The GAWU through a letter dated January 06, 2020 to caretaker President David Granger sought to hear from him regarding a petition signed by thousands of sugar workers calling for a pay rise. In October, 2019, the GAWU, on behalf of sugar workers of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates, delivered to Mr Granger a petition seeking him to positively intervene regarding a pay rise to sugar workers.
At that time, the President, in response, committed that he would send the petition to the GuySuCo to receive their advice before offering a response. In our January 06 correspondence, the GAWU pointed out to Mr Granger noting that a quarter of a year had elapsed, expectedly, the sugar company would have offered its advice and he would have formed his own opinion. Indeed, the GAWU has learnt that the President has received from GuySuCo, some weeks ago, several proposals regarding a pay rise to sugar workers. Those proposals, we learnt too, were also re-sent to the President recently.
Our Union, is also aware, that the GuySuCo CEO, Dr Harold Davis (junior) was representing this matter to the Government. In fact the CEO, when we met him on November 20, 2019, felt that he would have had an answer on the matter by mid-December, 2019. That time-frame elapsed and after follow-up by the GAWU, the Corporation subsequently undertook to provide a response by the end of 2019. That also lapsed and the GAWU has reminded the GuySuCo that a response is outstanding.
The GAWU has said before, it appears, the President and his Administration had really no intention of even considering the sugar workers and their families plight and well-being. This position was manifested in a recent interview Mr Granger had with Mr Neil Marks, when he completely avoided to answer a repeated question about whether his Administration would assist to provide sugar workers a pay rise. While holding that strong belief, we felt it was also appropriate to give the President an opportunity to response. The fact that he has not even acknowledged our follow-up letter though is known for his acknowledgement of correspondences, muchless offering a response, in our view, is justifying our suspicion.
The sugar workers and the GAWU, though disappointed, are strongly resolved in continuing their struggle for fairness, equity and justice.
