Albion sugar workers strike

Feb 18, 2009 News

One week into the sugar crop workers at the Albion estate yesterday went on strike in support of what they described as ‘unfair’ treatment to the ‘day hands’ at the estate by management.
Reports stated that the new management board yesterday took a decision to formalise the working hours of the ‘day hands’ (workers that assist in loading cane onto the punts) much to their disapproval.
This newspaper was told that the ‘day hands’ are paid by the hour, and as such make most of their monies by working overtime.
However, yesterday they were told that they no longer will be paid by the hour but instead they will work a normal eight-hour shift and be paid a salary.
“We can’t do that. That gone shorten we money,” one employee said.
Another employee said that, while they are in support of changes within the industry, they will only support positive changes.
“GuySuCo cutting cost and telling us to accept change, but this change is not fuh better. They straining the workers to save money.”
In support of the ‘day hands’, five gangs of cane-cutters stayed away from work yesterday.
To supplement the work force, the management then took a decision to have the Cane Transport workers cross their tractors on a punt to enter the fields and uplift the cane.
These workers, six in total, refused to indulge in such activity, and as such were sent home for the rest of the day yesterday.
Engineers at the Skeldon Sugar Factory are currently awaiting cane to continue testing.
Just about two weeks ago President Bharrat Jagdeo said that as soon as the contractor gets its engineers to Guyana, and as soon as there is adequate supply of cane, the factory will be tested again.
On September 15, 2008, Site Representative of China National Technology Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC), Andrew Jin, told the media that the trial run showed that there were problems between the punt dumper and the conveyor belt while, at the same time, difficulties have been encountered with the shredder bearings.
‘Choking’, he had said, was occurring when fresh water was pumped into the diffuser. This same problem recurred at the second and third evaporators.
Two days after it was announced that the factory was indeed having technical difficulties, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said that Guyana was examining legal options and remedies which can be enforced against CNTIC.
The Minister said that fines can be imposed under the contract signed between Guyana and the Chinese company. The fines can exceed US$5M.
Following the official handover of Skeldon factory, there are three further 72-hour tests which can be carried out by the owner during the next year. During that period, the contractor is still responsible for defects arising from those tests, despite the fact that the factory would be in commercial use.
The new factory is expected to produce 110,000 tonnes of sugar a year.
The Head of State had previously said that the China National Technology Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC) responsible for the construction of the factory will face liquated damages for the delay.

Latest News

Albion sugar workers strike

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| April, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Baksh half century inspires Herstelling’s 50-run victory

CARIFTA Games athletes depart for T&T

Shattas meet Botafago, Capital FC battle Milerock...

Dujon remembers Pydana – former Guyana and West...

St. Rose’s crowned Georgetown champions in...

Guyana’s Seon Bristol and Dexter Patterson...

Features/Columnists

A Different Silence

Collaborative Government–Private Sector Action Imperative for a Resilient Trade Future

Good Friday-an hour, a message, a standard

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Albion sugar workers strike

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| April, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]