GAWU Combat January/February 2013 edition by GAWU

Issue#:1 Volume#: 34

Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

EDITORIAL | EDITORIAL | EDITORIAL

February 2013: Love, Anniversaries – and Contractors

The second month of the calendar year finds Guyana celebrating both universal, international and national anniversaries and observances. Many countries in the Western World – including Guyana – choose to recognize February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day. Romantic mythology gives various origins to this lovers’ observance and celebration. The underlying motive, however, is the promotion of the emotion of love – that strong, desirable affection between young people. The Saint brought young lovers together, like another lovable mythical figure – Cupid. Now translated and expanded, the Valentine concept accommodates all ages, even groups and institutions. Who can reject the notion that love in some form is a pre-requisite for peace, development and progress. On our own national front, this February is the period of a few powerful, meaningful anniversaries: 160 years since Chinese immigrants first arrived in Guyana, 250 years since one of the most significant and sustained Slave Uprisings in this hemisphere – Kofi’s 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion against the Dutch plantation owners and military; and, of course, 43 years since independent Guyana opted for Republican status in February, 1970. Not at all to be outdone or overlooked, this February marks 37 glorious years since GAWU – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union – was recognized as the representative and legal bargaining agent for the nation’s sugar workers in the field and factory. Articles in this edition describe the struggles and achievements on behalf of the workers in an historic industry still pivotal to the nation’s economic survival. February precedes March, another month most significant for GAWU and the entire nation, as it includes reflective anniversaries of the passing of national hero and heroine – Cheddi Jagan and Kowsilla. But more on the latter in another edition. This February has witnessed a provocative, even controversial, issue on our industrial relations, constitutional, investment front/s. A Chinese contractor, Shanghai Construction Group, now engaged in the initial phase of construction of Georgetown’s Marriott Hotel, has elected to employ only nationals from China. Apparently, the contract between the Shanghai Construction Group and Atlantic Hotel Inc, the local company, makes this condition available to the Chinese contracting firm. Continued on page seven COMBAT: January/February, 2013

Sugar Industry struggles

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) has commenced this year’s (2013) first crop, following its poor performance, with a production of 218,064 tonnes sugar last year (2012). It has set itself a target of 71,665 tonnes sugar for the current first crop. Soon the year’s target will be known, when the Minister of Finance presents the National Budget to the National Assembly sometime next month (March, 2013). Production targets set by the Corporation during the last seven (7) years were far from being realised. It will be a further blow to the industry if the lowly-set target of 71,665 tonnes falls short by even five (5) per cent. The first crop which began during the first week of February, 2013 at Uitvlugt Estate, is progressing and currently, six (6) of the seven (7) grinding estates are in operation as at February 28, 2013. From the start of the crop up to week-ending February 23, 2013, the production has been 6,990 tonnes, as against its target at that time - 16,548 tonnes. Some rainy days and the non-starting of the crops on the scheduled dates on a few estates, lower cane yields per hectare than expected, among other things, explain the production variance. GuySuCo has the potential to produce at least 300,000 tonnes of sugar per year. From 2005, when its produc-

January/February, 2013

tion began to slump, to last year (2012) – a period of eight (8) years – the average production has been merely 238,439 tonnes. The industry is bedevilled in its agricultural sphere. The Board of Directors seems to be aware of the factors which are inhibiting production. Why are things not put right? Lest the industry’s production keep declining and its further decline leads to estate closures and/or privatization of the industry, a capable Task Force is urgently required. Such body’s mandate must include the scrutiny of every estate very often in the year to ensure that there is no default in upholding all required and necessary agricultural standards. In addition, the industry must urgently re-engerise its Research Centre to once again determine suitable and more productive cane variety/varieties for use in the industry. Flood-fallowing – a process in which fields are ploughed and harrowed then left for a period under water without being sown – must be the norm in every estate. In the past, on every estate a few hectares were left under flood-fallow every year on a rotational basis. When the land is flood-fallowed and placed under cultivation, the cane yield flourishes with fairly excellent production. Page One

GAWU General Council meeting in March, 2013 The first meeting of the 53-member General Council of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) for the year is to take place on March 23, 2013. The Union’s General Secretary will report on the Union’s activities and work since the General Council meeting of last December. The approximate 40page report will be discussed by members who belong to separate locations of union membership. The lowly target of 71,665 tonnes of

sugar set by the Guyana Sugar Corporation for the first crop this year against the backdrop of the production of 218,064 tonnes of sugar last year is a grave matter to sugar workers and all Guyanese, and will elicit much discussion. While the report will largely reflect on issues surrounding the industry’s workers and the industry itself, it will also dwell on matters pertaining to entities and union members in a number of non-sugar bargaining units.

