NAACIE is the recognized representative of sugar boilers and clerical employees in the majority state-owned sugar corporation, while workers, foremen and forewomen employed in the field and factory are represented by GAWU.

According to a Press Release issued by the CLO, Minister Bisnauth invoked his statutory powers under the Labour Act to refer the dispute between GUYSUCO and GAWU to the tribunal based on the likelihood that the dispute would be prolonged if no positive action was taken.

NAACIE’s initial proposal was for a pay increase of 38 per cent. Pay negotiations between GUYSUCO and GAWU commenced in March with the union proposing a pay increase of 18 per cent. Following extensive negotiations, GUYSUCO increased its pay offer to 4.1 per cent with a merit increase of 0.4 per cent. Notwithstanding those negotiations, the sugar corporation and the unions were unable to reach agreement, and their respective claims were referred to an arbitration tribunal comprising Mr. Prem Persaud, former Court of Appeal Judge and current chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, as chairman, with Mr. Norman McLean and Mr. David Yankana as members.