The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was indeed disheartened when it learnt of the decision by Mr Bruce Vieira to shutter his BEV Processors Inc. For the approximate 390-person workforce, it was an unexpected, and certainly an unwelcome, shock when they learnt of the sad news that their jobs, in a few weeks’ time, would cease to exist. For nearly all of the workers, it probably was the last thought on their mind, if it were a thought at all when they entered the workplace and subsequently learnt that the Company was being closed. The workforce is largely made of up females, many of whom are single parents, are already hard pressed with the circumstances of life.
The GAWU relationship with BEV goes back nearly 25 years when the Union became the bargaining agent for the workers employed by the Company. Over the years, our Union and the Company have generally enjoyed cordial relations and through those relations were able to advance the workers lot. In fact just a few weeks ago, the Union and the Company concluded their 2018 negotiations which resulted in an eight (8) per cent pay rise, among other improvements. At that time, there wasn’t the faintest of idea that a few weeks later that the workforce would be made redundant.
Today (June 07, 2018), the Company, in keeping with its obligations as outlined in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act and the Trade Union Recognition Act, officially engaged the Union on its intentions. The GAWU was represented by its President, Komal Chand; General Secretary, Seepaul Narine among other union officials and members of the BEV GAWU Branch. The Company explained that several factors influenced its decision to close operations. Mr Vieira contended that in the last few months there has been a substantial decline in the prices being received from his customers locally and abroad. The low prices have resulted in the Company having some 600,000 pounds of shrimp on hand. Moreover, the Company is required by year-end to have Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. On that matter, he shared that MSC certification process is tedious and it would take about 18 months to complete. He shared too that sales to overseas markets would be severely curtailed unless the MSC certification is obtained. Vieira was also concerned whether the Government would renew at year-end the concession through which fishing companies are allowed to purchase fuel under arrangements whereby lesser taxes are paid. Mr Vieira, in the circumstances, expressed deep fear that his Company could suffer heavy losses and huge debts.
Through the Union/Company engagement, apart from the statutorily required redundancy payments, the Company has agreed to pay workers for their full year’s annual leave, though the years’ service would be incomplete when operations cease. The workers would receive too their full incentive payment for July, 2018 though the Company would end operations around July 15, 2018. Also, the Company agreed to pay the workers 100 hours of their pay rates they would usually receive during the closed season despite the shuttering of the Company’s operations before the season commences. The closed season, which would last from August to October, sees a temporary cessation of fishing operations to allow fish to spawn.
Following the engagement with the Company, the Union met with the workforce and apprised them of the outcome of the engagement between the Union and the Company. The Union shared with the workers its dismay that the situation has reached such a sad end. Some workers lamented what life could become if they are unable to secure new jobs. The GAWU committed itself to ensuring that the workers’ rights were protected and vowed to stand in their corner. The workers obviously upset by the sudden closure decision but were nevertheless, in the circumstances, heartened that the Union managed to secure additional payments on their behalf.
The Company is also working secure jobs for the employees. Some of the workers may have an opportunity to be employed by Noble House Seafoods Limited, an entity where GAWU also enjoys bargaining rights. This possibility will be confirmed early next week. Additionally, BEV is reaching out to other employers with a view to secure jobs for the now redundant workers.
The loss of jobs could not have more at a more distressing time. Over the last few months, several thousand sugar workers became jobless from an unwise policy to minimize the industry. Separately, more workers have lost their jobs arising from the economic circumstances that are prevailing at this time.
