Sugar workers return to work after one-day strike over budget cuts

Berbice: There has been full resumption across the Berbice estates after workers downed tools over the combined opposition’s slashing of $1 billion from the $6 billion subsidy proposed for the Guyana Power Light (GPL) in this year’s budget.
In  Berbice, Guyana Agricultural Workers Union [GAWU] representative Harvey Tambrin reported that all the factories were shut down on Wednesday, but while some harvesters turned out, the strike was effective.
According to Tambrin, the factory at Blairmont was closed, and there was no activity in the field. At Rose Hall Estate, the factory was also closed while a small percentage of harvesting took place. Albion and Skeldon also experienced a total shut down.
“Because of what the factory did, it affected them who did not strike… it affected them because they were not required yesterday because the canes were still in the punts and could not be emptied for them to use… it was effective because all the gangs were not required at Albion Estate.”
Sugars workers had already picketed the local A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) offices in New Amsterdam on Tuesday over further cuts in the budget that will have a negative impact on the sugar industry.
“Are they with the people, are they for the people… are they against the people… the workers are very agitated because they are working very hard for their money… they are confusing the people.”
The GAWU representative warns that the situation could get worse because a hike in electricity tariffs would have to be carried by the people, and this would definitely instigate a negative reaction from the working class.
“To let the electricity go up by 19.5 percent is absurd, so that is why the people took to the streets… the union is hoping that the cries of the people would be taken into consideration.”
Tambrin argued that the reality of the decision by the opposition parties is that life may become even more difficult, and his utterances are not pro-government, but practical for the survival of the people.
“If there is a benefit for the working class people, we want that… at the same time, we want a balance… we must be fair in our judgment… we’re not asking for something that would put government or any other agency in a dilemma… we need the people to survive… we need the working class to be comfortable… it’s not like we’re siding the government or against government… we are being on a level playing field because we are feeling the squeeze here,” he said.