

GAWU condemns these acts of deception and provocation by the Guysuco management.

The Union will summon its General Council to discuss, among other things, how to protect our members at this new crossroads juncture confronting the industry once again after the rescue two (2) decades ago. Following the General Council Meeting we will consult our membership and fraternal organization of developments and prospects before us.