Standing the line for workers: GAWU closes 2025 with renewed calls for increase in minimum wage

Jan 01, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – As 2025 comes to a close, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is making it clear: this was not a year of retreat for working people, but one of resistance, resilience and real progress. And the union has repeated its call for an increase in the national mini wage.

In a period marked by economic pressures, workplace uncertainty and global instability, GAWU said it remained firmly planted on the frontlines, defending workers’ rights and advancing the interests of thousands of employees across the sugar industry and other sectors where the Union holds bargaining rights.

Minimum wage

In reiterating its call for an improvement in the national minimum wage, GAWU in a lengthy end-of-year statement said: “A fair and living minimum wage is essential to ensuring that workers can meet their basic needs and live with dignity. While adjustments have been made in recent years, the Union maintains that the current level requires revision. Improving the national minimum wage is not only a matter of social justice, but also an investment in national development, as it strengthens purchasing power, reduces poverty and promotes social stability.”

The union said it will continue to advocate vigorously for policies that place workers at the centre of development. This includes support for decent work, respect for labour rights, access to training and skills development, and social protection for the most vulnerable. GAWU also emphasises the importance of continuous development that is inclusive and sustainable, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared broadly across society. “As 2025 comes to a close, GAWU extends its heartfelt thanks to its members for their trust, solidarity, and resilience. The Union also acknowledges the dedication of its shop stewards, activists and staff who worked tirelessly throughout the year in service of the membership. Their commitment remains the backbone of the organisation.  GAWU takes this opportunity to wish all Guyanese a prosperous, peaceful and productive 2026. The Union expresses hope that the coming year will bring continued development, greater opportunities and improved living standards for all. As Guyana continues its journey of transformation, GAWU stands ready to play its part in ensuring that progress is just, inclusive and respectful of workers’ rights.”

GAWU said throughout 2025, it has continued to stand firmly on the frontlines in defence of its members, noting that it actively engaged with employers, state agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that workers’ voices were heard and respected. “Where rights were threatened or agreements disregarded, GAWU did not hesitate to intervene. Through collective bargaining, representation at grievance hearings, engagement with the Ministry of Labour, and, where necessary, public advocacy, the Union ensured that workers were not left to confront challenges on their own. This consistent defence of membership remains one of the core pillars of GAWU’s work and one of its proudest achievements during the year under review,” the union stated.

According to the trade union, safeguarding workers’ rights remained central to the Union’s agenda in 2025. “GAWU continued to insist on respect for established labour laws, collective labour agreements and international labour standards. Issues related to job security, fair treatment, occupational health and safety, working hours, and access to benefits were actively pursued. The union also maintained vigilance against arbitrary practices and any attempts to erode hard-won gains. In doing so, GAWU reaffirmed that workers’ rights are not privileges to be granted at convenience, but fundamental entitlements that must be upheld at all times,” the statement read.

According to GAWU, beyond defending existing rights, it remained focused on advancing new benefits and improving the conditions under which workers labour. In 2025, the Union engaged in negotiations and discussions aimed at securing better wages, improved allowances, enhanced safety measures, and greater respect for workers’ dignity. While challenges persist and not all objectives have yet been realised, meaningful progress was made in several areas. Importantly, the Union’s consistent advocacy kept workers’ issues firmly on the national agenda and reinforced the principle that development must be inclusive and people-centred.

Sugar

The union said a significant development during 2025 has been the improvement in sugar production, noting that after years of decline and uncertainty within the sugar industry, the increased output recorded this year represents an encouraging sign. “Sugar workers, who have endured closures, restructuring and instability, demonstrated once again their skill, dedication and commitment. Their contribution to the improved performance of the industry cannot be overstated. GAWU acknowledges the hard work of all the workers who, despite difficult circumstances, continued to produce and deliver.

The improvement in sugar production also underscores the importance of stability, investment and sound management in the industry. It reinforces GAWU’s long-held position that sugar remains a vital component of Guyana’s economy and a critical source of livelihoods for thousands of families and communities. While challenges remain, the positive trends in production during 2025 offer hope that, with the right policies and continued support, the industry can be further revitalised for the benefit of workers and the nation as a whole.”

In this regard, GAWU said it recognises the significance of the financial support provided by the Government of Guyana to the sugar industry. “The government’s interventions during this period were crucial in sustaining operations, preserving jobs and creating the conditions for improved production. Such support reflects an understanding of the industry’s strategic and social importance, as well as the communities that depend on it. GAWU has consistently argued that sugar workers should not be made to bear the burden of structural challenges alone; the government’s financial backing has helped prevent further hardship and dislocation.”

Accountability

At the same time, the Union emphasises that financial support must go hand in hand with accountability, transparency and a clear commitment to workers’ welfare. “Investments in the industry must translate into job security, improved working conditions and fair compensation for workers. GAWU remains committed to engaging constructively with both the government and industry management to ensure that the benefits of support and improved performance are shared equitably with those whose labour sustains the industry.”

Looking ahead

The union said as it reflects on 2025, it also looks ahead to 2026, a truly milestone year in the Union’s history. “In 2026, GAWU will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its recognition in the sugar industry. This landmark anniversary is not merely a ceremonial occasion; it is a moment of profound historical significance for the Union and for sugar workers across Guyana. That attainment was heralded by a poll that took place on December 31, 1975, and saw the Union obtain the overwhelming majority of the votes cast. The period leading up to union recognition was marked by hardship, struggle and sacrifice. Workers faced intimidation, victimisation and resistance from powerful interests opposed to unionisation. Working conditions were harsh, wages were low, and workers had little said in decisions that affected their lives and livelihoods. The journey to recognition was difficult, hard and arduous, requiring courage, unity and perseverance from workers and union leaders alike.”

According to GAWU despite these obstacles, the workers and the Union persevered. “Through collective action, solidarity and unwavering determination, sugar workers asserted their right to organise and to be represented. Recognition in 1976 marked the culmination of years of struggle and served as a turning point that transformed industrial relations in the sugar industry. It opened the door to real collective bargaining, improved wages, better working conditions and greater respect for workers’ rights.”

Pioneers

As GAWU approaches this 50th anniversary, the union honours the pioneers and stalwarts who laid the foundation for today’s achievements. The union said their sacrifices and struggles continue to inspire the Union’s work and remind current and future generations of workers that rights are won through struggle and must be defended through vigilance and unity. The anniversary will also serve as an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned and to chart a course for the future in a rapidly changing economic and social landscape.

Looking ahead, GAWU remains firmly committed to the working class of Guyana. “The Union recognises that while progress has been made, many challenges persist. Rising costs of living, income inequality, job insecurity and the impact of economic transformation all place pressure on workers and their families. In this context, the role of a strong, principled and responsive trade union movement is more important than ever.”

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• GAWU, minimum wage, Seepaul Narine, workers

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