The 21st Delegates’ Congress of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) held at Bath, West Coast Berbice concluded on a high note yesterday (August 23, 2016). Delegates were clearly reinvigorated and the clear consensus was a recommitment to militantly defend their gains, conditions and benefits many of which have been under threat in recent times. The Congress which was held under the theme “United Struggles for Workers’ Rights, Democracy and a Secure Future” was attended by some 500 delegates from the Union’s fourteen (14) bargaining units over the three days – August 20, 22 and 23.
The Congress was declared open by former Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr James Rose on August 20, 2016. In his address he pointed to the current challenges faced by workers arising from the global economic and financial crises and the increasing poverty situation in the world. He also noted that the sugar industry in Guyana over its long history experienced many challenges, however, through creative thinking the industry managed to cope and overcome many obstacles. He stressed that a similar approach is needed today and urged that all stakeholders work together.
GAWU’s President, Cde Komal Chand who also addressed the Opening Session expressed optimism that the industry could be turned around and placed on a sustainable footing through certain diversification initiatives. He pointed out that the sugar workers were the industry’s most important asset and lamented the uncaring approach taken by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) in recent times. He called on GuySuCo, and more particularly the Interim Management Committee (IMC), to end its hostility towards the workers and their Union.
Twenty-three (23) members of the Union who provided dedicated and unstinted support and played a role in advancing and developing GAWU over the years were also appropriately honoured at the Opening Session. A plaque reading “In recognition of selfless and dedicated service to GAWU and for championing the workers’ cause” was given to each awardee.
The Business Sessions were held on August 22 and 23, 2016 and received the report of the General Council which was presented by the Union’s General Secretary, Cde Seepaul Narine. The report covered forty-four (44) areas including certain happenings internationally; the state-of-affairs locally; the current situation within the sugar industry; the Union’s work with respect to its non-sugar bargaining units as well as the state of the Trade Union Movement locally, among other things.
Following the two (2) hour presentation those present engaged in discussing the report. There were many interventions and the delegates were unequivocal in their stance that no estate should be closed as they pointed to the harsh consequences of such decisions and thus were very strong in their condemnation of the decision to close Wales Estate and other estates and expressed their solidarity and support with the workers who would be affected.
Delegates also condemned GuySuCo for their attack on workers’ rights and benefits which they vowed to safeguard. They were especially dismayed by the decision of the Corporation not to grant paid release and assist in transportation for sugar workers attending the Congress, and this they emphasized was discriminatory. Some workers reported that intimidating tactics were also employed by some GuySuCo personnel to prevent workers from attending the Congress. These efforts to undermine the Union’s highest decision-making forum were roundly condemned. The workers also stressed the need for unity among all workers in the bargaining units of the Union and workers in Guyana generally since only through their togetherness and working-class unity they would be able to overcome their various challenges.
The Congress also received a number of messages of solidarity from organisations locally and overseas including the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), the All-China Trade Union Federation (ACFTU) and the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF). Also attending the Congress was Comrade Delrose Holgate, Assistant General Secretary of the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) of Jamaica.
The Congress unanimously approved nine (9) resolutions which addressed safeguarding and defending workers’ gains in the sugar industry; rejecting re-privatisation and closure of the sugar industry; on education and training; unity of the working class; the National Insurance Scheme (NIS); wage/salary improvements and Annual Production Incentive (API); in solidarity with the workers of Wales Estate; on the public health situation, and in solidarity with all working oppressed peoples and for world peace. The resolutions will now be sent to different agencies and bodies for their attention. There was also six (6) workshops which discussed a number of matters of concern to workers, the recommendations from these workshops will be followed-up by the Union.
Delegates also elected a fifty-two (52) member General Council which is charged with managing the affairs of the Union until its next Congress – 22nd Delegates’ Congress. Members of the General Council, at their first meeting, will elect the officials of the Union in keeping with the Union’s Constitution.
The Congress concluded with a Charge given by the Union’s President, Cde Komal Chand. He took into account the massive challenges which confront the workers and the Union at this time and the threats which exist in the sugar industry and called on all workers to stand up to defend their rights. He echoed the need for unity among workers at this time and for the Union’s Organisational structure to be more effective and strong. He spoke to the need for support and co-operation to rebuild the important sugar industry and in so doing it would be possible to resist strongly any act to re-privatize it. He called for workers to continue to defend their gains and stressed the importance of their unity in these times. In this respect, he emphasized that the members must be wary of those who are misguiding them and seeking division of our ranks. He also stressed on the need for union members to make full use of the Union’s educational programme and for them to be more committed to the Union as it pursues and grapples with the various challenges faced by members.
Notwithstanding the attempts to undermine and disrupt the Union’s 21st Congress, from all indications it was a genuine workers forum which concluded successfully.