Issue#:3 Volume#: 35
Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)
May/June, 2014
Advancing Workers’ Interest for Future Development
- GAWU President’s Labour Day Address
Under our May Day’s Theme: “Advancing Workers’ Interest for Future Development”, allow me to greet you and all Guyanese workers on this red-letter day, when we join with workers in a number of countries who, like us, are celebrating and observing this day. GAWU is pleased to see your response today. It shows the unity of the Unions belonging to FITUG, whose members have just marched in an orderly way from Independence Ground and covered many streets in Georgetown. Comrades, this tradition of May Day, we recall, has revolutionary beginnings. It goes back to May 01, 1886, when workers in Chicago, USA started a general strike for an eight-hour work day. Two (2) days later, the police, as usual, were unleashed on them, killing six (6) workers. On May 04, a protest rally took place in a square called Haymarket. At that rally, a bomb exploded and the very large contingent of police who were in readiness went into action, engaging in more shootings, beatings and brutality. Eight of the strike leaders were arrested that day. Of them, four were sent to the hangman’s noose. As they went to their deaths they were singing the revolutionary song called the Marseillaise. And one of them, August Spies, before life was squeezed out of him, shouted these words: “The time will come when our silence will be more powerful than the voices you strangle today.” Thus, working-class history refers to the Haymarket Martyrs from which came May Day. The decision to name May 01 an international day of workers was taken COMBAT: May/June, 2014
in 1889 at a meeting of Socialist parties, known as the Second International, to honour the struggles and martyrdom of those who sacrificed so much to better their lives, and in the process better the lives of workers everywhere. But comrades, those history-making and inspiring events occurred one hundred and twenty-eight years ago. During this time, many battles have been fought by the working-people and oppressed worldwide, and many gains have been made too; but some critical things remain the same. As we follow the developments of today ,much of the experiences of a century and a quarter ago are again replayed, albeit in a new and different context. The working class, youth, students and pensioners again find themselves at the centre of class struggles raging in different corners of the world. International Situation Comrades, at the international level, fast moving developments are taking place. Anxieties over our world’s direction are still upper-most on peoples’ minds. The world situation remains complicated, yet one can see with growing clarity trends and patterns that are defining our times. Ever since the break-up of the world socialist system a little over two (2) decades ago, US imperialism has run roughshod across our planet. It saw new opportunities to impose the neo-liberal model of capitalism on coun-
tries, to realize its age-old dream of world domination, and to cast its greedy eyes on the resources owned by the peoples. In its triumphalism, it took the title as the ‘sole superpower’ and is seen as such. For those who walked in the corridors of power in the US Empire, the world became ‘unipolar’, and they, in the new conditions, sought to usher in a new world order. But, as we have seen, by 2008, the developed capitalist countries experienced the biggest crisis since the 1930s, and one whose effects are felt around the world. As a system, capitalism is governed by laws; and whilst it is based on exploitation of workers and driven by the need to accumulate, it has in-built contradictions which inevitably lead to crises. Today’s crisis is not only one of its biggest, but also one which is not easily going away. In seeking a solution, the ruling classes are throwing the burden on the backs of the working class, youth, pensioners and other segments of the people. The results of the crises and the measures resorted to by the rulers are, for millions, growing unemployment, homelessness, cutting of pensions, less spending on social services, widespread impoverishment of the masses. This is the price workers and their families must pay for the greed of the ruling class. The working class, allied with other forces, must wage the struggles not only for their betterment, but importantly also, for change of this system. Continued on page three (3) Page One
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
No wonder sugar production remains poor
Noble House gets new owners
Workers engaged in the processing of fish
Noble House Seafoods Limited (NHSL) is now owned by Parlevliet & Van der Plas (P&P), which replaced Heiploeg Group which had owned the Company for a number of years. The 250-member workforce represented by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was uneasy when it heard that the Company would change ownership. Thus GAWU wrote the company, on March 24, 2014, requesting a meeting to discuss if indeed
there would have been change of ownership. The Company, on May 06, 2014, met with the Union’s leaders and the shop stewards. It was confirmed that the Company would change ownership. NHSL, however, assured the delegation that the workforce would remain intact, and the conditions of employment would be honoured by the new Company through the Collective Labour Agreement between the Union and the Company.
