There can be no turnaround in sugar unless workers are properly rewarded

Dear Editor,

The Stabroek News editorial (22.11.10) that referred to the seven days strike called by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union as ‘’thoughtless” and in stark contrast to an anonymous column in  another daily that accused GAWU of not doing enough and followed by a letter on the same day  in SN  “that GAWU needs to make informed decisions” are shortsighted and unfortunate especially when those in the corridors of power have consistently refused to settle labour disputes via the process of negotiations or through a process of mutually beneficial dialogue.

History has shown since slavery that sugar workers have had to struggle not only for their freedom but every benefit they achieved thereafter. Today the demand for the right to a living wage involves a process of continuous struggles.

When the Gobin Ganga Arbitration imposed the three percent wage offer by the Administration on the backs of sugar workers in 2009 the evidence stood out clear that the vital interest of sugar workers would scarcely be other than incidental. This action did not only lead to a decline in morale it also resulted in high attrition and high workers absenteeism – over 50 % – especially at the Skeldon estate.

The jump-start and stop operation at the new Chinese sugar factor is hardly likely to get better in the near future. As a matter of fact the SN editorial (22.11.10) did an excellent analysis of the Skeldon factory that I totally agree with especially in its recommendations. Like the bungled nationalization process in the 70’s sugar workers are once again being called upon to make even greater sacrifice to keep, this time, a deadweight US$200 million factory from sinking. Mind you this is the year that Guysuco should be producing 500,000 tons of sugar according to the now forgotten 10-year Guysuco Plan (1998-2008).

In 1990, when Guysuco was ailing followed by years of importation of sugar to satisfy domestic consumption a Booker Tate management contract under the astute leadership of Neville Hilary led an unprecedented turnaround of the Corporation.

One of his key strategies was to minimize industrial conflicts and reward workers for their hard earned dues. The end result was wage increases were followed by phenomenal increases in   sugar production that topped the 300,000 tons mark in the 90’s. Productivity especially in the field improved with higher yields. Sugar workers especially cane cutters who sought fortunes in the neighbouring islands were attracted back to the industry.

When the current Guysuco administration offered a meagre 5% for the achievement of an unrealistic 270,000 tons target it was clear that sugar workers have to prepare for another bleak Christmas.

Today many of the Fat Cats who prospered on the sweat and blood of the workers to gain and enjoy power may well be reminded that one of the foremost leaders of GAWU in a most inspiring address on May Day (1977) to the nation argued that belly full man cannot tell hungry belly man that he must bear patience.

Today, more than three decades later similar writings are on the wall as there can be no turnaround in sugar unless workers are properly rewarded. This should be separated from the Skeldon fiasco that bleeds the coffers of Guysuco and now the Treasury. The current strike by GAWU is totally justifiable.

Yours faithfully,
(Name and address supplied)