Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)
Editorial
The struggle continues As we observe the year-end Season of Goodwill, it is
this edition
INSIDE
disheartening to register that some 16,000 sugar workers, for the first time in over three (3) decades, would not obtain a wage adjustment ,notwithstanding the rising cost of living. Sugar workers constitute about thirty-four (34) per cent of all Government employees; and seemingly, they, at this time, are being treated as outcasts, not deserving of increases in pay or a bonus, as enjoyed by other segments of the working class. It is ironic to reflect that this callous treatment of workers in the sugar industry occurs at a time when some in the political hierarchy, who once claimed to be friends of the workers, and who now leverage authority in the corridors of power, seem to have jettisoned the cause of the sugar workers for whatever reason/s. We recall that Moses Nagamootoo, in 2010, when he was setting his sights on high political office, said: “This year, sugar workers were given not a cent, either as wage increase or annual bonus, as Guysuco did not achieve its set target. The workers were literally expected to ‘produce or perish’.”. In fact, that year, sugar workers got a five (5) per cent wage rise. This year, 2015 has found Moses Nagamootoo in the high office of Prime Minister, and when the industry has exceeded the year’s target of 227,000 tonnes sugar by over 4,000 tonnes. It was eleven (11) years ago that the industry last surpassed its target; yet, there is so much disdain directed to the hard working and productive workers in spite of such a laudable performance. In fact, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a press statement on November 06, 2015 calling upon the workers not to strike, and at the same time and also demanding that the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) not to engage the workers’ Union at the bargaining table. It is apt, to recall that the current PM, five (5) years ago, stated: “Give the sugar workers even a nominal wage increase. Zero is an insult, not an option.” So this begs the questions: Why not a ‘nominal increase’ today? Is ‘zero’ the only option? Continued on page four
GuySuCo discriminates The treatment of the workers by the Corporation and its owner leaves a bitter taste in workers’ mouths
A sugar worker fetching canes on his head. This year, for their hard work, sugar workers did not receive any pay increase
The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) is celebrating the surpassing of its 2015 sugar production target. it was eleven (11) years ago that the yearly target was exceeded. This year’s (2015) production, exceeding 230,000 tonnes, compares favourably with the production in 2012 – 218,060 tonnes, 2013 – 186,807 tonnes and 2014 – 216,359 tonnes. The joyous celebration at this time of the year by the thousands of toiling sugar workers is, however, most restricted. Notwithstanding the high praise and commendation showered onto the workers by the Corporation, for their magnificent work in keeping the wheels of the industry turning - including the harvest of the canes spanning two (2) crops in the year - they have been discriminately denied a wage rise for the first time in over three (3) decades. Such pay rise and its retroactivity to January, this year (2015), would have provided dependable spending money for the poor workers at this time
Sugar workers not surrendering
Daniel Stephen reinstated
on page 2
on page 5
GAWU hosts TAWU specialist
Trade Unionism being undermined
on page 3
API concilation ends on page 4
COMBAT: October - December, 2015
October-December, 2015
The treatment of workers this year by GuySuCo and the industry’s owners – the Government of Guyana – leaves a bitter taste in workers’ mouths and is not in the interest of the industry’s challenges next year. The sugar crop came to an end on December 22, 2015 with a declared production for the year of 231,164 tonnes sugar as follows:Skeldon Estate - 39,153 tonnes Albion Estate - 61,910 tonnes Rose Hall Estate - 29,867 tonnes Blairmont Estate - 36,695 tonnes Enmore Estate - 27,093 tonnes Wales Estate - 20,015 tonnes Uitvugt Estate - 16,422 tonnes
GAWU/NAACIE/GLU being denied right to engage in Collective Bargaining with GuySuCo
on page 8
on page 9
Bonuses for Fishery workers
No increases for DTL workers
on page 9
of the year.
on page 10
GAWU calls on the authorities not to jeopardise sugar industry’s good prospects on page 11
NO! to GuySuCo’s falsehoods on page 12
and much more
Issue#4 Volume#36
Combat
Page One
Sugar workers not surrendering their right to wage rise and API award Sugar workers, not surrendering their right to a wage rise and an API award in consonance with past awards, are engaging in picketing exercises outside the Administrative Offices and Pay Offices of the Corporation across the industry. Picketing exercises took place, so far, at Wales, Enmore, Albion and Blairmont Estates on December 14; at Rose Hall and Uitvlugt Estates on December 16 and at Blairmont Estate on December 17, 2015. Some of the slogans carried by workers read:1. Why are Sugar Workers targeted for discriminatory treatment? 2. As Gov’t workers, sugar workers must not be denied getting Gov’t Bonus 3. Our struggle continues for 2015 API and Wage Increase 4. No wage increase and a pittance API – a formula
for an unstable future 5. In Collective Bargaining, GuySuCo continues to violate the Law and the Collective Agreement – What a Change! 6. GuySuCo’s stance – no wage increase, almost no API is fresh assault on sugar workers 7. We have produced; Now we perish! The periodic protests undoubtedly will, in all likelihood, roll over into the New Year, as the workers are highly demotivated at this time by the treatment they are experiencing from the authorities. They feel, justifiably, that they have been singled out for discrimination, notwithstanding the acknowledgement of their hard and dedicated work, which has led to the industry breaking new records, including the surpassing of the Corporation’s production target for the first time in eleven (11) years.
Bearing in mind that the pittance API award is to be paid until March next year, GAWU wrote on (Tuesday) December 15, 2015 to the Minister of Finance, who announced the award, requesting that the $50,000 Christmas Bonus awarded to Public Sector employees be awarded also to the sugar workers who are employees also of a state-owned enterprise. After all, GuySuCo and the Government must know that sugar workers have families, including children too. The GAWU awaits the Minister’s response. Editor note: At the time of going to press, the Union’s letter to the Minister has been acknowledged by his assistant, however, he is quoted in the media implying that workers would not benefit from the bonus, this position has not been officially communicated to the Union
Scenes from the picketing exercises at the various estates, as workers continue to press their demands for wage rise and a reasonable API award
COMBAT: October - December, 2015
Page Two
FITUG attends CCL/CEC Regional meeting
Participants of the meeting
A Regional meeting attended by representatives of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) and the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) took place on November 03 – 05, 2015 in Point Salines, Grenada. The two (2) bodies have agreed to monitor the implementation of the Cariforum-EC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and their project is financed by a European Union (EU) grant of €1,715,000. The CCL’s delegation in Grenada included Cde Narda Mohamed from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of
FITUG. Fourteen (14) other Cariforum countries attended through their trade unions and employers representative as well as four (4) officials from the CCL and CEC. There was also a CARICOM representative and two (2) ILO representatives. The CCL and CEC in fulfilling their role conducted sessions in fifteen (15) Caribbean countries during this year involving local trade unions and employer organisations. On going work is progressing by the CCL and the CEC through its Secretariat in Barbados. Interactions between the Secretariat and the trade unions and employer bodies of Cariforum would continue in the New Year. The EU-funded project is slated to end in 2018
GAWU attends Regional Youth Seminar
Participants at the seminar
The Barbados Workers Union (BWU) held its yearly Regional Youth Seminar at its Labour College from October 19-23, 2015 under the theme “Building Bridges across the Region” The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), for the first time, on invitation, participated among the forty one (41) young participants mainly Shop Stewards from eight (8) Caribbean countries namely:- Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana in the persons of Cdes Shondella David from the Caricom Rice Mills Limited (CRML) and Narda Mohamed from the GAWU head office. The following topics were presented largely by lecturers attached to the Labour College:1. Transportation/Renewable Energy COMBAT: October - December, 2015
2. 3. 4. 5.