GAWU Republic Day Message

GAWU in soldarity with Greek workers Flag Raising Ceremony at Public Buildings on February 23, 2013

In 1966 and before, there was national political consensus that British Guiana must become Independent Guyana. By 1970, it was again agreed – between the two political giants of the time, Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, and their followers – that the four-(4) year-old Independent State of Guyana should completely rid itself of British identity and become a Republic. Political leaders of that period, though having their rigid positions and disagreeMembers of PAME gather during a protest in Athens, on February 20, 2013. Thousands of anti- ments over power, its use and our nationausterity demonstrators took to the streets of Athens as unions staged a general strike to protest al development, submerged differences to the government’s spending cuts and tax hikes, which some predict will push unemployment to a join together to fashion the Birth of a Republic. We generally agreed to abandon stunning 30 per cent this year. The Guyana Agricultural and GenThe last few years have witnessed a pro- the British Monarchy as Head of State eral Workers Union (GAWU) expresses cess of robbery against the working peo- and the Privy Council as our highest its full solidarity and support with the ple in Greece – the sole aim and purpose Court, and we assumed full responsibilworking-class and other popular forces of which has been to safeguard the privi- ity for our military defence. Most of all, in Greece who have been engaged in lege and huge profits of the ruling clique Guyanese assumed a psychology of being strike actions since February 20, 2013. by diminishing the benefits, pay levels independent, in the nationalistic sense. In February, 1970 they wondered whethGAWU also condemns the draconian and social services of the people. er their leaders would justify the new and terrorist state violence which is being unleashed on the people of Greece We salute the continued and determined Republican status and lead them into the and their legitimate Organisation as they stance of the militant workers led by national prosperity the country’s natural seek to obtain once again the basic rights. PAME. Your protest actions against the resources promised. GAWU also stands in solidarity with anti-people policies of the Greek bourIt is against those reflections that the PAME’s struggles against further priva- geoisie are an inspiration to all peoples Guyana Agricultural and General Worktization, deregulation, liberalization and who are similarly reeling under the capiother anti-people policies of internation- talist crisis. Again, our full solidarity to ers Union (GAWU) joins the nation in celebrating the forty-third anniversary your struggling people. al finance capital. of our Republican status. As a workers’

representative body, the largest such organisation here, GAWU is, however, motivated to ask: what has 43 years of Republicanism brought to us, the citizens of the Republic? GAWU will not answer for everyone, but would urge Guyanese to reflect upon the work of the architects of the Republic, the leaders and their political parties, their work in Government and Parliament over the four-plus decades. What role did we, as citizens and workers, play within the context of what the leaders and their governments provided us? Two sets of administrations managed our present and our destiny since 1970. For twenty-two (22) years, the People’s National Congress prevailed. Now it is twenty (20) years since the PPP/C has governed, sometimes against greatly unfair odds. GAWU urges Guyanese, amidst the merriment of parades, floats, song and dance, to reflect on the role of all these players. GAWU also urges citizens to really begin to influence elected and other leaders to do our will – not theirs. Let’s make Republicanism meaningful. The very word means “power residing in the people”. Happy Mashramani, as we celebrate Republic Day.

“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars, or socialism” COMBAT: January/February, 2013

Page Two

Rose Hall workers remembered

- 43rd Anniversary commemoration activity held

Relatives of the fallen sugar workers ceremoniously pouring water on cane stalks, signifying the commitment to constuct a monument in honour of the workers

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), on (Sunday) January 13, 2013, held a simple exercise in the compound of Rose Hall Estate to commemorate the 43rd death anniversary of seven (7) workers who perished while at work. The seven workers were:- Ramdeo Singh, 32; Parboo 56; Abdul Gafoor 50; Seepersaud ‘Ivan’ Sarjudas, 34; Mohabir, Parboo’s brother, 51; Dhanpaul Baijnauth, 28; and Ranjeet Boodram, 29. They were required by the Management of the Estate to conduct the weekly cleaning of the three (3) factory clarifiers. The Government, shortly after the incident, appointed a three-person Commission of Enquiry to determine the circumstances of the demise of the men. The Commission, which was headed by Sir Kenneth Stoby, obtained evidence, visited the scene, and collected testimonies from various witnesses. In its report, the Commission concluded that the men died from the dangerous gases in the clarifier, such as hydrogen sulphide. This gas was caused by fermentation that existed from the presence of mud and other extraneous matter in the clarifier. The Commissioners blamed the owner of the factory for its failure to ensure compliance with the Factories (Safety) Regulations COMBAT: January/February, 2013

of 1953. Those regulations stipulated that workers must be provided with breathing apparatus and/or safety belts and ropes when cleaning the clarifier. The Report also faulted the Company for not dismantling the mud valves before the men entered into the clarifiers. The January 13, 2013 exercise was the first organized to remember the unfortunate event. Approximately 100 attendees, comprising sugar workers and residents from the community, among others, attended. Remarks were delivered by Cdes Harvey Tambron, Supervisors of the New Amsterdam office of Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU); Ivan Persaud, representing the IAC; Iris Sukdeo; Threbhowan Shiwprasad, Estate Manager, Rose Hall Estate; David Armogan, Chairman of Region Six; and Granville Felix, engineer of the Rose Hall factory at the time of the incident. The programme was punctuated with poem recitals and tassa drumming. Water was poured on some sugar cane stalks to signify the place in the factory where a monument would be erected in memory of the seven (7) victims. At the end of the exercise, the factory’s whistle blew off seven times in succession to honour the fallen workers.

