– workers benefitting from pay rise and improved working conditions
As is well-known, GAWU’s reach extends beyond the sugar industry and our Union is the recognized bargaining agent for workers in several enterprises in number of sectors. In 2018, we have concluded, successfully, agreements with several employers. Through our engagements at the bargaining table, we have secured improvement in rates-of-pay and allowances as well as enhancement in other non-wage benefits. We are indeed pleased with the agreements we reached and our members have expressed their satisfaction. We recognize that our achievements come at a time when some of the employers are experiencing challenges but were convinced by the arguments advanced by our Union to improve our members lot.
The year also saw us concluding for the first time an agreement regarding pay rates and certain working conditions with Amazon Caribbean (Guyana) Limited. The agreement which was signed on October 22, 2018 covers forty-eight (48) articles and addresses issues, including rates of pay, probationary period, promotion, acting and responsibility allowances, discipline, hours of work, overtime, meal allowances, and filling of vacancies.
In December, 2017, the GAWU and the Company signed a Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement which accorded GAWU recognition status for the Company’s employees at its Rosignol, West Bank Berbice factory. The mainly female workforce, numbering
35, are engaged in the processing and canning of Heart of the Palm.