Energy Efficiency Offshore and Onshore Programme Effective Communication Caribbean Congress of Labour, Caribbean Employers Confederation and the International Labour Organisation (CCL/CEC/ILO) Project, funded by the EU 6. Public Speaking 7. Conflict Resolution 8. Managing Workplace Conflict 9. Communication into Practice Participants did not fail to discuss and clarify issues arising from the many presentations. The participants, through their Unions, are expected to set up Youth Committee which will engage in the training and education of young workers and inculcating the spirit of solidarity especially among young workers.
GAWU hosts TAWU Safety and Health and Organising Specialist
Cde Thomas, standing, interacting with participants attending the one-day seminar on November 24, 2015
The Safety and Health and Organising Specialist of the Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU) of Grenada, Cde Godwin Thomas, was a guest of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and during his stay here conducted a one (1) day seminar on November 24, 2015 at the Union’s Labour College. Thirty (30) Branch Chairmen and Secretaries coming from among the union’s members at BEV Processors Inc; Noble House Seafoods; Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL); the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC); National Parks Commission; Guyana Forestry Commission; Caricom Rice Mills Limited; Demerara Shipping Company Limited; Berbice Bridge Company Inc, the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA); the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) were the seminar’s participants. Cde Godwin Thomas’s stay lasted until November 27, 2015. Union officials also provided presentations at the Seminar on the following topics:- Communication Skills and Grievance Handling, the Role of the Shop Steward, Organising and Maintain-
ing Branch Committees, the Structure of the Union, Safety and Health Measures in the workplace; and selected aspects of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, and the Prevention of Discrimination Act. Another educational activity took place on November 25, 2015 and catered for the Union’s Field Officers, among others. Cde Thomas has provided participants with insights on techniques and the methodology used by his Union in organizing especially those workers who are not unionized. He emphasized that the Union’s structure must ensure that there is an active link with the rank and file. The Union’s Field Officers took the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges they encounter in their daily work. GAWU, recognizing that training is an ongoing process, treats as a priority periodic training of its Field Officers, union activists, shop stewards and ordinary members. The Union was most pleased to be hosting Cde Godwin Thomas. His visit and assistance to GAWU will certainly contribute to the strengthening of the bonds of fraternity and solidarity between GAWU and TAWU – two (2) progressive unions in the Caribbean.
“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars,
or socialism” Page Three
API conciliation ends without any settlement
GuySuCo remains unconcerned and contemptuous to the cause of the sugar workers
GAWU and GuySuCo at concilation on December 11, 2015 to discuss API award to sugar workers for year 2015. At the head of the table is Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Cde Charles Ogle. The conciclatory proceedings ended without settlement after GuySuCo refused to flinch from its orginal offer
Conciliatory proceedings under the Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Cde Charles Ogle, on the Annual Production Incentive (API) dispute between the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) ended on December 11, 2015 without a settlement being reached. Before the Corporation informed today’s meeting that it had not flinched from its stance of 85,000 tonnes sugar for a day’s pay, it took the opportunity to disclose that the production as at 06:00h on December 11, 2015 was 225,424 tonnes sugar. Albion Estate is slated to operate another week, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates until week ending December 26, 2015; and the other estates, after this weekend would have concluded the harvest of their crops. The State Corporation, which claims that it cannot amend its offer on account of its financial situation, is not being sincere. The Union, in seeking to resolve the dispute, submitted that some API payments could be paid during the course of the First Crop next year (2016), noting that the Corporation will be receiving revenue from sugar sales during the period. GuySuCo paid no heed to this proposal , and continues to be unconcerned and contemptuous to the cause of the sugar workers. GAWU noted that the Corporation’s offer, which is about 2.6 days’ pay for the year’s production, defies its conCOMBAT: October - December, 2015
tention that it lacks the ability to pay. The Union felt that a settlement was possible with just about two additional days’ pay. GAWU reminded the meeting that the API strike, lasting for six (6) days caused the Corporation millions of dollars which could have positively assisted in the resolution of the dispute. The Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, in concluding his intervention towards having a settlement on the dispute, informed the meeting that he would provide a brief to his Ministers - Volda Lawrence and Simona Broomes. They would then have the opportunity to advise on the way forward, including to engage the parties with respect to finding a settlement.
The struggle continues Continued from page one The refusal by state-owned GuySuCo to engage the Union in Collective Bargaining is a breach of Article 147 of the Constitution, and Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act (TURA), which mandates that bargaining takes place. Furthermore, the Corporation’s conduct is contrary to the Collective Labour Agreement between GAWU and GuySuCo, which requires the Corporation to engage the Union in Collective Bargaining within two (2) weeks of the receipt of the Union’s claims, and to conclude discussions within two (2) months. GuySuCo’s position is also in defiance of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 98, which addresses Collective Bargaining. And, as if to rub salt in the wounds, the workers have been offered a pittance of 2.7 days’ pay as Annual Production Incentive (API), which GuySuCo announced would be paid in March, 2016. API, which goes back to over six (6) decades, has always been premised on whatever sugar is produced. Though it is a deferred payment, it encourages higher production and productivity so much establish this year. As GuySuCo easily surpassed this year’s production target, and in spite of the clamour of the workers for an API award akin to previous years’ award, the Corporation remained unmoved and arrogant. GAWU, taking into account the insig-
nificant API payment, by letter dated December 15, 2015, wrote to Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, seeking to have the Government’s newly-introduced year-end bonus of $50,000 payable also to the Government’s largest workforce, based in the sugar industry. While the Finance Minister is yet to respond to GAWU’s request for the payment of the bonus to sugar workers, his assistant merely acknowledged receipt of the Union’s letter. However, of importance Minister Jordan is quoted in a section of the media as having said “The money that we have paid to the public servants is more or less all that we had, and we thought that they needed to benefit”. The Minister went on to say, “We don’t have any more money – not [at] this stage”. In addition to the injustice meted out to the workers, the violation of Trade Union laws and historical practices, workers and Unionists are very much concerned about the precedent that the industry’s and political elite are setting. Through picketing, stoppages and media presentations, workers and their representatives have condemned these anti-workers’ actions. Sugar workers are learning, once again, that even little bread and butter issues come only out of struggles. The present elites are pushing them in this direction. They have limited choices. Their struggles ahead, however, must revolve around injustices, and must be conducted in unity and with discipline.
