The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has reported that another strike was staged today by 1700 sugar workers, and according to the company’s Finance Director, Paul Bhim, the impact of the strike will be known tomorrow.
The first crop only recently commenced and INews understands that the corporation was on track with its production that is 11,243 tonnes (as of yesterday).
GINA reported that all the factories recently started grinding with the exception of Skeldon which is due to begin on Thursday. This first crop target is 80,500 tonnes.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) said it would be calling for strike action every Tuesday to press for negotiations to iron out issues relating to wages, the Annual Production Incentive (API), and closure of the Wales estate.
The corporation has already made clear its position on these matters in light of its financial situation which it is working to reverse. GuySuco stated that a huge investment is needed for the rehabilitation of the Wales estate, one it cannot afford.
On the issue of the API, it stated that it could only afford two-and-a-half days, but the union has been clamouring for five-and-a-half days.
According to the GuySuCo, the industry is seeking to continue reversing its ineffective performance and return to profitability eventually.
If they pay the workers what they deserve,they will stop striking,Guyana government is not seeing to do the right things,too much people depends on the sugar industry for a living.