A commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the allegations made by Blairmont sugar workers over the past weeks resulting in them downing tools. The commission comprises of Dr Dale Bisnauth, who will sit as chairman, former Chief Labour Officer Mohamed Akeel and GuySuco’s Industrial Relations Officer, Deodat Sukhu, who will serve as secretary to the committee.
In a letter dated February 21 and addressed to Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) General Secretary, Seepaul Narine, Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul notified the union of the commission, noting that the prolonged industrial action by the workers of the Blairmont estate is of grave concern to his ministry. “In the meantime, I would like to urge full resumption of work and allow for due process and a mechanism that is fair to everyone to prevail. Following a full resumption of work, the committee will commence its enquiry and submit its findings within three weeks thereafter.”
The move by the labour minister came following a request by Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy for such a committee to be set up to investigate the allegations made. The workers believe that Estate Manager Corbet Victorine and Field Manager Anil Seepersaud should be removed from their posts as they are responsible for them receiving cuts in their wages and working in unsuitable conditions.
Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul
Dr Gopaul sought to assure workers that GuySuCo has committed to pay the API by March 16 while noting that it will “honour the recommendations of the joint Job Evaluation Team and to effect payments in accordance with the results of the findings of that evaluation committee before the end of June 2012”.
He alluded to the financial state of GuySuCo, pointing out that the company has expressed concerns over the frequent stoppage of work on the estates. This, he said is “having a serious financial impact on the industry”.
“The industry also has certain marketing commitments and again unwarranted work stoppages can impede the recovery process of the industry. Given the weather pattern currently prevailing in the industry, it is important that every opportunity day for harvesting and grinding of sugar cane is maximised to the fullest.
“I trust that with these commitments and exhortations that your union and its members will strive to maintain industrial stability at all times and process grievances in accordance with the grievance procedure currently in place,” the letter added.
The letter dated February 21, 2012, was carbon copied to Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Bhim.
Dr Ramsammy like the labour minister urged the workers to return to work, stressing “that whatever action we take follow due process”.
