Full benefits as unions, BEV seek alternative for workers

Jun 08, 2018 News

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) says it is disheartened after learning of the decision by businessman Bruce Vieira to shut his BEV Processors Inc., at Houston, East Bank Demerara.
“For the approximate 390-strong workforce, it was an unexpected, and certainly an unwelcome, shock when they learnt of the sad news that their jobs, in a few weeks’ time, would cease to exist. For nearly all of the workers, it probably was the last thought on their mind, if it were a thought at all when they entered the workplace and subsequently learnt that the comp

GAWU meeting with workers yesterday to brief them.

any was being closed,” GAWU disclosed yesterday in a statement.
The workforce is largely made of up women, many of whom are single parents, and are already hard pressed with the circumstances of life, the union said.
The GAWU relationship with BEV would have gone back nearly 25 years when the union became the bargaining agent for the workers employed by the company.
“Over the years, our union and the company have generally enjoyed cordial relations and through those relations were able to advance the workers’ lot. In fact, just a few weeks ago, the union and the company concluded their 2018 negotiations, which resulted in an eight percent pay hike, among other improvements. At that time, there wasn’t the faintest of idea that a few weeks later that the workforce would be made redundant,” the statement said.
Yesterday, the company, in keeping with its obligations as outlined in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act and the Trade Union Recognition Act, officially engaged the union on its intentions.
The GAWU was represented by its President, Komal Chand; General Secretary, Seepaul Narine and other officials, and members of the BEV’s GAWU Branch.
“The company explained that several factors influenced its decision to close its operations. Mr. Vieira contended that in the last few months, there has been a substantial decline in the prices being received from his customers locally and abroad.”
GAWU said that the low prices have resulted in the company having some 600,000 pounds of shrimp on hand.
“Moreover, the Company is required by year-end to have Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. On that matter, he shared that MSC certification process is tedious and it would take about 18 months to complete. He shared too that sales to overseas markets would be severely curtailed unless the MSC certification is obtained.”
The union disclosed that Vieira was also concerned whether the Government would renew at year-end the concession through which fishing companies are allowed to purchase fuel under arrangements whereby lesser taxes are paid.
“Mr. Vieira, in the circumstances, expressed deep fear that his company could suffer heavy losses and huge debts.”
GAWU disclosed that through the union and company engagement, apart from the statutorily required redundancy payments, the company has agreed to pay workers for their full year’s annual leave, though the years’ service would be incomplete when operations cease.
“The workers would receive, too, their full incentive payment for July 2018, though the Company would end operations around July 15, 2018. Also, the Company agreed to pay the workers 100 hours of their pay rates that they would usually receive during the closed season despite the shutting down of the Company’s operations before the season commences.”
The closed season, which would last from August to October, sees a temporary cessation of fishing operations to allow fish to spawn.
“Following the engagement with the company, the union met with the workforce and apprised them of the outcome of the engagement between the union and the company. The union shared with the workers its dismay that the situation has reached such a sad end. Some workers lamented what life could become if they are unable to secure new jobs.”
The union in its statement said that it has committed itself to ensuring that the workers’ rights were protected and vowed to stand in their corner.
“The workers obviously upset by the sudden closure decision but were nevertheless, in the circumstances, heartened that the union managed to secure additional payments on their behalf.”
According to the union, the company is also working to secure jobs for the employees.
“Some of the workers may have an opportunity to be employed by Noble House Seafoods Limited, an entity where GAWU also enjoys bargaining rights. This possibility will be confirmed early next week.
Additionally, BEV is reaching out to other employers with a view to secure jobs for the now redundant workers.”
According to the union, the loss of jobs could not have come at a more distressing time.
“Over the last few months, several thousand sugar workers became jobless from an unwise policy to minimize the industry.
Separately, more workers have lost their jobs arising from the economic circumstances that are prevailing at this time.”