No response from Gov’t on sugar worker’s pay increase

While many persons are preparing for a season of joy and happiness, sugar workers are still waiting to hear from government on whether they will receive an increase.

Workers in the sugar industry have been asking for an increase in wages since 2014.

President of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand said workers have signed a petition which was sent to President David Granger; they have also held vigils and protest actions, but have not been given a response.

“We have done the petition and the President promised to provide a response to us; we haven’t heard from the President,” Chand said.

Chand highlighted that GAWU met with GuySuCo on Thursday but was also not given any feasible update with the increase. The Union requested a 15% pay increase.

Meanwhile, Chand disclosed that GuySuCo also said on Monday they will meet with bond holders to further this discuss matter.

“They just engaged us and keep us informed with the [sugar] production level but nothing germane to the negations taking place,” Chand said.