New allowances for GFC employees TOP: a newly planted field with proper germination, BOTTOM: a field with poor germination
Dear Editor, It is no wonder that sugar production remains poor and well below acceptable levels in recent times. There are many problems which are plaguing the sugar industry at various fronts, and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) ought to be adequately addressing them. At the agricultural level, we continue to witness, at times, slipshod field work rather than to adhere to known proper standards and best practices. In the backdam of LBI cultivation, it was observed that two fields, numbered 47 and 49, which are twelve (12) hectares in size, were planted with cane tops on March 13, 2014 by semi-mechanical
planting. After some days, it was found that there was extremely poor germination of the cane plants, because the hard soil should have been irrigated for a few days prior to the planting exercise. The two fields, about two (2) months after the semi-mechanical planting was done, were flood fallowed for almost a week and then replanted by labourers. What a cost to the Estate to undertake the same costly work twice. GuySuCo can ill-afford such careless approach to cane Harvested logs in the forests of Guyana, the GFC is responsible for the management and growing. No wonder sugar production sustainable utilisation of our country’s forest resources remains poor. The employees of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) have recently ob- Meals Allowance:Yours faithfully, tained new rates as follows: Breakfast - $400 Concerned sugar worker Field Allowance - $2,100 per day Lunch - $850 Out-of-Pocket - $800 daily Dinner - $850 Camp allowances - $900 per day Station Allowance:The new rates have been implemented A Category - $12,000 per month retroactively from January 01, 2014 af B Category - $14,000 per month ter the Guyana Agricultural and General C Category - $17,000 per month Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guy Residing in Trailer Houses or ana Forestry Commission (GFC) signed Company Apartments - $22,000 on May 27, 2014 the agreement effecting per month the new rates. GAWU represents about Residing in camps provided by 250 persons of the Commission’s work Concessioners - $2,100 per day force
“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars, or socialism” COMBAT: May/June, 2014
Page Two
Advancing Workers’ Interest for Future Development
Continued from page one And comrades, in addition to the economic crisis of capitalism, troubling for us working people also are the spread of wars and various military adventures and activities, literally going on across the world. Beginning with the invasion of Iraq at the beginning of this century, the Chief Spokesman of US Imperialism promised a New World Order. It looks like we indeed have a New Order, and one of its distinguishing features is clearly perpetual war and military conflicts, which are springing up all around us – in the Mid-East, the African continent, in Asia, in Europe. Entire nations are being terrorized while mass atrocities are committed on peoples; hundreds of thousands of families are uprooted from their homes and many have been bombed out of existence. As workers, we are no strangers to injustice; and when crimes against humanity go on anywhere, and on the scale they are committed today by Imperialism, its NATO and other allies and its proxy forces, the perpetrators deserve our strongest and unapologetic condemnation. On this May Day, we again demand the halt to the unjust imperialist wars of aggression. After World War II, the Nuremburg trials set a precedent on how to treat with war criminals. Today’s war criminals must also be brought to justice and the world’s peace and justice, loving peoples must demand this. Comrades, the perilous state of our world is also being aggravated by what clearly is a persistent undermining and assault on democracy and civil liberties and rights, which we have been seeing in recent times. Democracy, its norms and institutions and rights have always been an integral component of our overall struggles in Guyana, as is true of the struggles of the working and oppressed peoples of the world. For us, democracy is associated with majority rule, as the ancient Greeks would have us understand. President Abraham Lincoln ideally spoke of government of, by, and for the people. In our own struggles in Guyana democracy found expression in the demand for ‘free and fair elections’ and ‘one man, one vote’; and we have recognized, too, the important role of the constitution, an independent judiciary and the rule of law. But, in these times, comrades, we are seeing some strange and ominous practices of countries that profess to be the greatest upholders and promoters of democracy in the world. Today, we see these so-called democracies being engaged in torture, kidnapping and unlawful detention; we hear of an Executive President determining who, including citizens of his country, should be assassinated; we see murder in several countries of civilians, including children, by drones; we read about the beginnings of a police state, with related laws put in place; we read about special forces’ operations and death squads being set up in various countries; revelations are COMBAT: May/June, 2014