WFTU Presidential Council to meet in March The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) will hold the second meeting of its Presidential Council after its 16th Congress on March 07–08, 2013 in Lima, Peru. Cde Komal Chand, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), who is a member of the Council, has been invited to participate in the work of the two-day meeting. The Presidential Council, comprised of trade union representatives from all corners of the world, will review the situation of the workers’ supported struggles in the world and the activities of the WFTU since the last Presidential Council meeting which was held in South Africa in February, 2012. The meeting will also identify major activities of the Organisation for this year. The WFTU was established in the wake of the Second World War, after the defeat of Hitlerite fascism as well as the foundation of the United Nations in June, 1945. It was formed to bring together trade

unions across the world in a single international trade union organization. Many trade unions from different countries attended the first Congress of the World Federation of Trade Unions, held in Paris from 3rd to 8th October, 1945. However, there was a split in this body with the creation of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) in 1949 and the advent of the Cold War. The WFTU is headquartered in Athens, Greece and focuses on organizing regional federations of unions in the Third World; campaigning against imperialism, racism, poverty, environmental degradation and exploitation of workers under capitalism; and in defense of full employment, social security, health protection, and trade union rights. The WFTU continues to devote much of its energy to organizing conferences, issuing statements, and producing educational materials. The WFTU’s affiliates represent 72 million workers from 110 countries.

The Union, in keeping with its Constitution, organises Branch Conferences at each Union Branch annually. At these Conferences, the work of the Branch during the preceding year is reviewed. The Conferences also elect new Branch Committees, which are charged with administering the affairs of the Branch for another year. Since the commencement of the year, a number of such Conferences were completed, and we provide you with the composition of the newly elected Committees:

mittee Members: Ramlochan Hardowar, Kelvin Walcott, Nester Farrel, Candais Stepherson, Vishnu Ramcharran, Glenroy Mackenzie, Suresh Persaud, Suresh Oudit, Ramrattan Mohan, Rudolph Gill and Mackerchan.

Meet your Branch Executives

Wales Estate Chairman: Talat Khan, Vice Chairman: Gordon Thomas, Secretary: Denis Leacock, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Leo Allyne; and Committee Members: Tesrah London, Krishandat Ramsammy, Michael Choottoo, Senarine, Vas Smith, Michelle Farley, Sharon Wiliams, Ramesh Bissessar, Rickey Rambeer, Pulmattie Gopaul, Parmand Latchman, Seeramchand Bharrat and Mohan Girwar Enmore Estate Chairman: Mahendra Nauth Tiwari, Vice Chairman: Roy Dundas, Secretary: Baulram Sukhram, Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer: Bejaimal Sukram; and Com-

Blairmont Estate Chairman: Julius Nurse, Vice Chairman: Rubraj Singh, Secretary: Bickram Singh, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Shiek Baksh; and Committee Members: Dharamdeo Bridgewalla,Gowkarran Inderjit, Chanderpaul Chandraram, Feddie Francis Budhoo, Verney Henry, Kumarie Kishore, Vejai Farhad, Roberto Prettipaul, Sohanlall Ragbeer, Shaine McPherson, Gwendoline Stephney, Deonarine Mahdenro and Abdool Rose Hall Estate Chairman: Mohamad Ahamad, Vice Chairman: Sohannauth Rabindranauth, Secretary: Charles Cadogan, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Collin Goodluck; and Committee Members: Hardat Lall, Rakesh Dhanraj, Eusi Bruce, Oscar Richardson, Bernard Moses, Badewattie Soodeo, Dwain Kesney, Glen McLeod, Kowsilla Ramotar, Sandra Parris, Vanessa Joseph, Inderjeet Persaud, Ramdolph Sinclair and Ramsawack Page Three

Libyan-style “democracy”: two years without Gaddafi

Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi

By Andrei Smirnov Mass protests are sweeping across Libya as the country marks the second anniversary of the beginning of a civil war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi. Two years after the fall of the Gaddafi regime, no new constitution has been drafted. The new authorities have obviously failed to maintain law and order. Crime is rampaging, and popular discontent is on the rise. Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has shut the borders with neighbouring Egypt and Tunisia from February 14 to 18 as a security precaution. Though the anti-Gaddafi revolt erupted on February 17, the main celebrations will take place on the 15th .

