Dear Editor,
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) welcomes the 19th January meeting on sugar’s future between Government and the sugar unions, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).
The instant meeting of the parties marks a positive step for the development of the nation; and it must be noted and encouraged.
GTUC calls on GAWU and NAACIE to remain at the table, and ensure that proper representation is given to the workers, and by extension their communities. Whatever decisions are taken will not only impact workers’ livelihoods in the workplace, but also the communities within which they reside.
Government and the unions are reminded that the only politics that must be played on sugar is the one that would ensure the welfare and interest of the workers, industry and country.
Cognisant of experience that informs the reservation that leaders are prone to talk the talk and not walk the talk, the parties must ensure initial engagement is not seen as merely a talk shop, followed by excuses to derail future engagement. Resisting dilatory tactics, partisan upmanship, and extrication is critical to hammering out realistic agreement(s) on the way forward. The instant news must not be recorded as a photo opportunity, but the beginning of good faith and arriving at consensus.
GTUC, encouraged as it is by this new development, shall continue to monitor the situation and hold both sides, collectively and individually, to account for the workers’ welfare.
The attainment of social cohesion and good governance is possible in an environment where fundamental rights and freedoms, laws, and time-honoured principles are respected.
Sincerely,
Guyana Trades Union
Congress
