The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) says that as at February 05, 2016, no less than sixty workers undertaking various tasks in the Wales fields and the factory were given marching orders by officials of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo)
GAWU today said that the 60 were told that they were no longer engaged in employ of the Estate on the ground that they were temporary workers. These workers worked previous crops at the Estate. A few of them, including young females, the union said it learnt, were told they could be further employed to cut and load canes, if they wished.
This morning, GAWU said that over fifty planters were reportedly told by GuySuCo officials that if they did not to take up employment at Uitvlugt Estate and did not agree to accept severance pay within three days, it would be regarded by GuySuCo that they have opted to leave the Estate’s employ.
GAWU condemns the so-called interviews at the instance of GuySuCo with the workers and the high-handedness adopted. The Union also wishes to point out that the interviews are being conducted behind the backs of the workers’ Unions – GAWU and NAACIE.
GAWU’s statement today came in the wake of assurances by the government that layoffs as a result of the planned closing of the Wales estate would be minimal.
