As 2023 draws to a close, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) deems it necessary to take stock of its achievements during the year and look ahead to the future. As a longstanding trade union, our organisation has remained committed to advancing our members’ rights and promoting their protection and respect in the workplace. We recognise that those gains were not achieved without facing various obstacles and challenges. However, we remained steadfast in our commitment to ensuring a better future for the workers under our umbrella. We take pride in our accomplishments in 2023 and are committed to implementing practical measures to achieve further gains in 2024 and beyond.
At the national level, we are confident in our country’s bright prospects despite the challenges posed by those with their designs and motivations. We are highly impressed by the significant economic growth and development our country has experienced since 2020 and are confident that it will remain impressive well into this decade. Our economy has become more diversified, and our country productive capacity has expanded, leading to significant expansion. We are highly optimistic about the potential of our nascent oil and gas sector, which we expect to grow even more. Numerous new and established sectors have also made impressive strides and contributed to our economic outcomes. We have recognised efforts aimed at advancing and consolidating our traditional economic sectors. Overall, these developments indicate an assured and sound future for our nation, and we are confident that the end appears bright and promising.
As we witness the growth of our economy, we must not overlook the social issues that are of great concern to us. We urge an adjustment of the national minimum wage, a matter raised by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali himself. We firmly believe equalising the national and public sector minimum wage should be an immediate priority.
We acknowledge that the well-being of individuals and communities is not solely dependent on improved pay. Other factors such as access to quality healthcare, affordable education, social protection, safe and peaceful communities, dependable infrastructure, and adequate protection with respect in the workplace are equally important. We are pleased to note that the government is actively working towards improving these areas, and we fully support their efforts. Improving access to these necessities can break down barriers and ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to lead a productive, safe, and fulfilling life. As we move towards the future, it is essential to build a solid foundation to create a resilient society capable of withstanding any challenges.
It is with a sense of apprehension that we must also address the conflict with Venezuela surrounding the Essequibo region which has recently resurfaced. We are deeply disappointed by the actions of our former comrades and friends in Venezuela, who have long claimed to uphold good neighbourly relations. It is important to note that Venezuela, under previous leadership, had relegated the border dispute to a lesser priority, viewing it as an imperialist ploy to instigate disharmony between our nations and peoples.
We firmly maintain that Venezuela should adhere to the Geneva Agreement and the decision of the United Nations Secretary-General and articulate its position before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has been deemed the forum to bring finality to this issue. We take this opportunity to salute our men and women who defend our borders and nation. Their commitment to protecting us all deserves our profound respect and admiration. We also pay tribute to our fallen heroes and think of their families at this time. The Guyanese people will never forget their courage, and their efforts will continue to inspire us all. Now is the time for unity and patriotism.
Sugar industry
It is worth noting that the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing its annual sugar production target of 60,000 tonnes. This is a remarkable achievement for the company, which has been challenged to meet its production targets for a while now.
The production achievement in 2023 represents a noteworthy improvement of nearly 28% over the output recorded in 2022. This is a demonstration that the investments made in the industry are yielding tangible returns. For GuySuCo and the many sugar workers, this milestone highlights the industry’s prospects. Regrettably, the potential that such progress represents was denied during the former Coalition Administration. This administration neglected to provide the industry with the necessary capital inputs to foster improved production and productivity, which the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) perceived as an intentional effort to suffocate the industry into extinction. It is widely known that the Coalition administration sent some 7,000 sugar workers home, causing thousands of others to lose their jobs in other sectors of the economy.
The successful attainment of the production target is a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the sugar workers towards the industry. The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been vocal about the tireless efforts exerted by the workforce, which has been instrumental in meeting the production target. The workers have been showing up in large numbers during this crop season, surpassing the weekly production targets week after week. This accomplishment sheds light on the crucial role of having an adequate supply of harvestable canes to encourage and motivate the workers to put in their best effort and receive a justifiable wage for their hard work.
We have accomplished several significant achievements at the bargaining table throughout the year. As we near the end of 2023, sugar workers have been able to reap the benefits of an improved incentive regime that resulted from negotiations between the Union and the Corporation. This new scheme has improved workers’ take-home pay and productivity. Moreover, the discussions between GAWU and GuySuCo have led to implementing improved measures to enhance Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). We are continuing our efforts to discuss conditions of work and pay for the Field Superintendent category of employees who recently became members of the Union.
The focus of the sugar industry has now shifted towards the production estimates for the year 2024. However, no official announcement has yet been made by GuySuCo. The recent second crop of 2023 benefited from favourable weather conditions, which allowed the industry to make the most of mechanical tillage and replanting. A proper crop husbandry approach could lead to a bountiful second crop in the coming year and contribute towards higher production levels.
