GuySuCo workers continue to be disadvantaged

Dear Editor,
It was disappointing to learn that GuySuCo has chosen not to provide its hardworking workers with a pay raise this year. From what I have discerned from reports in the media, the Corporation is arguing its finances prohibit such an award. On the other hand, the Union is arguing that its examination of GuySuCo’s finances has pointed to poor agronomic practices, wastage of resources, poor and inefficient returns on investments, and overstating of expenditure.
Indeed while it is recognised that in 2016, GuySuCo sought to provide a modicum of engagement with the Union and by extension the workers, the Company, it seems, had a predetermined stance and was not prepared to listen to the Union, whatever its justification was.
Now the sugar workers are denied a pay increase for two straight years, though it is agreed by many that the cost of living is going up. The 2016 production demonstrates the proof is in the pudding. It must be asked, if after receiving what one can consider “bloated salaries”, what solutions are being proffered. It seems none at this time. And the workforce masses continue to be disadvantaged.
The current state of the industry cannot be laid further than the doorstep of the “best minds”. It is they who must be held responsible for the low worker morale and motivation currently seen in the industry. It is generally accepted that no organisation will be successful without a strategic planning process, which also involves and understands the needs of the employees. It needs to be emphasised that all efforts, even those with good possibilities, cannot bear fruit if they do not have the strong support of employees.
Additionally, the current signs show that the diversification projects have not been seriously considered, but the Wales Estate is still to be closed, and we read that seed paddy is undergoing tests.
It is a right of any employee to know what direction GuySuCo is heading in and its strategic plan for the industry, in order to achieve sustainability. This information is of prime importance to sugar workers and is directly linked to their future. One should not keep employees in the dark when it is affecting their future and that of their families. They will become demotivated employees.
GuySuCo appears to be embarking on a delaying approach, which is leading towards increasing demotivation of the workforce. It is important to ask how will productivity techniques work when the employees are working in an environment where there is little job security.
The practices aimed to largely sideline the unions representing GuySuCo’s workforce are not in keeping with the best international human resources management principles .The workers’ interests cannot be ignored if the industry is to become profitable in the long run. Many organisations are successful when management staff are well trained and they understand well the importance of human resources. GuySuCo needs to follow suit.

Yours truly,
Romel Persaud