Sugar workers not surrendering
The Union, before the meeting concluded, observed that this year (2015), for nearly three (3) decades, will be the first time sugar workers would not have been able to obtain a wage increase and a compensatory and acceptable API payment. Indeed, the workers would encounter a bleak and grim period during the end-ofyear holidays, including the commencement of the New Year. Editor note: Since the conclusion of the concilatory meeting, the Chief Labour Officer is yet to advise the parties of his discussion with his Ministers, and the way forward
Workers picketing at Wales Estate Page Four
Daniel Stephen Demerara Area Conference successfully concluded reinstated Cde Daniel Stephen, a tractor operator in the Cane Transport Department, employed at Skeldon Estate, one of the seven (7) grinding estates of the Guyana Sugar C o r p o r at i o n Inc (GuySuCde Daniel Stephen Co), and who was dismissed at the midnight hour of September 19, 2014, was reinstated in his job with effect from December 21, 2015. Stephen’s dismissal by the Estate Manager, Devendra Kumar, evoked the wrath of his fellow factory and field workers, who resorted to strike action spontaneously and solidly for a few days. Workers from Albion and Rose Hall Estates, on two (2) separate days, struck in a show of solidarity with Stephen. The strike ended before the strike turn of Blairmont, East Demerara, Wales and Uitvlugt Estates. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Corporation, under the aegis of the then Ministry of Labour, now the Ministry of Social Protection, approved a Terms of Resumption Agreement which stipulated, among other things, the recall of Stephen’s dismissal letter, and in its place a letter of suspension. The dispute itself was next subjected to conciliatory proceedings, which concluded on the strong advice that Stephen be reinstated in his job. GuySuCo disagreed with the Chief Labour Officer and, therefore, refused to re-instate the aggrieved worker. The dispute next became subject to arbitration proceedings. The sole Arbitrator, Mohamed Akeel, former Chief Labour Officer, out of the blue, after two (2) sittings lasting about two (2) hours, each ruled that Stephen remains dismissed. The ruling astounded the Union, the aggrieved, and the Union’s Attorney-at-Law, Mr Roysdale Forde. Akeel did not hear arguments from the Union nor the GuySuCo with regards to the dispute itself. The Union, at the two (2) short sittings was arguing that GuySuCo had breached its own Disciplinary Code and Procedures. The unorthodox conduct of the Arbitrator forced the Union’s Attorney to seek judicial intervention. Chief Justice (ag.) Ian Chang set aside Akeel’s ruling. Akeel is reported to have conducted another Arbitration exercise without the participation of the Union (GAWU) and the Secretary of the Tribunal. Thereafter, against the changes in the Management of the GuySuCo and a new Government following the May 11, 2015 elections, the Union followed its representation to have Daniel Stephen reinstated in his job. GAWU recognizes the role of the Ministry of Social Protection, among others, in the reinstatement of Daniel Stephen. Stephen will be compensated for his lost wages with approximately seven (7) months’ pay for the fourteen (14)-month period he was off the job. COMBAT: October - December, 2015
Delegates return to their workplaces imbued with a reinvigorated spirit
Delegates attending the Demerara Area Conference on December 06, 2015
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), on December 06, 2015, held a Conference attended by 160 delegates at the Union’s Conference Room in Kingston, Georgetown. The Conference was held under the theme “Workers’ Unity and Solidarity Paramount Now!” and drew its more-than-expected attendance from Enmore, LBI, Wales and Uitvlugt Estates, Noble House Seafoods, Demerara Distillers Limited, Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, National Parks Commission, Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC), and CARICOM Rice Mills Limited. A similar Conference will be held in Berbice, during the first quarter of 2016, to pave the way for the Union’s 21st Congress, scheduled to take place not later than the last quarter of next year (2016). The Union’s Constitution requires the holding of two (2) Area Conferences between Congresses. The Union’s General Secretary presented the General Council Report of the Union. He addressed the gathering for one hour and forty minutes, and spoke to twenty-nine (29) matters, including the vexed issues of the award of a day’s pay for every 85,000 tonnes of sugar as Annual Production Incentive (API) to sugar workers ,and the Corporation’s flouting the Union/Corporation Recognition Agreement in not entering into Collective Bargaining with the Union for the first time in twentysix (26) years. The Conference also addressed the non-resolved issues affecting the union members in some non-sugar bargaining units. It also noted that the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC) has failed to address the Union’s claims for a salary rise and improvements in other conditions of work for its employees. The Conference denounced, as well, the Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) for its failure, so far, to meet
with the Union under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Protection, with a view that the Company’s employees who are far away at Mabura Hill, some 160 miles away from Georgetown, could have their wages and salaries adjusted in the light of the high cost of living there. Conference also passed unanimously resolutions on Education and Training, on Unity of the Working Class, on Wage/Salary increases and API for 2015, on the National Insurance Scheme, and on the state of wage rise for workers at SILWFC and DTL. A resolution was also passed to preempt the closure of any estate and the sellout/privatisation of the sugar industry. GAWU is steadfast in holding its Congresses, Area Conferences, Annual Branch Conferences, etc. It strives to have the functioning of its branches to ensure an active link, as far as possible, with its rank and file. Statutory meetings of the Central Executive Committee and the General Council are held throughout the year. GAWU is also proud of its yearly audited statement provided by the Office of the Auditor General. The Financial Statements for year ended 31st December, 2014 have already been issued, in accordance with Section 22 (1) of the Trade Union Act, Chapter 98:03 of the Laws of Guyana. This is verifiable testimony to the Union’s accountablity and adherence to statutory regulations. Delegates at the Conference are to return to their respective workplaces imbued with a reinvigorated spirit to continue to weld stronger unity and solidarity among themselves, to forge ahead with their struggles for an urgent settlement of their API dispute and the opening of purposeful negotiations, though already late, on their 2015 wage/salary claim. Delegates also agreed that solidarity with the smaller bargaining units like those at SILWFC and DTL may need the support of the Union’s bigger and productive bargaining units. Page Five
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Those who collaborate with the West An abridged version
cides of 1965, or those in East Timor and Papua, now holding some of the highest positions in their land. Nobody is throwing up when the UN Secretary General flies to Kampala or Kigali and begs countries responsible for genocide of millions of innocent people in the neighbouring DemDestruction after a bomb blast in Syria. The civil war in the country has been raging since 2011, and ocratic Repubhas left more than 300,000 people dead and forced 10.6 million, nearly half the population, out of their lic of Congo homes to please not Continued from last edition withdraw their ‘peacekeeping forces’ from their missions all over Africa. By Andre Vltchek Nobody is fuming when the Saudi regime and its henchNobody laughs when even the most outspoken critics men blast Yemen, killing hundreds and most likely of the regime were somehow conditioned. None of us thousands of innocent people, simply because they are are amused when the television shows dozens of former Shi’a and because they are demanding social justice. Indonesian generals and officers, responsible for genoHow many of those cars, those Ferraris and the lat-