continuing, in blatant disregard to the right to privacy, of the mass surveillance by the so-called ‘five eyes’ club – Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA and the UK – of all peoples of all countries who use a phone or the Internet. Furthermore, comrades, the working peoples cannot, in our day, ignore the rise of a phenomenon referred to as ‘colour revolutions’ which, in essence, are attempts to use violence and mass actions to destablise and to bring down democratically elected governments which have earned the displeasure, particularly of US Imperialism. There are several examples to point to, but let us note two of these at this time – in neighbouring Venezuela and in far off Ukraine. In Venezuela, President Maduro has pointedly accused external forces, working along with local extremists, of fanning and promoting violent actions. No doubt these are to bring a halt to the pro-people Bolivarian Chavista Revolution and to re-establish the rule of the old elite. But little mind is given to the fact that the Venezuelan Government was democratically elected, which obviously is of little value when class interests are involved. In Ukraine, the democratically elected government has been overthrown, with the extremist rightist and NeoNazi forces playing a big role. Now, for the first time since the defeat of fascism and Nazi forces in the Second World War, Nazism is back in a government in Europe. By this, world peace, already threatened, is further endangered. Moreover, what is also interesting about Ukraine events is that officials of the US State Department have been caught red-handed plotting the overthrow of that elected government. And in that country, the US says it spent US$5 billion in various programmes for “democracy promotion”. Guyanese should take note of this revelation. Let us also note, comrades, that some countries that pride themselves as liberal democracies, and which paid a high price to bring about the victory over fascism and Nazism in the world, now find it opportune to work with such forces today. The very circles whose policies brought on the economic crisis, which are spreading endless wars, are also the source from which the anti-democratic expressions of our day come. It’s a vicious circle. In view of such developments, we need to ask ourselves: What do all these things mean? What do they tell us? Maybe Karl Marx gave us a possible answer a long time ago when he told us that a ruling class will stop at no crime in order to protect its rule, its interests and its profits. Others might very well say that all these are in keeping with a desire for world hegemony. There is a lot of truth in both propositions. And, as workers, these critical times and such circumstances demand of us that we be vigilant and alert. Let us also recognize, comrades, that the world is not going along on a one-way street. There are counter cur-
rents and trends; there is a fight-back. Workers and small farmers, women and youth, the poor and oppressed are, in many countries and at several fora and in diverse ways, resisting the march of the imperialist juggernaut. This wave of resistance and fight-back is scoring significant victories, proving that the spirit of militancy and struggles that saw the birth of May Day are still with us, and despite the efforts of reaction over the years, it has not been dampened or neutralized. Our working people must cherish that inheritance, firm in the belief that a new day will dawn only out of our consistent struggles. History’s final verdict is yet to be made. As you are aware, comrades, GAWU has a proud and principled record. We have stood, as we stand now, with the forces for peace, democracy, social justice and social progress. In today’s conditions, world peace has become urgent. Likewise, solidarity with our class brothers the world over we see as uncompromising. Difficult as the situation may be, we must continue our work, and march-on filled with confidence that the victories and achievements of today foretell of greater victories ahead. Sugar Industry Comrades, the sugar industry’s state of health and performance are, naturally, of great interest to us. Another year has gone by, and yet the industry has not overcome the misfortune that has befallen it. However, we can say that its importance to our economy and in providing employment to tens of thousands of Guyanese have not diminished. The wide interest shown in the industry in recent months testifies to the value of this industry to our country. The GAWU welcomes the interest shown, but cannot see eye-to-eye with those who offer ill-thought-out solutions, like selling of estates, or diversifying to ethanol, or putting lands to aquaculture. At the same time, as a stakeholder, we would like to see the industry becoming viable, as this would surely impact the quality of life of our membership. We believe a key factor for success is GuySuCo’s ability and capability to grow sufficient quantity of goodquality canes. We have the adequate land at the seven (7) grinding estates to produce the requisite quantity; we have the knowledge to grow cane; and with good management, a satisfied labour force, and various innovations, GAWU is confident that the industry can regain its profitable status in a short while. Again, in this year, the industry has received financial support from the Government to cover part of its expenses. That support, as stated in the 2014 Budget, amounts to G$6B. This is a big allocation and we express our gratitude to the Government, and possibly the EU Accompanying Measures funds. Continued in next edition Page Three
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On recent events in Mosul and other cities in Iraq
ISIS fighters in Iraq
by Falah Alwan Mosul and other cities in Iraq are experiencing dramatic, dangerous, and fateful changes. The media, especially that which is allied with the Iraqi Government and Western states, has been focusing on the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Syria (ISIS) and its control over several Iraqi cities, provoking its audiences against the militant group. Indeed, ISIS terrorist groupings do exist among armed groups there and that influence in the recent events is clear. However, it is also true that Iraqis generally reject ISIS, whether in the central or southern regions of Iraq, or in parts of the country that are no longer under government control: the so-called
“Sunni” areas or the “Sunni Triangle,” a term that intelligence services, particularly the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), devised as part of a plan to engineer sectarianism in Iraq. At the same time, Iraqis generally reject Maliki’s regime and its policies, built as they are on an ethno-sectarian basis. This is especially the case in urban areas where sectarian discrimination is most concentrated, wherein the government treats ordinary people as political enemies. The fall of several Iraqi cities in the hands of armed groups does not represent the dreams of the people who live there. Their demands to be rid of sectarianism are clear and direct. They expressed them through nonviolent sit-ins, but armed
