Several Skeldon Estate workers, supported by the General Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), this morning picketed outside the estate calling on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to end its ‘discriminatory’ benefits practices.
Guyana Standard understands that the workers are protesting a decision by the sugar company to pay gratuity to employees at the managerial, supervisory, and clerical levels while denying similar payments to workers employed in the field, factory, and allied areas.
The union said today that the workers are at a loss for the Corporation’s decision for their exclusion.
“The GAWU, having learnt of the situation, addressed the matter with the GuySuCo Head Office. Despite several rationale arguments advanced, the sugar company by letter of September 23, 2021, said it could not agree to offer similar benefits to the workers. No reason or explanation was provided by the Corporation for its decision. The workers having learnt of the Corporation’s adamancy on the matter became deeply upset and felt cheated. They indicated to the GAWU they felt lesser to their colleagues at the other levels of the estate,” the union said.
In the meantime, GAWU said it will be advancing its representation and will seek the involvement of the Ministry of Labour through conciliation.
“The Union and the workers also urge the GuySuCo to soberly review its position and to treat all workers equally. Indeed, we believe given the relevant sections of the Prevention of Discrimination Act such call is not unfair or imprudent.”