Airport security is being tightened. Meanwhile, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have suspended all flights to Libya until the 17th, citing “tensions on the grounds”. Earlier, Germany, France, Canada and other countries urged their citizens to immediately leave Benghazi over the imminent threat of terrorist attacks. Security is being tightened in the capital, Tripoli, and also in Benghazi, where four U.S. diplomats were killed in a bloody raid on the U.S. consulate last September. With anarchy and marauding flourishing in border areas where once strict law and order reigned under Gaddafi, most Libyans, particularly in the east, have been outraged by the authorities’ inaction. In addition to local extremists and “adventure seekers”, terrorists of all sorts, including groups of jihadists from Mali, have been pouring in. The “democracy” the West had once been so fervent in forcing upon Libya looks more like a medieval rule, says Director of the Cairo-based Java Center for Political Studies Rifaat Sayed Ahmad. “NATO air strikes threw the once prospering country by African standards back into the Middle Ages; and still worse, they plunged it into a civil war. The West used military force to install an obedient yet unpopular

Statement by the General Secretary of the WFTU, George Mavrikos, on the All-Indian General Strike on February 20-21, 2013

The Indian working class proved its determination in the struggle for the labour and social rights with a massive general strike. Dozens of millions of workers marched under the banners of the WFTU affiliated, class-oriented trade union organization. This is a loud message to the COMBAT: January/February, 2013

Indian government and the capitalists, and a great lesson for the international working class. We denounce with anger the state violence, the oppression of the employers, and the strike-breaking mechanisms aimed to weaken the united class response of the workers to the anti-labour policies causing acute problems to the Indian workers. We honour the martyrs of the struggle, who give their lives for the betterment of the living and working conditions of the working class. The WFTU once more expresses its support for the demands of the Indian trade unions.”

regime unable to deal with the religious and tribal feud that is tearing the country apart. Libyan oil and gas – that was the main target of NATO’s military intervention in the name of the noble goal of freeing ordinary Libyans from Colonel Gaddafi’s dictatorship, as one French TV program put it.” The unhappy outcome is hardly a surprise, and had been foreseen by analysts even before the intervention began, says Russian political scientist Stanislav Tarasov. “Not just Russian analysts, but Western ones as well, made such forecasts. Libya is fragmented and may, in prospect, split into two or even three states. Some territories ruled by certain tribal clans have set up their own borders. In this situation, attempts by the so-called central government to adopt an all-Libyan law, a constitution accepted by all, appear to be doomed. The West, which initiated the “Arab spring” in Libya, can offer nothing except the use of force.” No immediate improvements should be expected, though. Boris Dolgov, a senior researcher at the Center for Arabic Studies in Moscow, notes that Libya is a long way from stabilization. It is actually the hotbed of instability for the entire North Africa. “We are witnessing a spread of radical Islamism, as in the case of Mali and Algeria. The events in Mali and Libya are closely intertwined. Gaddafi waged a war on radical extremism, and kept the situation under control. More than 600 Islamists were in jails. After the fall of Gaddafi, they walked free and joined radical groups, including those operating in Mali.” Libya today is “a territory of absolute lawlessness”, as some Arab analysts call it; or rather, it’s a powder keg to which a blazing torch has already been brought.

What France wants in Mali By Roger Annis France perpetrated two large deceptions in conducting its military intervention into Mali six weeks ago. These have been universally accepted in mainstream media reporting. The first is that the unilateral decision to invade Mali on January 11, 2013 was hastily made, prompted by imminent military threats by Islamic fundamentalist forces against the South of the country, where the large majority of Malians live. The second is that France intends to quickly exit Mali. “French leaders have said they intend to start pulling out the 4,000 troops in Mali in March, to hand over security to the Malian army and to the U.N.-backed AFISMA force, an African military contingent,” says a typical report in the Chicago Tribune on February 18. Restoring capitalist stability in Mali will be a tough job. The Mali population is deeply sensitive to violations of its national sovereignty. And the peoples

of the world are weary from the recent military adventures in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. But the economic stakes leave France, the U.S and their allies little choice but to carry on with intervention. Billions of dollars of capitalist investment are pouring into Africa in an unprecedented grab for resource wealth. Mining investments from Canada alone have risen from $6 billion in 2005 to $31.6 billion in 2011. Meanwhile, as an article in the Toronto Star recently reported, there is a “troubling trend” in the continent toward “resource nationalism.” “Under pressure from civil society groups and labour unions, governments are driving a harder bargain” to obtain a better share of resource wealth, and perhaps improve environmental and other regulations. Far from planning any withdrawal, the imperialists are putting into place a long-term military occupation of Mali, likely masked with an “African” component and rubber-stamp approval of the UN Security Council. Page Four

Why Ecuador loves Rafael Correa It’s not luck but good financial judgment that has set the president on the path to victory in forthcoming elections

Ecuador’s President, Rafael Correa

By Mark Weisbrot Rafael Correa is far ahead of his nearest rival in Sunday’s presidential election in Ecuador, and is expected to easily win another four-year presidential term. It’s not hard to see why. Unemployment fell to 4.1% by the end of last year – a record low for at least 25 years. Poverty has fallen by 27% since 2006. Public spending on education has more than doubled, in real (inflationadjusted) terms. Increased healthcare spending has expanded access to medical care, and other social spending has also increased substantially, including a vast expansion of government-subsidised housing credit. If all that sounds like it must be unsustainable, it’s not. Interest payments on Ecuador’s public debt are less than 1% of GDP, which is quite small; and the public debt-to-GDP ratio is a modest 25%. The Economist, which doesn’t much care for any of the leftist governments that now govern the vast majority of South America, attributes Correa’s success to “a mixture of luck, opportunism and skill”. But it was really the skill that made the difference. Correa may have had luck, but it wasn’t good luck: he took office in January of 2007, and the next year, Ecuador was one of the hardest hit countries in the hemisphere by the international financial crisis and world recession. That’s because it was heavily dependent on remittances from abroad (eg workers in the US and Spain); and oil exports, which made up 62% of export earnings and 34% of government revenue at the time. Oil prices collapsed by 79% in 2008, and remittances also crashed. The combined effect on Ecuador’s economy was comparable to the collapse of the US housing bubble, which COMBAT: January/February, 2013

