Do not sell Skeldon sugar factory- FITUG

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has joined the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in condemning the proposed sale of the Skeldon Sugar Estate.

In a statement on Friday, FITUG has expressed its “strong and unambiguous condemnation, bordering on outrage, regarding intimation to dispose by sale, the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) major asset, the Skeldon factory and other related property.”

FITUG said it any sale of the Skeldon facility at this time would certainly impact negatively on the entire industry, which can only aggravate the country’s economic plight.

It reiterated that the retention, refurbishment and sustained technical maintenance of the Skeldon flagship estate will see an improvement, not only in GuySuCo but also in the country.

The body also raised concerns in relation to transparency in the proposed Government-Corporation ‘sale’ scheme. “Firstly, as experienced when the Wales Estate closure was mooted early this year, there has been no consultation with the workers or their union. Credible information revealed that at the level of GuySuCo’s Board of Directors the matter was not discussed and the relevant decision(s) seem to be limited to a select few, at least, up to this time” FITUG said.

FITUG urged the Government to tread warily, re-think hasty decisions and consult every stakeholder, including the unions and the political opposition on this ‘sale of Skeldon’ which, we firmly believe, will be disastrous.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is a major affiliate of the FITUG grouping.