An agreement has been reached between the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to settle payments to employees whose services were terminated.
GAWU had always contended that the terminated workers were entitled to receive severance entitlements consistent with the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA).
“The workers felt the proposal was adequate and took account of the long and several battles to reach that point. As a result, the Commission has now made available, the payments to the workers,” GAWU said.
The workers had staged a number of protests demanding their severances. The former workers contended that they were being treated unfairly by the Guyana Forestry Commission. Following those protests, the union resumed dialogue with the Commission on the matter.
GAWU explained that it felt continued discussions with the Commission, with a view to reaching an amicable settlement between the parties, was high on the agenda during the meetings.
“GAWU was heartened by the developments and recognised the importance of good faith, open and frank discussions to bring about a settlement. We believe this augurs well for all involved,” the union noted.
