By Saskia Warrick | December 2, 2024
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) have successfully reached a three-year wage and salary agreement, marking a significant development for sugar workers across the country.
The agreement ensures that all sugar workers earning less than $100,000 per month will have their wages adjusted to meet this threshold.
The agreement includes wage increases for all categories of workers in the industry, including field, factory, and factory-type workers, as well as piece-rated and time-rated workers, field foremen, and field superintendents.
These workers will receive annual wage increases of 10% in 2024, 8% in 2025, and 9% in 2026.
Retroactive increases for 2024 will be paid out this month, with the new wage rates coming into effect in January 2025.
The agreement is a result of negotiations that began earlier this year when GAWU submitted proposals calling for higher pay rates and improved working conditions.
Key demands included better provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and enhancements to specific worker allowances.
This agreement is particularly notable as it is the first multi-year wage agreement between GuySuCo and GAWU since the union’s recognition in 1976.
GuySuCo’s CEO, Paul Cheong, emphasized that the sugar industry is focused on improving cane yields and advancing factory operations, efforts he believes will benefit both the industry and its workforce.
GAWU’s President, Seepaul Narine, praised the agreement and acknowledged the significant role President Dr. Irfaan Ali has played in revitalizing the sugar industry, which has long been a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy.
The agreement is seen as a major milestone for the industry, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of workers and strengthen the sector’s long-term sustainability.