contributed to the Great Recession. And Ecuador also had the bad luck of not having its own currency (it had adopted the US dollar in 2000) – which means it couldn’t use the exchange rate or the kind of monetary policy that the US Federal Reserve deployed to counteract the recession. But Ecuador navigated the storm with a mild recession that lasted three quarters; a year later, it was back at its pre-recession level of output and on its way to the achievements that made Correa one of the most popular presidents in the hemisphere. How did they do it? Perhaps most important was a large fiscal stimulus in 2009, about 5% of GDP (if only we had done that here in the US). A big part of that was construction, with the government expanding housing credit by $599m in 2009, and continuing large credits through 2011. But the government also had to reform and re-regulate the financial system. And here it embarked on what is possibly the most comprehensive financial reform of any country in the 21st century. The government took control over the central bank, and forced it to bring back about $2bn of reserves held abroad. This was used by the public banks to make loans for infrastructure, housing, agriculture and other domestic investment. The Government put taxes on money leaving the country, and required banks to keep 60% of their liquid assets inside the country. It pushed real interest rates down, while bank taxes were increased. The government renegotiated agreements with foreign oil companies when prices rose. Government revenue rose from 27% of GDP in 2006 to over 40% last year. The Correa administration also increased funding to the “popular and solidarity” part of the financial sector –

co-operatives, credit unions and other member-based organisations. Co-op loans tripled in real terms between 2007 and 2012. The end result of these and other reforms was to move the financial sector toward something that would serve the interests of the public, instead of the other way around (as in the US). To this end, the government also separated the financial sector from the media – the banks had owned most of the major media before Correa was elected – and introduced anti-trust reforms. Of course, the conventional wisdom is that such “business-unfriendly” practice as renegotiating oil contracts, increasing the size and regulatory authority of government, increasing taxes and placing restrictions on capital movements are a sure recipe for economic disaster. Ecuador also defaulted on a third of its foreign debt after an international commission found that portion to have been illegally contracted. And the “independence” of the central bank, which Ec-

uador revoked, is considered sacrosanct by most economists today. But Correa, a PhD economist, knew when it was best to ignore the majority of the profession. Correa has had some bad press for going against the conventional wisdom and – perhaps worse in the eyes of the business press – succeeding. The worst media assault came when Ecuador offered asylum to WikiLeaks journalist Julian Assange. But here, as with economic policy and financial reform, Correa was right. It was obvious, especially after the UK government made an unprecedented threat to invade Ecuador’s embassy, that this was a case of political persecution. How rare and refreshing for a politician to stand firm against such powerful forces – the US and its allies in Europe, and in the international media – for the sake of principle. But Correa’s tenacity and courage has served his country well. EDITOR’S NOTE: Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa was re-elected for a third term with more than 50 per cent of the vote.

Modern Colonialism: Foreign

Investors Buy Up Vast Amounts of Developing World’s Farmland

By Der Spiegel Foreign investors are buying or leasing vast amounts of farmland in Developing World countries to profit from surging demand for food crops as a result of rapid population growth. “Land grabbing” amounts to a new form of colonialism that often runs counter to the interests of locals. A number of developing nations have sold or leased much of their farmland to foreign investors. The list is led by Liberia, whose arable land is 100 percent under foreign ownership.

The process is known as “land grabbing,” and it is affecting countries in Africa, South America, Asia and Eastern Europe. About half of the farmland of the Philippines is owned by foreign investors. In Ukraine, American companies have secured over one-third of the country’s farmland. Population growth in countries like India and Brazil is driving up demand for cereal crops, and investments in farmlands offer the chance of solid returns. In many cases, the population suffers from this new form of colonialism, and the planting of monocultures tends to sap the soil. Page Five

FITUG’s positions

GAWU’s principal grouping, FITUG, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana, has been issuing releases to reflect its position on issues of national and international significance. Since GAWU has had some inputs therein, COMBAT reproduces these items below

Refugees at a camp in Niger. Most of those displaced by the Mali conflict have little more than basic sheeting to protect themselves.