Non-sugar workplaces
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is representative of major bargaining units in the sugar sector and workers in various public and private enterprises and organisations. The union’s presence is consistently expanding in non-sugar workplaces as more and more workers seek protection and representation from the Union. In the current year, the GAWU has successfully added an extra bargaining unit under its fold.
Throughout 2023, we made significant progress in our negotiations with employers toward improving their employees’ pay levels and working conditions. Members have expressed gratitude for our unwavering efforts and commitment to ensuring that their rights are respected and that they enjoy dignified working relationships. We take pride in our principled positions, which have earned us the respect of many employers who appreciate our ability to engage in candid and constructive discussions for the benefit of all parties involved.
The oil and gas sector – a work in progress
In 2023, our Union continued its efforts to support workers in the emerging oil and gas sector. We have been approached by workers from various companies seeking guidance and assistance. However, these workers’ situation serves as a warning that not everything that appears attractive is necessarily good. Many workers have informed us that high pay rates lured them but soon discovered that some employers do not follow agreed terms. For instance, some employers justify not paying overtime by stating that it is already included in the daily wages.
According to the workers, some foreigners have displayed a negative attitude which is a cause of worry. In one instance, a group of workers revealed that their medical insurance coverage is not applicable during off-duty periods.
To make matters worse, the employment relations in this sector are characterised by agency and contract employment. In some cases, there is ambiguity and confusion regarding the boundaries between these employment arrangements, making it difficult for workers to understand their rights and entitlements. These developments are not only detrimental to the welfare of our nation’s workers, but tailored to keep the union out.
It’s worth noting that the GAWU has gained valuable insights into the challenging situation Guyanese workers face through our enhanced relationships with the Trinidad and Tobago Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU). Upon comparison, it’s clear that the working conditions and pay rates of our counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago are significantly better than those of Guyanese workers. While some argue that the pay gap is due to the lack of experience of Guyanese workers, we are aware that many of our fellow citizens have similar certifications to their counterparts from other countries. Hence, it’s time to re-evaluate the existing rationale and constructively address the pay disparity issue.
The unorganised sector – a challenging environment
Throughout 2023, several unorganised workplaces have approached our Union for assistance. We have listened to their stories of exploitation and difficult working conditions, which often include violations of fundamental rights and a lack of dignity and justice at work. It is disheartening to see workers forced to endure such hardships due to their economic situation. Our Union is deeply concerned about the plight of these workers and will continue to fight for their rights and well-being.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) have provided invaluable assistance and guidance to various group of workers seeking help. The Union also brought several issues to the attention of the Ministry of Labour, seeking its intervention to ensure that justice is served to the workers. These efforts have resulted in significant victories. However, a few firms have opted to engage human resource and legal advocates to circumvent addressing workers’ rights. This is a signal that the existing laws and regulations needs to be strengthen.
The cost-of-living -a difficult time for workers
In 2023, the rising cost of living was a major concern. We appreciate the government’s efforts to address this issue through various initiatives. Without the proactive measures taken by the administration, the situation could have been worse. Unfortunately, some businesses try to profit from public policies instead of sharing the relief offered. This behaviour is unacceptable as it exploits our people, particularly the workers.
Economic advancement – development for all
As we look ahead to 2024, our economy is expected to experience significant growth. We welcome this positive development and we believe that true development is not defined by material possessions or superficial measures of success but by the ability of our people to lead fulfilling lives and achieve their aspirations. We remain committed to this vision and will work tirelessly to ensure that our people have the opportunity to build a strong foundation for the future.
Conclusion
In 2023, the GAWU has achieved remarkable success despite facing several obstacles and challenges. We are proud of our achievements but acknowledge that the year was difficult. However, these challenges have made us stronger and more resilient in defending our members. During the year we concluded our Congress and reaffirmed our commitment to the democratic renewal and accountability to our members. It was a highlight forum that allowed us to examine our successes and orient our organisation for even greater achievements in the future.
The year has demonstrated the importance of standing firm in adversity. We have seen that success is possible if we remain committed to our goals and work together to achieve them. The relentless spirit of the working people has been a source of inspiration and motivation for us.
As we begin a new year, we hope to overcome any obstacles and injustices that may come our way. The lessons of the past generations of workers, who have shown us that we can triumph if our demands are just, will continue to guide us.
We must remain vigilant and united and continually raise the banner of solidarity. Only through our collective efforts can we bring about positive change and create a better tomorrow for ourselves and future generations.
In closing, we extend our warmest wishes for the New Year. May 2024 be a year of progress, prosperity, and success for all Guyanese and workers generally.
