The problem of sugar keeps getting worse

Apr 05, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
Sugar’s dilemma – with its many players – workers, Guysuco, the Union, government and the political opposition (historically aligned to the sugar industry) daily finds its woes deepening. In an article titled ‘East Demerara planters protest Guysuco cane-cutting orders’ (KN March 30, 2017) it was reported protesting cane planters from Enmore Estate took their grievances to the Ministry of Labour at short notice since they felt their issues were serious and credible enough for such a move.
To the Minister’s credit along with the Chief Labour Officer, they met with the delegation comprising the union rep and some of the protesting planters. However, after listening to the delegation, the Minister did a Pontius Pilate, washing his hands of the matter by suggesting an audience be sought with Minister of Agriculture. The Minister meeting the delegation therefore was just a token, courtesy gesture, more like a public relations exercise. Something seems not quite right with the course of action indicated.
It is reasonable if employees feel their terms and conditions of employment, including job descriptions, have been altered or changed without due process; that is a concern and matter for their union and ultimately MoL/CLO, if no resolution is found. It is a matter of observation that in all the brouhaha surrounding the many labour issues emanating within the sugar industry, such as whether employees from the now closed Wales Estate should take up employment at Uitvlugt, (not withstanding the legal challenge instituted) the apparent unilateral changing of duties, terms and conditions of employment among others the MoL/CLO has remained silent. Sugar’s dilemma continues to deepen.
Shamshun Mohamed

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