We refer to Mr Andre Marks’ letter “Will GAWU provide for sugar workers given the billions collected in union dues?” which appeared in the December 10, 2017 Kaieteur News. Though we wished what Mr Marks said was true, we must unfortunately advise him and the public that our Union despite being the recognized bargaining agent for the field and factory workers has not collected billions he referred to over the forty-odd years we have represented the workers.
Further, through the payment of dues we have represented workers collectively and individually, as the case may be, to the GuySuCo as they would have required. In some instances, significant sums were expended to pursue matters at arbitration and through the judicial system. When that is juxtaposed against the sums we received, it says a lot. Added to that, the Union has its expenditure to meet in providing representation to the workers; certainly it would have had to be met from the income we received. And though thousands of workers will no longer remain in GuySuCo’s employ and, therefore, cease being financial members of our Union, the GAWU will continue to represent them and champion their cause.
We also wish to share with Mr Marks that GAWU during that time it assisted the workers with strike relief achieved such feats through the kind-hearted support of many individuals and organisations that stood in solidarity with the workers. At this time, we remain open to working together with others in assisting the workers.
