The GAWU today (April 02, 2020) in a letter to the GuySuCo’s Chief Industrial Relations Manager, Deodat Sukhu called on the state-owned sugar company to suspend temporarily its operations for an appropriate period in light of the COVID-19 epidemic in our country. In our correspondence which was copied to several senior GuySuCo officials, among others, we pointed out that over the last few days workers have expressed their fear about contracting the coronavirus. The workers fearfulness, we added, have been heightened in recent days as the number of persons infected has risen and reports have indicated that this number will climb even higher in the coming days.
In our missive, we recognized the Corporation embraced several measures as a means to allay workers fears. Those while welcomed have not helped to sufficiently subdue workers concerns at this time especially given the unfolding national situation. We reminded the GuySuCo that is it bound both by agreement and statue, among other things, to ensure that workers are protected from hazards whether they are physical or biological. The Union pointed out that workers have expressed anxieties about going to work, not because they are unwilling but they are seeking to protect their and their families’ health and well-being at this time. It was against this background that the Union urged the Corporation consider a temporary cessation of operations.
Support to sugar workers
The Union, in its correspondence, also called on the GuySuCo to provide appropriate financial support to the beleaguered and hard-pressed sugar workers. We advised the GuySuCo that it ought to approach its political bosses to access sufficient financial support to ensure that it can assist its workers in this crisis period. We reminded the state-owned enterprise, that the Government is ensuring that all its workers do not suffer any loss in pay and, therefore, the sugar workers are just as deserving. The GAWU reminded that the sugar workers and their families, are Guyanese citizens foremost, and they, like all citizens, deserve the support of the State at this difficult time.
The GAWU is hopeful that the Corporation would consider sincerely and soberly our requests. The GuySuCo has oft repeated that its workers are its most important assets and, therefore, it should pursue every mean to ensure that they and their families are safeguarded and protected at this time. We pointed out to the sugar company that several other enterprises in our country have taken similar stances as we suggested and it appears to be a most prudent course at this time.
Urging a national response
At this time, the GAWU joins in urging all Guyanese to heed the warnings, follow the advice and take all and every precaution to stay safe. We believe that should we embrace such measures, we can overcome the situation even more quickly and get back to our normal day-to-day lives.
Our Union urges too that the authorities need to proactively address the menacing situation. It seems to us that there has been a lethargic approach at a time when our citizens are scared. Clearly, those charged with leading the process, thus far, have let us down and worse yet have put our people’s well-being into harm’s way. This is clearly unbecoming of those who call themselves leaders and seek to masquerade as Government.
