By Saskia Warrick
December 12, 2024
The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) have reached a landmark three-year wage and salary agreement, marking a significant development for the sugar industry.
This agreement, the first of its kind since GAWU’s recognition in 1976, aims to address wage adjustments, annual increases, and worker benefits.
Under the agreement, all sugar workers earning less than $100,000 monthly will see their wages raised to meet this minimum threshold.
Field, factory, and related workers, including piece-rated and time-rated employees, foremen, and superintendents, will benefit from scheduled annual increases.
The salary structure provides for a 10% increase in 2024, an 8% increase in 2025, and a 9% increase in 2026.
Retroactive increases for 2024 will be paid this month, while the adjusted rates will take effect starting January 2025.
The agreement is based on proposals submitted by GAWU earlier this year, which included demands for higher pay rates and improvements in several areas, such as the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and specific worker allowances.
As part of its broader strategy, GuySuCo is implementing initiatives to enhance cane yields and improve factory operations to strengthen the industry and ensure its long-term sustainability.
This multi-year agreement represents a milestone for Guyana’s sugar industry, underscoring a renewed focus on workers’ well-being and the sector’s economic revitalization.