By Saskia Warrick
December 13, 2024
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has finalized several transformative agreements with major national corporations, delivering substantial wage increases, improved benefits, and enhanced working conditions for thousands of workers nationwide.
Building on its historic multi-year agreement with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), GAWU has successfully extended similar initiatives to other key sectors.
Agreements have been reached with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Demerara Harbor Bridge, Berbice River Bridge, National Parks Commission, the Sugar Industry Labor Welfare Fund, and the Guyana Gold Board.
A groundbreaking feature of these agreements is the introduction of menstrual leave for female employees at the Guyana Gold Board, setting a precedent in the industry for progressive workplace policies.
GAWU also secured a five-year agreement with DDL, raising the minimum wage to $125,000 by January 2025.
Additional benefits for DDL workers include a $20,000 cost-of-living voucher and a year-end bonus.
The union is currently in the final stages of negotiations with the Guyana Forestry Commission, with an agreement expected soon.
These agreements are part of GAWU’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of its members across a range of industries.