Sugar workers lament poor quality PPEs

- GuySuCo commits to resolving challenges

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) through discussions have reached an agreement regarding payments to employees who were terminated by the Commission. Previously, the GAWU held that the now former workers were entitled by virtue of their letters ought to receive severance entitlements consistent with the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA).

The disagreement between the Union and the Commission saw the workers with the support of the GAWU taking protest actions to press their demands. Following our protests, we resumed dialogue with the Commission on the matter. Given the protracted period, the GAWU felt it wise to continue discussions with a view of reaching an amicable settlement between the parties.

Through those discussions, the GAWU and the workers agreed to certain proposals wherein the Commission agreed to certain ex-gratia payments to workers. The workers felt the proposal was adequate and took account of the long and several battles to reach to that point. As a result, the Commission has now made available the payments to the workers.

The GAWU was heartened by the developments and recognised the importance of good faith, open and frank discussions to bring about a settlement. We believe this augurs well for all involved.

During out of crop visits to all estates, union officials’ attention was drawn to the poor quality of personal protective equipment (PPE) being provided to workers by the GuySuCo. Through the collective labour agreement (CLA) between the GAWU and the GuySuCo, the Corporation is obligated to provide certain PPEs and tools to workers at specific intervals. From engagements with workers, they shared that while they are in receipt of their PPE, sometimes with delays, the quality of the items purchased is highly suspect. In many instances, workers demonstrated that the PPEs purchased were not durable and attempts to secure replacements required, in some instances, an elongated process.

The Union following its visit drew to GuySuCo’s attention its observations in respect of PPEs. The company acknowledged the concern and shared it encountered difficulties with timely supplies arising from global challenges. It committed to ensuring that adequate and durable PPEs were purchased. At a GAWU/GuySuCo meeting on February 24, 2023, the Union used to opportunity to demonstrate the quality of PPEs which shocked the GuySuCo officials, including Board members, who were present. The company committed itself to ensure that all outstanding issues were addressed.