Wales sugar workers back on the job today
--- Dispute-solving meeting to begin
Guyana Chronicle
October 16, 2003
WORKERS of Wales Sugar Estate were due to return to work today, following a meeting yesterday afternoon between a delegation of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO).
Factory workers were scheduled to resume work mid-last night and field workers are to go back to their jobs this morning.
The union-management meeting and subsequent return-to-work decision sprung from efforts by both sides to resolve a dispute between GUYSUCO and some Wales Estate workers that led to those workers going on strike and then, reportedly agitated by Justice For All Leader C.N. Sharma, starting an illegal march.
The marchers were stopped on their way to Georgetown by a contingent of police ranks who broke up the procession and arrested a dozen persons, including Mr. Sharma.
Police said they were forced to use teargas to disperse the marchers after they defied an order to discontinue their illegal march.
The dispute centered on the recent replacement of a chute at the factory with a smaller one. The workers claimed that the smaller chute was feeding begasse into the No. 3 Boiler at a pace that was hampering the attainment of targets, which were essential to their earning of production incentives.
Yesterday's meeting between GAWU and GUYSUCO, convened and chaired by Chief Labour Officer Mohamed Akeel, was necessary after GUYSUCO declared that it would only entertain discussion on the dispute itself when the workers returned to their jobs.
The GAWU delegation, led by President Komal Chand, included some 15 union representatives from the West Bank Demerara estate.
In a statement after the meeting, GAWU said it was unhappy with the use of teargas by the police: "The union is of the firm view that the Wales workers' march, though illegal, did not, at the time, constitute the type of threatening or disorderly behaviour to warrant the use of teargas."
In that context, it said, "GAWU cannot help but recall other instances over the past two years when the most disruptive, violence, prone demonstrations, both illegal and permitted, were allowed to proceed unmolested in Georgetown. No teargas was used ever when the sympathizers of criminal elements blocked roadways and bridges and terrorized innocent citizens.
"Would the same form of action have been taken if protesters were in Georgetown?"
Mr. Chand told this newspaper yesterday afternoon that the resumption of work this morning would pave the way for the union and GUYSUCO to discuss the impending dispute in a committed effort to amicably resolve same.
Mr. Akeel has indicated that he will be visiting Wales Sugar Estate this morning where he will meet again with the union and management to work out an amicable resolution of the industrial dispute. The meeting is scheduled for 9:00 hrs.
The Chief Labour Officer said he would also have a first-hand look at the 'chute' - the genesis of the problem.
In another issue related to the workers' strike, GAWU brushed aside "certain opinions" expressed in an editorial in yesterday's edition of Kaieteur News.
"Views such as, 'the suggestion is that the union leadership may be reluctant to take any action in support of what could harm the nation - even if the workers have a genuine case...' ...the union is now going to meet with GUYSUCO to discuss the term, but how could this be when the very union deems the strike illegal?'
"And also that, allegedly, 'poor communication between the union leadership and the rank and file workers is clearly apparent...'
"As a responsible trade union, burnished through decades of struggle for our workers' rights, GAWU does not rush for publicity as it deals with grievances, whilst respecting laid-down procedures outlined in agreements and other commitments. A few facts, however, may enlighten that particular editorial writer.
"Firstly, nowhere in any utterances so far or in its press release of 13th October 2003 did the union deem the Wales strike 'illegal'. GAWU did indicate that the required procedure entailed Shop Stewards reporting on impasse after discussions were exhausted or deadlocked. This then allows the union, from a central level, to advance the negotiations to the other level swiftly.
GAWU also denied another Kaieteur editorial contention that there was "poor communication" between union leadership and members.
The union said it had assisted workers, at their request, with the provision of placards for a peaceful protest at Wales that the workers had planned for Saturday, October 12.
"GAWU also stands by its observation that, as in times past, especially at Wales and Uitvlugt, there are elements who work to encourage disorderliness, unrest and disrespect for laid-down industrial procedures.
"These elements have other non-industrial agendas. It is in their interest to keep sugar workers from work in order to agitate them to engage in non-industrial, disruptive activities - actions clearly inimical to the workers' welfare."
The union assured its members at Wales of its support and representation, but also exhorted them to "be on guard against imposters - even as it engages GUYSUCO in the workers' interest."