GuySuco needs to treat its workforce with respect and dignity

Nov 18, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
It was disappointing to learn that Guysuco has chosen not to provide its hard-working workers with a pay rise this year, the second time in a row. From what I discerned, from reports in the media, the Corporation is arguing its finances prohibit such an award. On the other hand, the Union is arguing that its examination of GuySuCo’s finances has pointed to poor agronomic practices, wastage of resources, poor and inefficient returns on investments, and overstating of expenditure.
Indeed while it is recognized that in 2016 Guysuco sought to provide a modicum of engagement with the Union and by extension the workers. The Company it seems had a pre-determined stance and was not prepared to listen to the Union whatever their justification (s) was/were.
Now the sugar workers are denied a pay increase for two (2) straight years though it is agreed by many that the cost-of-living is going up. It was also shocking to know that the top Guysuco boys were earning hundreds of millions of dollars annually. These handful of executives, who probably number no more than the fingers on one’s hand and who are supposedly the ‘best minds’, are at the helm of an industry which, rather than moving forward is going backwards. The 2016 production demonstrates the proof is in the pudding. It must be asked, if after receiving what one can consider as ‘bloated salaries’ what solutions are being proffered. It seems none at this time. And, the company’s workforce continues to be disadvantaged.
The current state of the industry cannot be laid further than at the door step of these ‘best minds’. It is they who must be held responsible for low worker morale and motivation currently seen in the industry. It is generally accepted that no organization will be successful without a strategic planning process which also involves and understands the needs of the employees. It needs to be emphasized that all efforts, even those with good possibilities, cannot bear fruit if they do not have strong support of its employees. Additionally, the current signs show that the diversification projects have not yet been seriously considered but the Wales Estate is still to be closed and we read that seed-paddy is undergoing tests.
It is a right of any employee to know in what direction Guysuco is heading and its strategic plan for the industry to achieve sustainability. This information is of prime importance to sugar workers as it is directly linked to their future. One should not keep employees in the dark when it is affecting their and their families’ future, as they will become more de-motivated employees. Guysuco appears to be embarking on the delaying approach which is leading towards increasing de-motivation of the workforce. It is important to ask how will any productivity technique work when the employees are working in an environment where there is little job security.
The practices aimed at largely sidelining the Unions representing the workforce of Guysuco are not in keeping with the best international human resources/ management principles. The workers’ interests cannot be ignored if the industry is to become profitable in the long run. Many organisations are successful when its management staff is well trained and they understand well the importance of its human resources. Guysuco needs to follow suit.
Romel Persaud

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