FITUG denounces European intervention in Mali The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) wishes to record its solidarity with the people of Mali who are witnessing their independence made into a farce by the deadly, arrogant intervention by France into their internal affairs. FITUG, whilst respecting the United Nations Security Council resolutions and even the good intentions of the West African bloc ECOWAS, cannot condone the naked, rampant aggression by a Western power like France, seemingly eager to demonstrate the colonial domination it once had in that part of resource-rich Africa. We know that the real objective of the France-NATOAmerican alliance is the minerals in Mali. Like the World Peace Council, FITUG understands that their “goal is the energy resources which are the object of fierce rivalry between imperialist forces and centers, which however, go hand in hand in the slaughter of the peoples under various pretexts each time”. We must express our outrage over the new crime of imperialist France, which is preparing, together with its NATO allies, to attack and intervene against Syria, while threatening Iran. We demand the immediate end of the aggression and the withdrawal of French military forces, along with the ones of the European Army and NATO. And like our esteemed international trade union body, the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), we echo their sentiments that:“The military intervention was presented as a response to the request of the Malian President, DioncoundaTraore - the President who was appointed in his position after the military coup of last March. This French-led military operation in its former colony has been joined by Britain, Germany and the European Union, as well as USA, Canada and ECOWAS, all of whom have already been sending troops and airforce to Mali and have been providing their support, according to the December resolution of the United Nations Security Council. After the genocide in Rwanda and the demolition COMBAT: January/February, 2013

of Libya, France continues to use the military bases it maintains in Africa in order to strengthen its role in the inter-imperialist competition, and to serve the interests of its monopoly groups who are plundering the wealthproducing resources (gold, uranium etc.). This orchestrated conflict between all the belligerents is another bloody show in the wounded African Continent, with the African people paying a heavy toll, aiming for the protection of the French interests in the uranium mines found in Tuareg areas of the West-African Region, the inter-imperialist competition for the control of the wealth-producing resources of Mali and the placement of puppet-governments in the African countries serving the leading imperialist forces.” FITUG joins all international working-class representative bodies in denouncing this openiy imperialist intervention in Africa. France and its greedy allies must vacate Mali now. Let the Malian people solve their internal challenges as the independent nation which they are. FITUG welcomes Government’s long-delayed Minimum Wage The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), the nation’s majority trade union grouping of some 30,000 registered workers, hereby warmly welcomes Government’s announced intention to establish a truly national wage – in every sense of that concept. Though somewhat overdue, FITUG appreciates the Office of the President’s declaration a few days ago that a high-level team of Government Ministers will be established to decide upon the element contributing to what will determine such a wage, and upon the actual new wage itself. FITUG reminds all concerned that, at its last Conference held on November 07, 2012, a resolution was passed which stated in part: “That Guyana does not have a national minimum wage, so except for those sectors covered by minimum wage orders or where rates are fixed by negotiation between management and union, the employer and employee have to negotiate and fix the rate. In many industries there are prevailing rates, and the employee automatically accepts those rates when joining the work force. That this 4th Delegates’ Conference calls on the Government of Guyana to introduce legislation which allows for the creation of a National Minimum Wage That the National Minimum Wage legislation provides for the annual improvement of such wage in order to maintain workers’ standard of living”. We are heartened that the National Tripartite Committee, comprising representatives from the Government, the Private Sector and the Labour Movement, is strongly supportive and has recommended that the National Minimum Wage be no less than the present Public Sector Minimum Wage. FITUG also supports the notion that the implementation of a National Minimum Wage will generate tremendous goodwill, and it will be to the honour of the Government, the Private Sector and the Labour Movement when it becomes operable. The Federation wants

this crucial working-class issue implemented within the next three (3) months. It is noted that national minimum wages already exist in a number of Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda. FITUG concerned over exclusion of Guyanese labour from Marriott construction The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) wishes to join all other stake-holders who hold the view that contractor constructing the Marriott International Hotel, the Shanghai Construction Group, has not seen it appropriate to employ Guyanese labour at this phase of the project. FITUG cannot cast blame upon the Chinese contractors, as all builders and investors seek the most convenient and economical labour force and conditions from which they can get the most. FITUG, however, finds fault with the local company, Atlantic Hotels Incorporated (AHI), clearly not insisting that available Guyanese with required skills and expertise be given first consideration for employment in the project, and only after exhausting such a recruitment drive, should non-Guyanese be onsidered. One telling and significant implication that can emerge from this short-coming and short-sightedness is the whole question of foreign investors’ employment practices with respect to specific contracts. This consideration can well lead on, one way or the other, to other relevant questions about our development thrust at this time. FITUG intends to pursue questions further, and will seek to meet with Ministry of Labour and other relevant Ministries to be better acquainted with the employment clauses of various agreements entered into. At the same time we intend to raise our principled stand regarding the question of the employment of qualified Guyanese to various projects while not disrespecting the contractor’s rights. The Marriott Hotel project has attracted, over time, unusual controversy. Among the commentaries one heard was that it was a non-starter. In the recent debate of the project in Parliament, its viability and necessity were questioned. Now that the project is diligently moving ahead, the contentious ‘employment practices’ has arisen. The government, on the other hand, remains confident that the Marriott project is another step in the development direction, and pointing out that, even at this initial phase, the spin-off activities redound to our economic benefit. While developmental matters are necessarily ongoing, the relevant state officials may be well advised to ensure that uncalled for blunders are avoided. After all, employment of Guyanese is one of the stated benefits from our many projects, of which Marriott is one. Concern over employment comes naturally to those of us who are Trade Union activists, and we must literally daily interact with the labouring masses. For those who take or support measures – be they cuts in the National Budget that threaten workers’ jobs, or that of the Marriott experiences – we see as unfriendly to workers and their families. Our country will hardly go forward in such circumstances. FITUG will always stand by the working class in their just struggles and demands. Given their critical role in wealth creation, they deserve greater respect and recognition from the elites of our society. Page Six

