Sugar workers also want $25,000 bonus

Dec 16, 2016 News

– GAWU writes President

Days after Government announced a $25,000 bonus for public servants earning below $500,000 per month, the main sugar union is asking for a similar gesture for its members.

GAWU asks President David Granger to give sugar workers the same $25,000 bonus that has been approved for public servants.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has written President David Granger on the matter.
GAWU argued that Government has approved a tax-free bonus of $25,000 for different categories of employees within the state-sector.
“Our union believes it is a laudable effort though employees expected, at least, $50,000 similar to last year (2015).”
The union, which represents a majority of the 16,000-odd sugar workers, said that it was encouraged by this effort and asked the president for his “intervention to ensure a similar bonus to sugar workers who, for the first time in 64 years, would not receive any Annual Production Incentive (API) payment this year.”
GAWU also pointed out that sugar workers have not received any pay rise in 2015 and for 2016, so far.
“A similar bonus to these workers would surely help, in some way, to offset expenses in the upkeep of their family, especially in this season of goodwill. We shall appreciate your favourable consideration of our request.”
Sugar has done badly, recording a mere 180,000-odd tonnes, far below the 230,000 tonnes last year.
The state-owned company owed, a few months ago, almost $80B in debt.
Government has decided to close its estate at Wales, said to be worst performing, to reduce losses.
However, the industry which once kept Guyana floating, is taking a beating from aging machinery and bad agri practices along with a migrating working force.

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