Possible solutions for the Wales severance pay controversy

Mar 22, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
The recent negative news on the lack of severance pay for cane harvesters and transporters from Wales Estate is quite concerning. Correct or not it is starting to give a less positive impression of the dedicated leadership involved, especially given the wage increases at their level under the current circumstances. The undertaking at Uitvlugt is being perceived as insincere and is surrounded with suspicion when considering that if Wales was still operative Uitvlugt would have to find other means to address such an urgent labour issue.
Some possible solutions for the severance payment controversy may be the following:
1. Provide a more diverse severance package that includes land, rice seed, training, some monetary reward and a rice crop purchase agreement. This may be attractive at the union level also. Given the recent announced closure of a major rice industry participant and the recent purchase agreement with Mexico, the timing of the start of rice production at Wales may prove an important asset to the rice industry.
2. Provide work for the affected workers that aid in the transition to rice at Wales allowing for the absorption of most affected workers and the reduction of the overall severance package required by Guysuco.
3. A rejection, reduction or delay in the implementation of the pay increase for Guysuco’s leadership by leadership would show solidarity with the work force and help reignite the cooperation needed within the company towards a common goal.
4. A market value payment by the government to Guysuco for government services absorbed by the corporation over the years with an agreement for those services going forward. In addition this study may highlight how Guysuco’s income statement may be overburdened by inappropriate accounting. An activity based accounting approach may clarify what the real profitability or lack thereof is.
5. No cost refinancing of mortgages of affected workers by government financial institutions such as NBS offering a lower mortgage rate and monthly payment. This will help relieve the burden on the families affected.
In an environment where major infrastructure projects are being prepared and procurement savings or lack thereof, are being questioned, it is difficult for workers to swallow the lack of funds statements being offered. We should not turn our backs on those who have helped build this country over the last 50 plus years.
After all we are a small society with limited human resources, and maintaining a motivated & engaged labour force is essential for any positive transition which is to occur in the Agriculture Sector. Our motto remains the same “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.
Jamil Changlee

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Possible solutions for the Wales severance pay controversy

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