terrorist groups took advantage of this environment to take power. The people’s demands against discrimination and sectarianism are just and fair, whereas Maliki’s policies are reactionary and discriminatory, and are therefore rejected. In the meantime, ISIS’ control of cities and people poses a serious threat to everyday life and to society. Popular demands have morphed into a tool for reactionary forces to divide up the political pie, from the terrorists of al-Qa’ida, the Baath Party, and tribal leaders to the Shi’a religious leadership that has called for open warfare and the Kurdish nationalist forces that have achieved military and political gains. This all comes at a moment when Iraq has clearly become divided according to the wills of dominant political forces, whereas the will of the Iraqi people remains ignored. Regional forces that benefit from Iraq’s disintegration—especially Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—operate in their own way to achieve political gains. All the while the US Government—the prime cause of these problems to begin with— prepares to intervene however it chooses. President Obama has so far expressed his concern over Iraqi oil twice when talking about recent events. He has not shown any regard or concern for the fate of two million people now under the control of ISIS, or for the women who have started committing suicide in Mosul as a result
of ISIS gangs. The working class in Iraq is the common force that exists across the country, from the north of Kurdistan to the furthest points south. It is this force whose very existence and survival depends on the eradication of discrimination and the unification of the Iraqi people. This is the only force that can end fragmentation and division. We reject US intervention, and protest President Obama’s inappropriate speech in which he expressed concern over oil and not over people. We also stand firmly against the brazen meddling of Iran. We stand against the intervention of Gulf regimes and their funding of armed groups, especially Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We reject Nouri al-Maliki’s sectarian and reactionary policies. We also reject armed terrorist gangs and militias’ control of Mosul and other cities. We agree with, and support, the demands of people in these cities against discrimination and sectarianism. Finally, we reject the interference of the religious institution and its call for indiscriminate warfare. We aim to stand with those who represent the interests of the people and to empower them in the face of this dangerous and reactionary attack. We call for a clear international position to curb the deteriorating situation as well as regional interference, and to support the people of Iraq.
tions are already making out like bandits. Drill, baby, drill? Build the pipeline? Energy efficiency is more competitive than offshore exploration or more drilling. . Go back into Iraq and stay in Afghanistan? Military Keynesianism – with the military serving as a stealth industrial and stimulus plan to boost the economy – served Reagan well. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew recently delivered a speech warning that slow growth – with accompanying high unemployment and stagnant wages – might be America’s future. Lew suggests a range of measures – immigration reform, tax reform, infrastructure investment, education and training investment – that would make some difference. A new reality is only beginning to creep into our political discussion: America has too much private wealth and too much public squalor. We have staggering pub-
lic investment needs: in building a modern, sustainable infrastructure; in education, from pre-K to affordable college; in public research and development; in a manufacturing strategy linking worker training with commitments to capture a lead in markets of the future, like the green industrial revolution that is already beginning to sweep the world. And we can afford this by raising taxes on the rich and forcing the global corporations to pay their fair share of taxes. It is hard to think of any other way out. But Americans’ faith in government has been eroded. They sensibly see Washington as corrupted, serving special interests and big money, not the common good. They want investment in areas like education, but worry the money will be wasted. Government and unions too often get the blame, even as extremes in private wealth and corporate profits fail to produce decent jobs or growth. This won’t change with conventional politics. Where is our modern-day Huey Long, vowing to “share the wealth” and invest in the common good?
Private Wealth, Public Squalor: America’s Dilemma
By Robert Borosage In the first six months of this year, Senate Republicans used the filibuster to block the Senate majority from increasing the minimum wage. Senate Republicans joined Democrats to pass extension of unemployment insurance and comprehensive immigration reform. Profits are at record heights and COMBAT: May/June, 2014
wages near record lows as a portion of the economy. We are five years into the official “recovery” that has yet to reach most Americans. So what is the Republican plan for widely shared growth? Repeal Obamacare? Really. Depriving millions of workers health care coverage that they have received for the first time will revive the economy? Lower taxes? But the rich and corpora-
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‘Free Trade’ recipe for ripoffs
