Wary GuySuCO concerned about strike and protest actions at Uitvlugt

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) is worried about the growing number of strikes in the industry and the impact it could have on sugar production.

On Tuesday, GuySuCo expressed its concern about the strike at the Uitvlugt sugar estate, where factory workers are demanding a “Holiday with Pay” for the first crop of 2022.

The sugar company has explained that the factory only worked for 14 hours during the first crop owing to mechanical issues.

It was further explained that grinding operations for the second crop was set to commence on Tuesday but that could not be done since the workers went on strike.

“The Estate is fully ready to commence grinding operations for the Second Crop, in pursuit of a sugar production target of 10,800 MT. Two hundred and twenty-three (223) punts of cane were in dock yesterday, ready to be crushed; however, this strike action by the Factory workers does not augur well for the Estate and the Corporation,” GUYSUCO said in a statement.

GUYSUCO pointed out that its management had earlier addressed the “Holiday with Pay” issue at a meeting held in May with representatives from GAWU. GuySuCo claims that at that meeting, the Estate Manager informed the Union Representatives that for pay incentive to be facilitated, a factor will have to be established which requires at one (1) week of grinding.

The company said the strike action at the Uitvugt estates does not bode well for the corporation since it puts the local sugar supply in limbo.

“With Blairmont and Albion Estates expected to commence grinding for the Second Crop of 2022, within the next two weeks, it is paramount for Uitvlugt Estate to produce sugar to fulfill the needs of the local market. The Corporation, therefore, urges all employees of Uitvlugt Estate to work harmoniously and would also like to call on the GAWU to provide the support needed at this time,” GUYSUCO said.

The union and the workers have been pressing for the payment incentive since they claim that the workers still reported for work and carried out duties during the holiday period.