GuySuco’s CEO questions reasons for industrial action at this time

The current industrial action called bythe Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), has forced the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to ask some pertinent questions.

 CEO, Errol Hanoman told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that certain questions need to be answered by the union.  “Why deny workers additional wages and incentives that they can earn in the three weeks remaining to crop’s end?Why deny GuySuco from realising its 2015 targeted sugar production?What is there to be gained from this protest action, even as production target is within reach?”

The CEOmade it clear that the protest action will only make the situation more serious for the sugar company, as sales will be affected along with payment of wages and salaries, and obligations to suppliers. He added that,“Whilst on strike, there can be no engagement, so when the union officially calls off the strike and workers return, then dialogue can resume.”

GuySuco is just about 13,000 tonnes away from achieving its 2015 sugar target of 227,443 tonnes. According to Hanoman, the target can even be surpassed by at least 6,000 tonnes which would take production to 233, 361 tonnes for the year.The last time GuySuCo achieved a second crop target was in 2004.

As of today, production stood at 133,464 tonnes for the second crop, while the year- to -date total stood at 214, 607 tonnes.

Some workers are on strike over the Annual Production Incentive (API) offered by the corporation.Hanoman told GINA on Monday that talks on Friday, with GAWU, regarding the API were left unfinished, after GAWU indicated that they wanted to consult their membership. GuySuCo is offering 2.7 days API which will be paid by March 2016.

 According to Hanoman, a large number of workers are against strike action at this time. He said the corporation is awaiting their return and is encouraging them to maximise their earnings and to take the crop off.

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Corey Young

Systems Development Officer