Dear Editor,
Do the sugar workers’ unions, GAWU and NACCIE know something the general public does not? Are they conscious of the situation across the industry, or are they stuck in a time warp of a few decades earlier, when resorting to strike action was necessary because one was fighting for issues such as a better place to live and food to eat?
The unions must be conscious of not getting tied up in the mind-frame that strikes are what have got them this far in their quest for betterment, and are the preferred option currently and in the future. They along with other unions in Guyana seemingly have a difficulty in understanding that negotiations are not just a formality before they resort to strike action; rather in today’s evolving society they should be seen as crucial in advancing gains for their workers.
History has shown us that working together in a partnership accelerates progress rather than the method of confrontation. Whenever there has been relative peace in any nation, the most positive gains have been achieved, similarly in a company or organization, and the sugar industry is no different.
The unions seem to be beating a cow to produce more milk at a point when the cow is trying to emerge from a desert. Would it not be in the best interest of all to wait until the cow emerges to greener pastures to get that milk? From what I gather, Guysuco has confirmed that it will begin to produce over 280,000 tonnes of sugar beginning next year, because of their intense field work this year. To make money you have to produce sugar; we all know what the situation this year and in the previous ones were. Does it not make sense to wait until the industry begins to recover next year to place your demands?
Has anyone noticed that all GAWU has been encouraging publicly is disrespect for the corporation, striking and calling for more money. Not once has it encouraged workers to remain committed as better days are ahead; rather the union itself is encouraging efforts to demoralize the workers.
However, I do acknowledge their efforts recently when the industry could not come up with money in time to pay wages. The corporation made a commitment to pay in three days’ time and this was honoured. The union’s position of understanding was a significant achievement, despite several attempts at sabotage, such as the burning of canes on several estates. Could this be seen as a sign that the union is beginning to feel the need to approach situations within the industry in a more enlightened manner and has stopped thinking one-dimensionally?
Workers could only get as good as they want if the sugar industry is healthy. That is a fact; let the unions dispute this. Or are they expecting government to step in because of the pressure they are applying to bail the industry out? This should not be the case; as I said, times have changed. Taxpayer dollars should not be spent in this way, particularly as the company in its public statements has indicated that it is working with a plan to self-generate resources with assistance, of course, to overcome its challenges and is confident of doing so in another 2 to 3 years.
What is so difficult for the union to understand?
Some major decisions have been taken to put this industry in the right direction, namely cutting ties with the Booker Tate Management. GAWU should take heart from this; the new Board of Directors is only a few months into the task. Give the team a chance to execute their mandate or does Cde Komal feel that time is running out for him?
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