est BMWs in some miserable country that is being fully plundered by Western mining and oil companies, are running on gas, and how many on blood? How many of those “proud” professors holding doctorates from Western universities are actually teaching – giving knowledge – and how many are infiltrating the education systems all over the world. How many magazines, newspapers and television stations are actually there to inform people, and how many are serving, dutifully, the propaganda apparatus of the Empire? The level of collaboration with the West is scandalous; it is shocking. The most notorious forms of collaboration and spite towards the people can be found in “the Belt”, consisting of states spreading from Southeast Asia to East and West Africa, with the sub-Continent and the Middle East in between. In that part of the world, countries that refused to collaborate (Indonesia before 1965; Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Syria, Somalia, Congo under Patrice Lumumba, to name just a few) were muzzled, raped, destroyed, annihilated and levelled with the ground. In that ‘belt’, there is no shame left, and no dignity. Most of the countries of that “Belt” are treating their citizens with absolute spite. Most of them are police states, but they are hailed as “democracies” by Western media and regime, because they are allies, client states, and because they collaborate. In almost all countries of The Belt, collaborators are holding power. Without one exception, these horrible regimes are mixtures of capitalism, feudalism and fascism. Continued in the next edition
Historic climate deal reached, but Campaigners say the work is just beginning sil fuel-driven economy within decades in a bid to arrest global warming,” commentator George Monbiot wrote, “By comparison to what it could have been, it’s a miracle. By comparison to what it should have been, it’s a disaster.” Greenpeace International executive director Kumi Naidoo’s take at the end of the talks was that the agreement marks “only one step on a long road, and there are parts of it that frustrate and disappoint me; but it is progress. This deal Coal plants like this one emit CO2 into our atmosphere, warming the planet and alter- alone won’t dig us out the hole ing the chemistry of the ocean. we’re in, but it makes the sides less steep.” byAndrea Germanos The Guardian reported that the deal “for the first time The global talks known as COP21 ended with nearly ,commits rich countries, rising economies and some of the 200 countries agreeing to a carbon emissions-slashing poorest countries to work together to fight climate change.” deal. But climate campaigners are saying that the agree“The overall agreement is legally binding,” the reporting ment doesn’t go far enough, and that the real work is just adds, “but some elements—including the pledges to curb beginning. emissions by individual countries and the climate finance While Reuters described the deal’s adoption as “setting the course for a ‘historic’ transformation of the world’s fos- elements —are not.” COMBAT: October - December, 2015
Naidoo said of the 1.5 degree limit, “That single number, and the new goal of net zero emissions by the second half of this century, will cause consternation in the boardrooms of coal companies and the palaces of oil-exporting states.” “This deal puts the fossil fuel industry on the wrong side of history,” Naidoo said. Indeed, similar to Reuters’ phrasing of the outcome, the Guardian wrote in its reporting of the deal’s adoption: “Governments have signalled an end to the fossil fuel era.” Similarly, ThinkProgress’ Joe Romm wrote that it’s a deal “that will leave most of the world’s fossil fuels unburned.” That laudable element aside, many of the nations’ pledges put the world on a path to warming of not 2 but over 3 degrees, Earthjustice says. On the issue of climate finance, says ActionAid, the deal “lets the world’s biggest historical polluters off the hook.” Disappointments aside, the group’s chief executive, Adriano Campolina, said the deal “provides an important hook on which people can hang their demands.” “And so our work is just beginning,” Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen said. “Whether we live in rich nations or poor ones, in low-lying coastal communities or in the American heartland, our fates are bound together.”
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Facing opposition onslaught, Chavismo must return to its roots
Shortly after the Venezuelan opposition swept a two-thirds majority in the Dec 6 National Assembly elections, supporters of the socialist government marched to the presidential palace, Miraflores, calling for debate and new revolutionary strategies. President Nicolas Maduro met the supporters outside Miraflores and gave a speech, then invited 200 grassroots movement leaders to an impromptu meeting to hear their proposals regarding the new political juncture.
By Lucas Keoerner The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) suffered a crushing defeat in the National Assembly elections, winning just 55 of 167 seats. Formerly in opposition, the Venezuelan right took a two-thirds majority with 112 seats. The outcome affords the Venezuelan right an unprecedented opportunity to roll back the gains of the Bolivarian Revolution without having to resort to coups or other forms of extra-institutional violence. But will they succeed? Under Venezuela’s democratic system, the single-house National Assembly holds enormous power: a two-thirds super-majority can pass or revoke organic constitutional laws, replace Supreme Court magistrates, appoint the heads of crucial public institutions, and even convene a constituent assembly to rewrite the constitution. In short, a two-thirds majority gives the opposition all of the institutional weapons necessary to reverse many of the key transformations of the Venezuelan state achieved by the Bolivarian Revolution over the last seventeen years. They will now be empowered to revoke critical revolutionary legislation such as the Organic Law of Communes, the Organic Work and Workers’ Law (LOTTT), among numerous others, repeal international treaties such as the ALBA-TP and PetroCaribe, as well as pack the Supreme Court with an eye towards impeaching President Nicolas Maduro. However, while the opposition has indeed won a super-majority and the concomitant legal power to pursue these changes, this does not necessarily mean that they have a popular mandate to carry out such a reactionary agenda. Polls have long shown that the vast majority of the Venezuelan people support the social democratic initiatives of the Bolivarian Revolution, including the social missions, as well as measures to defend the working class, COMBAT: October - December, 2015
such as food price regulations and periodic minimum wage increases. Likewise, over two-thirds of the population opposes neoliberal policies, such as the privatization of the state oil company PDVSA or of the state electric company CORPOLEC. Over 62% of Venezuelans consider themselves “partisans or followers of the ideals of Hugo Chávez”, which does not necessarily make them all revolutionary socialists, but it does indicate a consensus regarding the legitimacy of popular participation and social democratic state policy. After having secured a two-thirds majority under the very democratic system they have ceaselessly excoriated as “dictatorial” over the last seventeen years, the opposition was quick to reveal its true colours. In less than 48 hours following Sunday’s outcome, the main business associations representing sectors of the country’s comprador bourgeoisie have publicly demanded the repeal of revolutionary laws that defy their class interests. Venezuela’s far-right chamber of commerce called for modifying the LOTTT to eliminate prohibitions against outsourcing and arbitrary firings, modifying the Just Prices Law in order to slash price regulations, as well as revoking the exchange control law, which would enable the free flight of capital out of the country. Similarly the agro-business lobby has called for the derogation of various laws guaranteeing the rights to land, national food sovereignty, as well as biogenetic diversity, including the Land Law, the Law of Food Sovereignty, and the AntiTransgenic and Anti-Patent Seed Law. The Venezuelan right will, however, face a number of obstacles in this reactionary endeavour, which may play out in Chavismo’s favour. The opposition coalition is internally divided between an ultra-right wing and a more moderate wing. United only in their commitment to unseating the Bolivarian government, these loose groupings harbour important strategic differences, with the