by Emily Schwartz Greco and William Collins President Barack Obama is a surprisingly devout disciple of so-called “free trade.” During his first presidential bid, he promised to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), indicating some concern over the U.S.Canada-Mexico pact. A month after his 2009 inauguration, Obama declared that he would “be very careful” and take his time meeting that goal. Instead, he crossed fixing that accord off his to-do list and became a cheerleader for new deals that amount to NAFTA on steroids. The United States has inked free-trade deals with 20 countries over the past three decades. This country plunged headfirst into the World Trade Organiza-
tion before it was formally launched in 1995. It’s now clear that this zeal benefits corporations while hurting the rest of us. These accords stoke inequality by driving down wages. The United States exported nearly 700,000 jobs between NAFTA’s 1994 debut and 2010, despite promises that it would expand employment. Following 25 years of stagnation, typical household income remains at about $51,000 a year. Free trade deals hand corporations a shield to fend off national regulations. Hitching its fortune to rules rigged by the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), a Canadian-based mining company called Pacific Rim claims to have a right to dig for gold in El Salvador — even though that country has banned the practice to protect its meagre supply of drinkable
water. Pacific Rim is suing El Salvador’s government for $300 million. The proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal could render this kind of corporate power grab routine. The pact would skew global economic rules for a dozen countries, including our own and Japan, which account for 40 percent of world trade. Among other things, this deal would make it easier for corporations to use “investor-to-state” lawsuits like the El Salvador debacle to get their way over the objections of foreign governments. This recipe for ripoffs isn’t really about trade. And that’s the point. These arrangements are a gimmick intended to trump local and national laws to suit the whims of corporations. That’s why merely five of the looming Trans-Pacific deal’s 29 “chapters” have much to do with trade. The rest hand big companies privileges and protections. With people taking a backseat to profits, it’s no wonder our leaders are negotiating pacts like this behind closed doors. When WikiLeaks spilled the beans on the Trans-Pacific Partnership’s environmental chapter, it turned out that this deal included weaker safeguards than its predecessors, outraging people who spend their lives fighting for cleaner air and water. The Obama administration is also pur-
suing a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with European nations. Those talks are just as secret, and that pact would also make it easier for corporations to override environmental safeguards by suing foreign governments to get their way. Why is WikiLeaks rooting around for these documents and releasing them to the public? The pacts will require Senate approval, yet lawmakers have had to beg for any details about them. Based on leaks, other big concerns centre around health issues. For example, some provisions would block government policies that discourage smoking. There are also many concerns about labour rights. Meanwhile, hundreds of corporate insiders get a seat at the table without making a fuss. A list of 605 big-business insiders leaked in 2012 offers a glimpse of the scope of this influence. It includes industry-wide lobbyists like the American Farm Bureau and the Nuclear Energy Institute, along with a who’s-who of corporate America. Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar Inc., Walmart and Yum! Restaurants International, the fast-food powerhouse that includes KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, all made the list while environmentalists and labour leaders remain locked out. Thankfully, the Senate is denying Obama his request for “fast-track” negotiating authority. Given the kind of gridlock prevailing in Congress, perhaps these deals won’t ever be sealed.
The Global Oceans Commission, an environmental group formed by the Pew Charitable Trust, released a report addressing the declining marine ecosystems around the world, and outlining an eightstep “rescue package” to restore growth and prevent future damage to the seas. The 18-month study proposes increased
governance of the oceans, including limiting oil and gas exploration, capping subsidies for commercial fishing, and creating marine protected areas (MPAs) to guard against pollution, particularly from plastics. “A healthy ocean is a key to our wellbeing,” said Jose Maria Figueres, cochair and former president of Costa Rica. “Unless we turn the tide on ocean decline within five years, the international community should consider turning the high seas into an off-limits regeneration zone until its condition is restored.” Government subsidies for high seas fishing total at least $30 billion a year ,and are carried out by just ten countries, the report said. About 60 percent of such subsidies encourage unsustainable practices like the fuel-hungry “bottom trawling” of ocean floors -- funds that could be rerouted to conservation efforts or employment in coastal areas. Meanwhile, environmental nonprofits
and governmental bodies are starting to recognize the insufficient protections offered by systems like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which aims to regulate portions of the ocean but cannot actually enforce any laws. The report includes a proposal to ratify the UNCLOS, increasing and extending its oversight to 64 percent of the ocean which is currently outside of national jurisdiction. “Without proper governance, a minority will continue to abuse the freedom of the high seas, plunder the riches that lie beneath the waves, take more than a fair share, and benefit at the expense of the rest of us, especially the poorest,” said Trevor Manuel, co-chair of the commission and former minister of finance of South Africa. Failure to reverse the decline of the ocean’s ecosystems would be an “unforgivable betrayal of current and future generations,” said David Miliband, cochair and former British foreign secretary.