The Mashramani Festival – celebrating our Republic

GAWU Labour College commences 2013 classes

“Reflecting Creativity, Embracing Diversity”

Students who attended one of the five-day courses

One of the many Mashramani floats as it makes its way through the thousands of onlookers on February 23, 2013

It’s a Guyanese thing! Yes, hopefully, most Guyanese now understand that the Mashramani festival – some one-month -long – is actually the celebratory aspect of observing our Republican Anniversary every year. The Mashramani festival - showcasing the best of Guyanese culture in terms of song, music, dance, costume, exhibitions, parades and public entertainment from art to drama - is now also complemented with discourses, debates, lectures and cultural re-enactments relevant to the February 23 date, the anniversary of the significant, 250-year-old Berbice Slave Rebellion. This year’s Mash will recapture the spirit of that uprising even as the fun aspects proceed merrily. Since the Arawak word Mashramani has as its meaning “celebrations after successful work or achievement”, it is thought appropriate that the nation pause to enjoy a brief period of creative, cultural recreation even as we reflect on

the achievements and challenges of the forty-three-year-old Republic. So, from the sober countrywide Flag Raising ceremonies; the School Children’s parades; dramatic presentations; poetry, art and essay competitions; the contests in Chutney, Steel Pan, Calypso, Masquerade and Soca, Guyana celebrates with some meaning. It is to be hoped that the harmony in celebration translates into unity of purpose in peaceful co-existence and progress for all diverse groups. Even our countrymen and women from overseas are lured back to be Guyanese in the sun and rain of joy and identity. Mashramani – somewhat like the Christmas Festival – offers Guyana the opportunity to heal, to reflect, to enjoy, to live in love and celebration in February and beyond. The 2013 Mashramani/Republic Anniversary theme is “Reflecting Creativity, Embracing Diversity”. Let’s live that advice. Happy Mashramani to all!

February 2013: Love, Anniversaries – and Contractors Continued from page one Combat, therefore, sees this issue as an opening to debate the whole issue of international investment contractors – this transparency, accountability and respect for sovereignty. Especially as they relate to employment of staff to work on local projects. And again, especially when a component of the project attracts Guyanese tax-payers money! COMBAT: January/February, 2013

The right of the contactor to his preffered staff and expertise to get a job done efficiently and professionally, with minimum distraction, is to be respected. But the constitutional and legal rights of the Guyanese worker, when his/her taxes will pay for the project’s success are also to be practically considered. Meanwhile, may both February and March, 2013 being all success in our endeavours.

In the months of January and February, 2013, two (2) five-(5) day residential courses for sugar workers were conducted by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) at its Labour College. Altogether, 48 workers attended. One-day courses are also to be organized for union members outside of the sugar industry. There was also a one-day seminar that was organized by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) on January 30, 2013, which saw an attendance of 34 participants. Eleven (11) other five-day residential courses are scheduled to take place at the College this year. Topics of the five-day courses included:

An understanding of Collective Labour Agreements, The Challenges and Prospects of Guyana’s Sugar Industry, NIS Benefits, Political and Economic Structure of Guyana, Class division of Society, Capitalism and the Current Global crisis, Operation of a Company, a Short History of GAWU, GAWU’s Organizational Structure, The Role Of The Shop Steward. Last year ten (10) five-day courses were conducted, which totally attracted 276 participants. FITUG also conducted at the GAWU Labour College last year four (4) one-day seminars with an aggregate attendance of 119 members of the four (4) affiliated unions of the Federation.

Residents of Berbice will soon have an upscale and comfortable cremation site within a garden setting for the cremation of their deceased relatives and friends. The site is at Blairmont Estate on lands donated by Guysuco, and its easy access will make it convenient for all of West Berbice, as well as residents of East Berbice, including New Amsterdam, who wish to make use of the facilities at Blairmont. The leader of the project is Mr Nowrang Persaud, retired Human Resources Director of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (Guysuco), and of the United Nations. He is supported by a Committee which includes the GAWU Field Secretary of Blairmont Estate as well as several community leaders. Many individuals and several businesses and organizations, including GAWU, have made substantial donations, and the society has raised over five million dollars from a raffle which was generously supported by Guyanese in and out of Guyana. So far, much effort and funds have been spent on clearing the land, raising the level by several inches above ground to prevent flooding and fencing the site to keep away animals and provide security

for the structures and tools and implements. Also, several dozen trees have been planted, which will not only provide the right ambience but also shade for any number of persons who opt not to be seated in the pavilion. A major item of expenditure has been the internal allweather road which will allow the hearse to drive freely right up to the pyre and for family cars to also enter as necessary. A parking lot is also available. Currently, the Viewing Pavilion for seating accommodation, washroom, and refreshment facilities catering for at least 200 persons are under construction. Materials for the construction of the pyres are also being procured, so that before the construction of the pavilion is done, at least one pyre will be ready for use. It is hoped that the construction pf at least one additional pyre will be done depending on demand . Initiatives have also been taken to have the main access road upgraded to an allweather road. The Crematorium already has a fulltime Caretaker, and will be managed by a registered body – the Blairmont Crematorium and Memorial Garden Society.