former favouring regime change via extra-constitutional violence while the latter opting for the ballot box. A particular bone of contention will be the extent of rupture with the existing Bolivarian institutional order. The hard right wants to rewrite the Constitution and return the country to its oligarchic heyday, while more moderate elements want to become power-brokers within the current order. The opposition must now deliver on its promise to pass measures aimed at resolving the current economic crisis. No longer can they simply opt for the strategy of promoting economic destabilization while blaming the consequences entirely on President Maduro. Here the debate will revolve around how extreme a neoliberal agenda to implement, which could likely trigger a conflict between those who would seek loans from the IMF and World Bank, eliminate price and currency controls, and privatize vital sectors of the economy– and those sectors committed to instituting narrower neoliberal reforms while retaining important social welfare previsions in order to stave off the threat of popular revolt. These tensions will likely heat up in the context of the debate over a recall referendum, with some sectors urging initial restraint from the harshest neoliberal measures in order to win the recall vote, while others already screaming for a maximal neoliberal agenda with little concern for the ensuing socio-political unrest. Among grassroots chavistas, plans are underway to begin organizing the defense of key revolutionary laws targeted for repeal by the incoming rightwing deputies come January. “All we have left is the streets,” a community activist and public sector worker at the National Institute of Socialist Capacitation and Education told Venezuelanalysis.com. Chavistas intimately understand that the gains of the revolution have been won and lost not in the halls of parliament nor in bureaucratic offices, but in the streets, the barrios, the colectivos, the communal councils, where the masses make history. The incredible aspect, as Ociel Alí Lopez points out, was not merely Chavismo’s historic defeat, but moreover the fact, that despite the incompetent inaction of the government in the face of a deep economic crisis combined with the corruption and ideological degeneration of the party leadership, some 6 million people still voted for the PSUV. These votes must not be taken for granted, for they reflect an immense political clarity regarding the need to continue with the revolutionary process, defending its gains and radicalizing towards new advances. This defeat represents an urgent warning call to Chavismo - from its official leadership to its most disciplined militants: failure to critically reflect and rectify the revolutionary course will lead to the destruction of the Bolivarian Project. Time is short, as President Maduro will almost certainly face a recall referendum in 2016, but all is not lost, provided that the vital work of reconnecting with the Venezuelan masses begins immediately. Now is the moment for post-Chávez Chavismo to reinvent itself by forging a new revolutionary quality which, for Maduro, as for Chávez and Che before him, means not just “respect for the people”, but an imperative to rule by obeying. Page Seven
FITUG warns:
Developing Danger: Trade Unionism being undermined
FITUG’s leaders, from left: Cde Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary; Cde Komal Chand, First Vice President; Cde Carvil Duncan, President; and Cde Seepaul Narine, Treasurer, at a Press Conference on November 17, 2015 regarding the appointment of the TURCB and the National Tripartite Committee
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) seeks to inform its members and the public of the violation of the Trade Union Recognition Act (TURA) with respect to the appointment of the workers representatives to the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB). By Cabinet decision of October 20, 2015, the Board became functional with effect from November 01, 2015. Section 5(1) of the Act states:“The Board shall consist of seven members, each appointed for a period of two years as follows: 1. A Chairman, appointed by the Minister after consultation with the most representative organisations of workers and the most representative organisations of
employers. 2. Three members, appointed by the Minister on the nomination of the most representative organisations of workers. 3. Three members, appointed by the Minister on the nomination of the most representative organisations of employers”. The Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, by letter dated November 11, 2015, requested FITUG to name a representative to sit on the Board. As stated above, Section 5(1)(ii) of the Act requires the workers’ representatives on the Board to be nominated by the most representative Organization of workers. FITUG deems the action of the Government as most disturbing, and will do everything that is possible to expose this offensive decision.
The Federation alerts the workers of Guyana, and urges its affiliates to guard against the return of the days when seats and positions of the trade unions were handed down based on the Union’s loyalty to the powers that be. The allocation of one seat to FITUG and two to the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is a violation of the TURA. The Government should not have engaged in such an act, which is contrary to the easily understood law. We were promised respect for the rule of law, but in reality the opposite is surfacing day after day. The workers and their legitimate organisations must be conscious of the worrying situation, and speak out and stand up in defence of their hard won rights before it is too late. The appointment of the Tripartite Committee by the Cabinet is another matter of concern. That Committee, among others, comprises six (6) representatives of workers. The GTUC has been awarded five (5) and FITUG has been requested to nominate one (1). This is another discriminatory act against the most representative Organization of workers. The last Tripartite Committee, headed by former Minister of Labour, Dr N.K. Gopaul, comprised representatives according to the membership of the FITUG and the GTUC, four (4) and two (2) members respectively. FITUG sees a developing danger – trade unionism is being undermined. Editor’s Note: FITUG’s Attorney-at-Law, Cde Ashton Chase, wrote Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawerance, by letter dated December 18, 2015, drawing to her attention the breach of the Act relating to the establishment of the TURCB, and the intention of FITUG to have the relevant section of the Trade Union Recognition Act interpreted by the Courts.
FITUG meets Finance Minister on 2016 Budget FITUG advised the Minister to once again make provision for tax relief for spouses and children under age 16. FITUG informed the Minister that it has high expectations that the Tax Reform Committee would propose innovative measures aimed at providing greater relief to the working people. Reminding the Minister about the importance of the sugar industry, the Federation sought continued support for the industry in order for it to overcome its setbacks at this time. The Minister was reminded about the CDB loan to the tune of US$7.5M that LEFT: Finance Minister Winston Jordon and RIGHT: FITUG President Carvil is earmarked towards critical work in three (3) sugar estates, and urged Duncan to have the funding accessed and reThe Minister of Finance, Mr Winston Jordan, met with leased to GuySuCo. FITUG also supported the return the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana of the Skeldon Co-Generation Plant to GuySuCo with (FITUG) on issues related to the 2016 National Budget an approved and revised Power Purchase Agreement on November 23, 2015. Mr Carvil Duncan, as head of (PPA) and, furthering the industry’s diversification FITUG, proposed a number of measures for the Ministhrough:- other Co-Generation plants, the construction ter and Government’s consideration at the meeting. of a refinery to take advantage of the CARICOM market On taxes, the Federation proposed an Income Tax demand, and the establishment of a distillery in Berbice. threshold of at least $70,000 monthly, which would be The diversification initiatives FITUG advised could be up from $50,000 currently, and the personal income pursued following discussions with various stakeholdtax rate be 25 per cent rather than 30 per cent. FITUG ers, including the respective trade unions in the indusalso sought to have the promised and expected reductry. tion in the rate of VAT reflected in the 2016 Budget at Regarding Old Age Pensions, FITUG wants the level last. To bring relief to families, especially with children, of Old Age Pensions to begin at fifty (50) per cent of the COMBAT: October - December, 2015