Report: World’s Oceans on Brink of Collapse
The world’s oceans face irreparable damage from climate change and overfishing, with a five-year window for intervention, an environmental panel said Tuesday. Neglecting the health of the oceans could have devastating effects on the world’s food supply, clean air, and climate stability, among other factors. COMBAT: May/June, 2014
Page Five
Honouring the Enmore Martyrs
Continued from page eight The industry, just days ago, concluded its first crop with a production significantly greater than last year’s first crop output. Let us be hopeful that the 216,000-tonne target set for this year will be attained. We are hopeful, too, that this first crop performance heralds the recovery of the industry, and the future crops will see consistently higher levels of production as the industry endeavours to reach its goal of 350,000 tonnes sugar in 2017 as set out in its Strategic Plan. While sugar production hinges very much on good agricultural practices, a good interrelationship among the stakeholders must always be sustained and promoted through the respect of Agreements, accepted customs and practices, relevant labour related laws, etc. Over the past months, however, GAWU has recognized some troubling developments which we intend to take up. Such developments are not in the interest of the industry, and I take this opportunity to remind ourselves that the workers and their unions are indispensable to sugar’s
recovery. It is important that those who seek to disturb the present reasonably good relations in the industry, for whatever reason, do not forget this. In the meantime, we wish to reiterate our call that the industry needs to benefit from the full release by the Government of all the EU monies intended for the sugar industry. We also wish to state again that the turnaround of the industry lies in the workers’ and management’s hands, in the final analysis. A new Board of Directors is long overdue, since the last Chairman became the new Chief Executive Officer, leaving the present Board headless. Conclusion Comrades, as we celebrate and mark the Enmore Martyrs Day, we must also focus on the era in which we are living. It is an era that is marked by economic crises, wars, ecological degradation and erratic climate behaviour, growing poverty and constant assaults on the working-class throughout the world. We live in the era where neo-liberalism holds sway
– a model of capitalism that emphasizes privatization, transfer of state assets to private individuals, plunder of resources, assault on workers, and so on. It is a model which is at the root of the growing poverty inequality and extremism world-wide. In celebrating the memory of the Enmore Martyrs, we must always be mindful that the ruling elites will not want to give up their privileges or their plundering and greedy ways. The workers and poor will continue to be their victims. It is in this context, also, that we see the significance of the Enmore Martyrs. They stood up against injustice, they fought for a fair deal; they demanded better conditions in their work, in their lives, and for their families’ future. Thus, in our times, the struggles that gave us the Enmore Martyrs continue to be relevant. This enduring message we should not forget. The working class must be always vigilant, militant, organizationally strong and united. GAWU urges: in the spirit of the Martyrs of Enmore, let us go forward to greater victories.
FITUG at ILO Conference
Guyana’s delegation to the ILO, from left is Labour Minister, Dr N.K. Gopaul; Chief Labour Officer, Cde Charles Ogle; FITUG’s Treasurer, Cde Seepaul Narine; and CAGI’s Executive Director, Cde Samuel Goolsarran
The 103rd session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) International Labour Conference was held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 27 to June 12, COMBAT: May/June, 2014
2014 under the theme: “Building a future with decent work”. The Conference attracted approximately 3,000 delegates comprising state, workers and employ-
ers representatives, and advisors from the 185-member countries of the ILO The Guyana delegation, which was led by Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul and also included the Chief Labour Officer, Cde Charles Ogle; Treasurer of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana, Cde Seepaul Narine; and Executive Director of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI), Cde Samuel Goolsarran. The International Labour Conference, among other things, is responsible for supervision of the application of Conventions and Recommendations at the national level. It examines the reports which the governments of all member States are required to submit, detailing their compliance with obligations arising out of ratified Conventions. It is also the body that crafts and adopts international labour standards in the form of Conventions and Recommen-
dations. The Conference is also a forum where social and labour questions of importance are discussed; and every two years, the Conference adopts the ILO’s biennial work programme and budget, which is financed by member States. This year, the Conference adopted a new ILO Protocol on Forced Labour, which aims to advance prevention, protection and compensation measures, as well as to intensify efforts to eliminate contemporary forms of slavery. Delegates to the Conference also discussed challenges in opening the road from informal to formal work, and agreed to hold a second discussion next year with the aim of adopting a Recommendation. The world parliament of labour reached consensus on the need for a comprehensive employment policy framework, and pro-active, employment-centred, inclusive growth strategies, both at global and national levels. Page Six
Collective decisions necessary for sugar industry’s turnaround
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) operated its seven (7) sugar factories during the recently concluded first crop as follows:- Skeldon and Enmore – 16 weeks
each, Albion, Rose Hall and Blairmont – 10 weeks each, and Wales and Uitvlugt – 12 weeks each, and produced almost 80,000 tonnes sugar, or about 5,380 tonnes more than its target of 74,616 tonnes. For some, it is a matter of rejoicing that the industry surpassed its target, an achievement that was not obtained for many years, albeit the target itself was low. If the production achievement is an indication of greater production in the future, then rejoicing is deserving. Certainly the 80,000-tonne production ought to be much higher on account of the
present capacity of the industry. Caution must be expressed of the industry’s financial state. The factories operated in the just concluded crop far more weeks than they were scheduled – Skeldon operated for an additional 8 weeks, Albion – 5 weeks, Rose Hall – 6 weeks, Blairmont – 4 weeks, Enmore – 2 weeks, Wales – 4 weeks and Uitvlugt – 6 weeks. Naturally, the cost of production per pound of sugar was much higher in the circumstances. The expected production of 136,000 tonnes at the second crop harvest could be jeopordised, arising from the partial pre-reaping in the first crop of almost 86,800 tonnes of canes. It was not a wise decision to pre-harvest such a large quantity of canes belonging to the second (next) crop, noting that some of the yield is far from the potentiality. Wise and collective decisions are necessary in every facet of the sugar industry’s operations, lest the industry sinks into deeper financial troubles, causing a real threat to the well-being of what is considered the most important industry of our nation.
