Workers within the Field Superintendent category in the sugar industry will now be represented by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) following the signing of an agreement with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO).
“It is the first time that a section of the industry’s Senior Staff has been unionized,” a press release from GAWU said following the signing of the Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement on Wednesday.
GAWU had applied to the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) to seek bargaining rights on behalf of the superintendents of the sugar industry earlier in 2022.
The release noted that after considering the Union’s application, a survey was conducted and the GAWU was deemed to have most of the Senior Staffers as members.
Through the agreement, the GAWU and GUYSUCO have set out dispute resolution mechanisms, processes for the appointment of shop stewards, and other features to guide the relationship between the parties.
“At this stage we are to commence efforts to formalize a collective labour agreement which would address conditions of work and other benefits,” the release noted.
“The GAWU looks forward to a fruitful relationship with the company as we seek to protect and enhance the rights of all workers,” it added.