Public Sector Minimum Wage. FITUG suggested that allocations to Trade Unions in the 2016 National Budget be provided to those Unions which had their financial records audited by the Auditor General’s office, as is required by the Trade Union Act. FITUG also suggested that the allocations be distributed taking into account the aggregate number of members in the bargaining unit/s of each Union. The Federation also sought that a subvention be provided to the GAWU Labour College. FITUG also recommended that the Government consider significant salary increases for all government employees, including those employed by semi-autonomous agencies, state-owned companies and public corporations, and that the pay increases be retroactive to January 01, each year. The Federation also requested that the Government make this year’s increases retroactive to January 01, 2015. The Federation suggested that the National Minimum Wage be set to 85 per cent of the prevailing Public Sector Minimum Wage. FITUG’s suggestion takes account that when the National Minimum Wage was introduced in 2013, it was about 85 per cent of the public sector minimum wage. The Federation also proposed that the sectorial minimum wages, last adjusted in 2012, be adjusted once again. The Finance Minister thanked FITUG for its suggestions/proposals, and noted that they were all understood and are practical. He assured FITUG that the proposals would be taken into consideration by the Budgetary team in the process of the Budget formulation. Page Eight
GAWU/NAACIE/GLU being denied right to engage in Collective Bargaining with GuySuCo
Representatives of GAWU, NAACIE and GLU stage a picketing exercise outside GuySuCo’s Head Office at Ogle, denouncing the Corporation’s denial of Collective Bargaining
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU); the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) have submitted wage and other proposals in the first quarter of this year (2015) for the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to consider and engage in Collective Bargaining. Although since 1997, there is a law - the Trade Union Recognition Act (TURA) – through which Section 23 (1) makes it compulsory for bargaining to take place, the behemoth Corporation continues to flout it. The referred section of the Act reads:“Where a trade union obtains a certification of recognition for workers comprised in a bargaining unit in according with this Part, the employer shall recognise the union, and the union and the employer shall bargain in good faith and enter into negotiations with each other for the purpose of collective bargaining.” GAWU represents thousands employed in the field and factories; NAACIE, the supervisory and clerical staffers; and the GLU, the workers at the Demerara Sugar Terminal. Despite appeals to the Corporation to meet at the bargaining table, the Unions, and by extension their members,
are becoming frustrated with the stance of GuySuCo. As a red herring, the Corporation is using the recommendations of the Sugar Commission of Inquiry as the stumbling block. It appears that the Government has deemed the report of the CoI as incomplete. Minister Noel Holder is reported to have said that the report is in need of “tightening”. What then will be GuySuCo’s new excuse for not talking and negotiating? GAWU, at a meeting with GuySuCo on October 30, 2015, was advised that the Corporation was awaiting a framework within which the negotiations would take place. The framework, GAWU understood, was being awaited from the Government possibly through GuySuCo’s Board of Directors. A similar explanation was also given to NAACIE at a meeting with the Corporation on November 03, 2015. The productive sugar workers of the Corporation must not be used as a football. In the interest of the industry, the workers, the Corporation, the three (3) sugar unions call for the immediate engagement, without further procrastination, between the Unions, on one hand, and the Sugar Corporation, on the other, with a view to bringing a speedy resolution of the wage/salary hike for all sugar workers for year 2015.
Sugar workers not surrendering
Bonuses for Fishery Sector workers Workers at the Noble House Seafoods Limited (NHSL) and the BEV Processors Inc (BEV) secured bonuses successfully negotiated by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).
the sum of nine million dollars ($9M).
Some 325 workers of BEV shared in the sum of ten million dollars ($10M) and a food hamper each, while the 200-person workforce of NHSL benefited from
Many private companies where the workers are not unionized are strangers to benefits like bonuses and other allowances.
Peace declaration received by Venezuelan Ambassador
The marchers outside the Venezuelan Embassy
Venezuelan Ambassaor to Guyana, Margarita Arratia Diaz graciously received a Declaration of Peace from a number of Guyanese Unions. Prior to the presentation, members of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (ATGWU); the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU); the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE); the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU); the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) marched from the Parliament Buildings in Brickdam to the Venezuelan Embassy in Thomas Street under the banner: “Workers Marching for Peace”. Cde Ann Anderson, General Secretary of the CCWU, presented the Declaration ,which arose from a Conference on September 23 and 24, 2015 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil that was sponsored by the International Transport Workers Federation’ (ITF) and had the participation of GLU, CCWU, NAACIE, and ATGWU from Guyana and a number of Venezuelan unions. The declaration reads as follows:-
Workers picketing Uitvlugt Estate COMBAT: October - December, 2015
Workers obtained a pay rise of seven (7) per cent retroactive to January 01, 2015 with respect to BEV, and April 01, 2015 with respect to NHSL.
“We call upon the broader Trade Union
Movement of Guyana and Venezuela to unite our voice for the defence of the future of our children, defend peace, common understanding, solidarity and sustainable development. We all, as workers, have to mobilise the society so that together we are promoters of the peaceful solution of this issue. We call upon the different regional government bodies, including CELAC, ALBA, UNASUR, CARICOM, OAS and specially the UN, so that they assist Guyana and Venezuela in finding a common, positive and peaceful solution. We specially call upon our governments of Guyana and Venezuela to explore and utilize all diplomatic means to reach a peaceful, fair, amicable and permanent solution that bring this issue to an end, and to promote exchange between both countries, including fair trade, for the benefit of their people.” The declaration is most fitting, as it supports a peaceful solution of the border controversy over the past decades between our country and Venezuela. Page Nine
No increase for DTL workers
Three Unions and DDL negotiated 5-year salary pact
DTL workers picketing the Mabura Hill offices of the Company on November 19, 2015
The Rimbunan Hijau, a Malaysia-based conglomerate which owns and operates the Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL), failed to approve a wage rise for its Guyanese workforce at Mabura Hill, some 150 miles away from our capital city, Georgetown. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), in June, 2015, submitted its 12 per cent wage claim to the company. A claim for a like percentage rise in certain monetary benefits was also submitted. The company, rather than engaging the Union, wrote the workers’ body to state that it lacked the ability to improve pay levels of the workers. The Union wrote to the company by letter dated October 30, 2015 warning that Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act (TURA) was being violated in that the Company was not engaging in the process of Collective Bargaining. On November 17, 2015, the Company replied through its expatriate General Manager, Ting Mei Ling, that it could only offer a bonus of $5,000 to each worker. The company’s position angered its workforce, causing a solid day’s strike and a picketing exercise at the company’s office at Mabura Hill on November 19, 2015. The workers carried placards with the undermentioned slogans 1. 2. 3. 4.