place. And, though the situation appears complicated, yet one can make out the trends and patterns that are defining our times. As we are well aware, the prevailing capitalist system has gone into a crisis mode since 2008, and from which it is unable to extricate itself so far. But the crisis is revealing; it has exposed the true nature of capitalism, founded in exploitation of workers, ruthless plunder and insatiable greed. As workers let us note that it is the working class and their families; youth, pensioners and working people who are facing growing unemployment, homelessness, cut of pensions and widespread impoverishment and who have been the foremost victims of this crisis. Together with the crisis, we must also be dutifully concerned with the spread of unjust imperialist-instigated wars, in Asia and Africa primarily; violent assaults to remove democratically elected Governments in Latin America and the Caribbean and in Europe; surveillance of the world’s peoples; drone wars that murder and maim women and children, the old and the young; state sanctioned torture and assassinations; deception and media disinformation. These are dimensions of our times. Clearly, these old and new symptoms of capitalism/imperialism do not indicate a system confident of itself or its future. Indeed, it may well be the death throes of a system that history is ready to discard. But history, as we also know, has taught us, that change, especially revolutionary social change, will come only out of our selfless, united and principled struggles. As workers, we are no strangers to struggles. Thus, in face of today’s many challenges, GAWU feels assured that the Guyanese working class, of which NAACIE is a respected contingent, will not shirk from its historical duty. Comrades, over the many years, NAACIE and GAWU
have enjoyed a special fraternal relationship, and have had frequently collaborated on various issues in the interest of our members. This is especially so in the sugar industry and affiliated sectors, where we are the workers’ bargaining agents. The industry’s performance in recent times has raised red flags and has caused many, especially the stakeholders, to become concerned. Our two (2) unions, needless to say, share that concern; and moreover, we should make known that we expect a comprehensive assessment of where and why the deterioration took place. At the same time, the GAWU, and we are sure so too NAACIE, subscribes to the view that the industry can be viable, and to which end we are ready to give our full support and play a greater and meaningful role. To this end, too, a good management and a satisfied labour force will be critical. Possibly in your deliberations at this time you will address the industry’s travails. You may also wish to consider whether our two (2) unions should not focus more on our workers’ perspective of the industry. As a Union with a long and proud history in Guyana, and one which has nurtured highly respected Trade Union leaders, the NAACIE, like several other unions, cannot feel comfortable at the state of disunity affecting the Trade Union movement. FITUG, to which we belong, has recognized the value and necessity of working-class unity. Today, more than ever, this unity is a crying need. Too many wrong and questionable things are going on around us that demand our unified approach. Let your Conference further consider this question and strengthen efforts to forge this unity and collaboration. As a leading member of FITUG, the conclusions and decisions you come to are eagerly awaited. We are certain they will serve to enrich Trade Unionism in Guyana, and reaffirm NAACIE’s commitment to continue the traditions of struggle for the workers’ interest and also, importantly, to bring about clear social and economic changes. GAWU wishes this Conference all success. Be assured, comrades, that in GAWU you will find solidarity as well as genuine friends, brothers and comrades in struggles.