An upscale crematorium at Blairmont

Page Seven

2013 - thirty-seven years of recognition in sugar

- GAWU’s sustained struggle for sugar workers tillage operators, mechanical cane harvester operators, bell loader operators, scrappers, and support hands of the cane cutting gangs. 11. Improvements in detainance and delayance payments. Detainance is compensation paid to workers for the time spent waiting on cane punts, in the case of cane cutters; or planting materials, in the case of cane planters. In the past, workers had to complete the task next day. Delayance payments are applicable to field workers, it is paid when the arrival of workers at their work site exceeds a certain time. 12. Approval of a disturbance allowance. Workers who are required to work for a day or a few consecutive days on another estate are paid the allowance. 13. Twenty (20) days per annum are deemed as “nonavailable” days or approved absent days from work to every worker whose sick leave is approved by the Estate’s Medical Officer, once he/she has been hospitalized partly or fully during the twenty-(20) day period.

Representatives of GAWU and the Sugar Planters Assocation signing the Recognition Agreement on February 27, 1976

Our Union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), on February 27, 1976, became at last, the union recognized by the Sugar Producers Association (SPA), now the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (Guysuco), for the then approximately 21,500 field and factory workers in the sugar industry.

4. There are three (3) Holiday-with-Pay (HWP) regimes, as against two (2) in the past, the additional one is deemed third-week holiday-with-pay.

On the occasion of the 37th anniversary of GAWU’s recognition, Combat takes the opportunity to highlight the following changes and adjustments since the Union’s recognition.

6. All agricultural tools and safety equipment are provided pro-bono to workers.

1. Working hours of time-rated workers have been reduced from 48 to 40 hours per week without loss in pay. 2. Qualifications for benefits, namely:- Annual Production Incentive (API), Weekly Productive Incentive (WPI), Holiday with Pay (HWP), Sickness and Provident Benefits were adjusted from 82.5 per cent to 80 per cent of the available working days. For example, in a work week of six (6) days in the past, a worker was required to work 82.5 per cent of the six (6) days to qualify for the aforementioned benefits. He/she is required currently to work 80 per cent of five (5) days. 3. An injured worker does not suffer loss in pay for up to 24 days per year. The employer complements the payment of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to one hundred (100) per cent of the worker’s earnings.

5. Field and factory workers are transported to and from work as far as it is practicable.

7. There has been improvement in the number of paid releases for workers to attend trade union seminars/ courses and Union Congresses. 8. The adoption of a Monthly Production Incentive (MPI) scheme, later changed to Weekly Production Incentives (WPI). Through WPI, workers receive an average day’s pay on achievement of the Estate’s Weekly Sugar Production Target. 9. Not more than eight (8) days as Annual Production Incentive (API) was possible with production of 300,000 tonnes of sugar. Similar API entitlements are now attainable for lesser quantum of sugar production; for example, in 2012, 6.76 days’ pay were awarded to workers on the achievement of 218,064 tonnes of sugar. 10. Special personal performance incentives (PPI) are provided to certain dependable workers, namely:cane harvesters, planters, shovelmen, mechanical

14. Payment of make-up maternity benefit and non-engagement in arduous work from early pregnancy are strictly followed. In the distant past, pregnant employees once identified were relieved of their jobs until they returned to work after pregnancy. 15. The conduct of a Company-Union job evaluation exercise in 2011 resulting in approximately 7,000 time-rated workers receiving an average increase in pay of 34 per cent with effect from July 01, 2011. Arising out of the evaluation, seven (7) new wage bands were formulated, providing for higher rates of pay. Also, eligible workers benefited from a service payment which saw them receiving a two (2) per cent for each year of service they were in their current positions, up to a maximum of ten (10) years. Of importance since the Union’s recognition there has not only been reasonable improvement of working conditions, but also the earnings of workers, inclusive of their monetary benefits and incentives. The Union has also established the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Co-operative Credit Union Society Limited, which thousands of workers save part of their earnings. The Union has been awarding 24 bursaries to workers’ children every year; and in event of death of a worker, his/her beneficiary is awarded a death benefit. The College of the Union, named the GAWU Labour College, is a great achievement for the Union, having placed workers’ education as one of its top priorities.

COMBAT is a publication of the Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union (GAWU) 59 High Street & Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana, S.A. Tel: 592-227-2091/2; 225-5321 , 223-6523 Fax: 592-227-2093 Email: gawu@bbgy.com Website: www.gawu.net