No pay increase, no work We demand 12% increase No wage increase is an insult DTL workers deserve pay rise
The Union sought the assistance of the Ministry of Social Protection to have the Union’s wage claim addressed by the Malaysia-based conglomerate. The Ministry summoned the company’s local subsidiary to attend meetings with the Union at the Ministry on November 20, December 01 and 11, 2015. The company, perhaps disrespectful, did not turn up. COMBAT: October - December, 2015
A stern warning from the Ministry caused the company to attend at last a meeting on December 17, 2015. At the meeting, the company did not shift from its obstinate position, resulting in the conciliator, Cde Francis Carryl, adjourning discussions until January, 2016 and seeking the undermentioned information from the company:1. A breakdown of the percentage wage rise awarded to the GAWU bargaining unit during the last five (5) years 2. Employment cost related to GAWU’s bargaining unit for the last three (3) years, ending in 2014 3. The most recent audited/approved profit and loss statement for DTL’s operations in Guyana The company is also required to respond to the Ministry’s request that the bonus be paid the soonest, and the Union and the company be confined to settle the wage dispute under the aegis of the Ministry in January, 2016. As a matter of interest, Junior Minister of Social Protection and a technical team of the Ministry visited the company’s Mabura Hill operations on December 10, 2015. The team found a number of Occupational Safety and Health violations. The company admitted to the breaches and undertook to correct them. The workers who met with the Minister to continue their struggle in the New Year for a wage/salary rise for 2015. The workers took the opportunity to inform the Minister about the recruitment of Malaysian workers to fill local vacancies like labourers and other skills, which are locally available. It is hoped that the Ministry will take steps to have a policy in place which will determine the employment of foreign labourers and skilled workers in our country.
Representatives of the three Unions and the Management of DDL in the company of the Chief Labour, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Cde Charles Ogle, seated in the centre, displaying copies of the signed agreement
The Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and three Unions – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) – representing the company’s workforce, negotiated a wage/salary agreement which allows for 5 to 7 per cent yearly improvement of workers’ pay for a five (5) year period – 2015 to 2019. Arising from the agreement, no employee is to receive less than $60,000 per month from this year (2015), thus increasing the minimum wage of $49,741 by $10,259. The agreement allows that, should the
inflation rate exceed 5 per cent and up to 9.9 per cent in any year, there will be an increase in pay matching the inflation rate. Thus, if the inflation rate in 2016 is 8 per cent, each worker would obtain their wage rise plus 3 additional per cent increase. The company and the Unions are to settle the inflation pay increase should any year the inflation rate exceed 10 per cent. Other benefits include increases in meals allowance, third-shift premium, and leave passage assistance. The DDL and the three (3) Unions must take pride that they have negotiated what is considered a workers’ package covering a period of five (5) years.
SILWFC employees await response from Social Protection Minister
Recent representation made by the ana Agricultural and General Workers employees of the Sugar Industry Labour Union (GAWU); considering and apWelfare Fund Committee (SILWFC) to proving applications from sugar workMinister of Social Proers for loans to repair tection, Volda Lawertheir houses; approval ence, for a pay increase of the Committee’s fiwas not even acknowlnancial statements for edged by the Minister. year ended 2014, and The Board of the SILthe approval of the conWFC has failed to struction of a number hold statutory monthly of bridges and the remeetings since May 08, habilitation of selected 2015 notwithstanding roads in communities that the Sugar Induswhere sugar workers trial Special Funds Act reside. Chapter 69:03 stipulates The SILWFC, which that, on request by four Minister of Social Protection was set up in 1947, (4) Board members, a Volda Lawerence now-a-days provides meeting of the Board is housing loans to sugar to be held. workers; attends to limited sanitation There are a number of outstanding issues; undertakes certain bridge mainmatters which the Board must address, tenance as well as road repairs, etc in like the twelve (12) per cent salary claim communities where sugar workers reof the employees which was submitted side by the employees’ Union – the Guy-
Page Ten
GAWU calls on the authorities not to jeopardise sugar industry’s good prospects
Sugar workers picketing at Albion Estate to press their demands for raise in pay and an acceptable API award
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has reflected on a statement which emanated from the Office of Prime Minister Nagamootoo with regard to the current industrial relations situation in the Sugar Industry. The statement, in GAWU’s view, is highly offensive, and has only served to fan the anger of an already uneasy workforce made up of thousands of workers. The Union recalls that the statement from the PM’s Office which would have, no doubt, at least an input from Mr Nagamootoo, is at variance with utterances he made in 2010 when he said, “This year, sugar workers were given not a cent, either as wage increase or annual bonus, as GuySuCo did not achieve its set target. The workers were literally expected to ‘produce or perish’”. Today, nearly five (5) years later, a statement from his Office seems to be saying that, though workers are about to exceed the set production targets, they may not benefit from an increase in pay, unlike their counterparts in the other state sectors. In 2015, the workers are really facing the prospect of ‘producing and perishing’. Well, it is strange how high office, deserving or not, has a way of changing its occupant’s perspective. Unquestionably, workers have demonstrated their commitment to the industry through their attendance to work and high productivity levels. Theirs is a major role in GuySuCo attaining, even surpassing, its set targets week after week. A feat such as this needs to be encouraged, with reasonable compensation going to its performers. In this regard, the statement from the PMs Office is tmost regrettable. Reference was made to the production levels of the sugar industry, but there is some obscurity in the presentation. It is pertinent to recall, that in the 1960s average sugar production was 312,861 tonnes; in the 1970s it was 308,185 tonnes, and in the 1980s it was 238,411 tonnes. Also, it is worthy of note that, between 1988 and 1991, average sugar production further fell to 154,740 tonnes sugar, with a historic low point of 129,920 tonnes in 1990. However, by 1992, production began to increase again when GuySuCo produced 243,010 tonnes. Historically, sugar has known its ups and downs, and it has shown its resilience, which GAWU feels certain can COMBAT: October - December, 2015
be shown again. In the statement, mention was made of the industry’s financial straits. One gets the impression that the administration’s spokesmen want to penalize the workers for this, thus the persistent threat of no pay increase, no matter what negative impact that would have on workers and their families, and no matter how deserving they are of the increase. This is a clear anti-worker position. GAWU forthrightly condemns it. In the same breath of the wages question, the GuySuCo’s large indebtedness is also quoted. However, giving the total debt figure without a breakdown does not help us with clarity of the situation. For instance, GuySuCo, according to recent information, informs us that about $62B or 75 per cent of total debt is long-term in nature. Moreover, $29B of the long-term debt relates to an accounting entry reflecting GuySuCo’s expected pension liability, which may or may not be realised. This is quite apart from other considerations. The Union distinctly recalls, as workers of the industry would also, that in the 2011 and 2015 General and Regional Elections campaign, some politicians, now in Government, promised steep pay increases to sugar workers. That tune is changing these days. Now we are being told that negotiations of wages for 2015 – one and a half months before the year ends – must await consideration of the report from the Commission of Inquiry by the Government. This has the feel of being a pretext for shelving negotiations. On this score, the Union wishes to reiterate that the wages question was not part of the CoI’s Terms of Reference, and, furthermore, that consideration did not arise in any way when these, now officials, were canvassing sugar workers’ votes. GAWU wishes to repeat that its stance on wages’ negotiations is a principled, straight forward position which is in keeping with industrial norms and practices. Moreso, it should not be forgotten that the concept of Collective Bargaining is enshrined in the Collective Labour Agreement, the Laws of Guyana and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. The statement from Mr Nagamootoo’s office made much ado of the administration’s financial input into the sugar industry, as reflected in the 2015 Budget. The