GAWU’s message to NAACIE’s Conference
Our Union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), is especially delighted to bring greetings to this 52nd Delegates/2nd Triennial Conference of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). GAWU and NAACIE share a fraternity that goes back many decades. It was forged during those years when the field and factory workers in the sugar belt were struggling to have GAWU as their representative Union. NAACIE’s tangible support to GAWU was most reassuring, and it assisted to strengthen the workers’ resolve in perhaps the longest recognition struggle in Guyana and the Caribbean. GAWU and NAACIE also share a positive working relationship as affiliates of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC),s and today as affiliates in the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). It is against such reflections that GAWU welcomes this opportunity to express its most sincere wishes for a successful Conference. We are confident that the outcome of your deliberations will see a stronger union with a fresh resolve to defend and advance the interest of the members that you represent. Your 2nd Triennial Conference is being convened at a time when both the domestic and international situations pose critical issues and challenges to us. At the international level, fast moving developments are taking COMBAT: May/June, 2014
Page Seven
Honouring the Enmore Martyrs - GAWU President’s address
I am delighted to have the opportunity, on behalf of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), to pay homage to five men namely:- Lallabagee Kissoon; Surujballi, called Dookie; Harry; Rambarran; and Lall, called Pooran – who, in the prime of their lives, were brutally gunned down in this village at the instance of the foreign sugar planters sixty-six (66) years ago. They have, in the course of time, received national recognition, and today they are known as the Enmore Martyrs. Since 1976, they have been celebrated nationally in honour of their struggles, selfless sacrifice, and the impact that the 1948 struggle of sugar workers has had on our fight for freedom. They occupy, and rightly so, a place in the revered hall of our national heroes. The Martyrs and their colleagues were engaged in strike which was fifty-one (51) days old when the fateful incident occurred. Senior Counsel Cde Ashton Chase, in his renowned book – A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana: 1900 to 1960 – pointed out that the strike began on April 22, 1948 at Non Pareil over the arbitrary imposition by the planters of ‘cut and load’ over the ‘cut and drop’ system. He wrote:- “The origin of the strike was, first of all, general expression of dissatisfaction by the workers with their miserable conditions of work and life, notwithstanding the existence of recognised unions. Secondly, the failure of the recognised unions (MPCA and BG Workers League), over the years, to really alleviate the harsh conditions under which they worked, or to secure even a fair improvement in their real wages. Thirdly, dissatisfaction with the new system of work for cane cutters; to wit, cut and load. Fourthly, frustration with the machinery set up with the approval of the recognised unions for resolving differences at estate level. And last but not least, the demand for recognition of a new trade union under a militant leadership to represent their interests.” The Enmore incident occurred against a backdrop of workers’ militancy, which was erupting in several enterprises in that period. A strike lasting sixty-four (64) days by bauxite workers at Mackenzie and Ituni in April, 1947 took place, and which highlighted the racial discrimi-
nation and segregation perpetuated by the owners and management of the Demerara Bauxite Company. In late February, 1948 the Transport Workers Union reacted to the arbitrary transfer of its leaders from Georgetown to different parts of Guyana with an effective strike. Not only were the transfers stayed, but Colonel Teare, who dictatorially ordered the transfers, was hurriedly recalled by the Colonial Office to London. The decade between the mid-40s and mid-50s was an eventful time in our past. Apart from the direct workers’ struggles, there were also significant political developments. An influencing factor at the time was the formation of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) by Dr Cheddi Jagan and others in 1946. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was founded out of this Committee on January 01, 1950. It was a new political party that differed immensely from the traditional political parties. Immediately, it began to champion the cause of universal adult suffrage, and boldly challenged the arbitrary rule of the colonial masters and the local capitalist class. Dr Jagan’s winning a seat in the Legislative Council in 1947, gave him an opportunity to advocate for many pro-people and particularly pro-workers’ measures, and thus he was able to lift people’s political awareness and class consciousness. It turned out that the death of the Enmore Five, comrades and friends, was an awakening call in many quarters, and especially to workers in other sectors. Cde Cheddi saw to that. Cde Janet Jagan, former President of Guyana, opined that the death of the five martyrs sent a “thunderbolt” through the society, invigorating the liberation struggle which followed. The brutal repression of 1948 did not daunt the workers nor dampen their spirit. Indeed, militancy in the industry grew, and political awareness and activities expanded. Sugar workers’ right to be represented by a Union of their choice was won in 1976. Sugar workers, under the aegis of GAWU, have taken part, along with other working people, in the struggles for political independence. They championed the nationalization of the sugar industry; they stood up and fought for the restoration of democratic elections. These struggles took place side by
side with other struggles to improve wages and working conditions throughout the industry and for other workers. Our current situation Today, sixty-six (66) years removed from the Enmore incident, we can say surely that our nation has progressed and there have been improvements in many areas of life. But as much as we have advanced, we cannot fail to recognize there are still many challenges before us and new achievements to score. Significantly, we must recommit ourselves in working to safeguard our gains, while seeking to score new victories. Even as we seek to protect our gains and advance our agenda, we are also saddled with the necessary task to ensure continuous development and progress in our country. These are quite formidable objectives, given that we live in a crisis-ridden world and in a country where political disharmony, somewhat pronounced since 2012, is certainly affecting the welfare and lives of the Guyanese working people. Importantly at this time, the continued debate over the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill and the threat of blacklisting have attracted the attention and concern from all quarters of society. The consequences and repercussions, we understand, are severe and will create many hardships. At this point in our nation’s history, such unwelcome developments can only be destructive and harmful. Further sanctions on Guyana at this time could serve to reverse the many gains the working class has had over the years. The threat of job losses cannot be underestimated. Our workers, moreover, among other things, deserve a decent standard of living. Sugar Industry As we recall the struggle of the Martyrs and the way they met their demise, we must lament the unfortunate situation which today confronts our nation’s sugar industry. Continued on page six
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