GAWU, representing an indispensable component of the industry – the majority of its workers – publicly welcomed this input. We recognise that it was a continuity of the approach of the previous administration, which saw the importance of aiding the faltering state-owned sugar industry. But, in reference to the $12B input, the statement does not mention that this money is going towards maintenance, paying debts and so on, and none of this is going directly towards remuneration of the workers who, in the final analysis, are the most critical component of the industry, and on whom we must necessarily rely for any turnaround of the sugar industry. In passing, GAWU wishes to emphasize that the sugar industry, despite its current difficulties, also plays a significant role in our economy, various communities, and in the Guyanese society. Of all persons, Mr Nagamootoo, given his past lengthy association with the Union, even if superficial, ought to know this. GAWU feels constrained to observe, too, that the thrust and tenor of our erstwhile Cde Naga, as we would sometimes refer to him, comes across rather differently from President Granger’s comments on the industry, as appeared in the Guyana Chronicle, November 01, 2015 edition in which he is quoted: “while the sugar industry has been ailing for several years, his administration cannot afford to make any ‘hasty’ decision, without consulting with the representatives of the working people”. This was part of other rational comments which the Union views rather positively. But there is a disconnect, it seems, which tickles curiosity. However, to both of these Government officials, as well as to GuySuCo’s Executive echelons, the livelihood of some 17,000 sugar workers is at stake in this year, for the first time in 26 continuous years. Launching out on a propaganda campaign with halftruths and cherry picking of facts will not fulfill its objective. It certainly will not convince the workers in the industry that wages’ negotiations should not be proceeded with, or they are not entitled to wage increase. GAWU is convinced that the sugar industry’s performance this year holds great promise for the period ahead. We call on the authorities not to jeopordise, with fool-hardy positions, these good prospects. Page Eleven
GAWU says:
NO! to GuySuCo’s falsehoods YES! to negotiations Instead of holding talks with the Unions in the sugar industry for pay increases, GuySuCo restorted to mendacious propaganda, thus more waste of money. Distribution of handbills by GuySuCo will not make the wages’ question go away. For workers, the wages’ issue is of utmost importance to them and their family’s well-being. GuySuCo’s big shots ought to know this. On November 11, GuySuCo put out a statement with several instances of misinformation and misinterpretation, which GAWU feels must be answered. GAWU ANSWERS GUYSUCO: GuySuCo said:- “it was always the intention of the Corporation to meet and address API for the current year”
NOTICE TO ALL CREDIT UNION MEMBERS Audit held up by Ministry of Social Protection
GAWU’s response:- That “intention” was never conveyed to the Union. It was on November 12 that the Union was invited to discuss API, but only after GAWU requested a meeting to discuss API since wages negotiations were stalled GuySuCo asserted:- That the Union was engaged in threat-making
GAWU’s response:-We ask what were the threats made by GAWU? Neverthe-less, GAWU wishes to repeat that it stands for good relations with the Corporation. At the same time, we also emphasize that we will never compromise the workers interests’ nor will we be silent when their hard-won gains and rights are in jeopardy.
GuySuCo declared on the wages’ issue:- “the Corporation has never refused to enter discussions on wages”
GAWU’s response:- Since March of this year, the Union had written GuySuCo on the question of wages. This is the mid-part of November and almost the end of the crop, and negotiations are being postponed with one or another excuse. This makes sugar workers the only category of public sector workers not receiving a pay increase so far. Is this the basis on which it expects that good industrial relationship will be built? GuySuCo complained:- That the Union went public on the API award
GAWU’s response:- We see nothing, wrong, nor did we violate any rule to publicly observe that, given workers high performance levels, the Union is expecting a higher API award in this year GuySuCo claimed:- That an Attorney’s letter (Attorney Ashton Chase) sent to them by the three Unions in the industry gave them 72 hours’ notice of strike action.
GAWU’s response:- This is a misinterpretation of the Attorney’s letter. GuySuCo should read it again. Outside of on-the-spot action, as a general rule, the decision to strike or not to strike is made by the Union’s General Council, after consultation with workers GuySuCo referred to:- An apparent threat come 2016 by the Union’s President
GAWU’s response:- By now, GuySuCo should know that, over the centuries, sugar workers had to struggle for every worthwhile benefit they enjoy. So often they must also struggle to safeguard these gains from local bosses. With the Trade Union Recognition Act (TURA), with the Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Dispute Agreement, and with the Collective Bargaining Process all disrespected, workers must remain vigilant GuySuCo pointed out:- That losses were made causing from stale cane
GAWU’s response:- This is misleading. The cane referred to was processed into sugar. But GuySuCo suffered losses because it misguided itself, as usual, and did not prepare work for workers on November 08, 2015. In effect, by this miscalculation, it imposed a one-day strike on itself. The GAWU strongly believes that the workers of the sugar industry are deserving of pay increase. They have received yearly pay increase for 26 continuous years now even when production levels were lower than the expected production this year. In 2015 they, like all other public sector workers, should also get increases in wages. Our workers work hard in difficult conditions generally. They expect a just and fair compensation for the labour power they expend. Mendacious propaganda does not pay the bills. It is used only to divert us from an issue that is of concern to workers - wages. Comrade workers! do not be fooled. Your rights and interests are at risk. We must take a stand against all anti-Trade Unionism and anti-Workers attempts. Stay United, Alert and Militant!!!
Members of the GAWU Credit Union engaged in a picketing exercise outside of the Ministry of Social Protection Co-operatives Division on November 19, 2015. The non-appointment of an auditor, at that time, resulted in the Credit Union being unable to organise its AGM
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union Co-operative Credit Union Society Limited hereby informs its members that the Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) would not take place this year (2015) because the Co-operative Department of the Ministry of Social Protection failed to audit the Society’s financial records, which is a legal requirement. The Society wrote the Co-operative Department by letter dated September 17, 2015, inviting the Department to conduct the audit of the Society’s records for year ended 2014. A written response from the Co-operative Department, dated September 22, 2015, stated inter alia “that the auditing of all Credit Unions have [has] been placed on hold indefinitely”. The Society thereafter mounted a picketing exercise outside of the Ministry’s Cornhill Street office on November 19, 2015, pressing for the audit of its records. At the conclusion of the exercise, the Minister of Social Protection telephoned the Secretary of Credit Union, assuring him that the audit would be conducted. The Credit Union was informed by letter dated December 04, 2015 that an auditor has been appointed. However, so far, the audit has not commenced. In the circumstances, the AGM could not take place before. The audit is not only compulsory, but it is necessary to confirm the Society’s disbursement of its surplus, among other things. Members are entitled to dividends and interest rebates, which have been denied to them this year. The AGM is also tasked with the election of a new Committee of Management of the Society. It is regrettable that the Society, for the first time in many years, cannot conduct its AGM. It is ironic that, at a time when accountability, transparency and periodic audited statements have been promised, one of the Government’s Ministries seems to have a different agenda. Yours faithfully
Rooplall Persaud, Secretary Committee of Management - GAWU Credit Union
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 Email: gawu@bbgy.com Website: www.gawu.net
Fax: 592-227-2093