Sugar workers today downed their tools in protest of the dismissal of one of their colleagues. Jiram Pitam, Human Resources Head, confirmed that field and factory workers attached to the Albion Estate have joined the protest action.
This move shows solidarity with the employee who was dismissed after he reportedly slapped a manager. The strike was said to be initiated by the workers, who are of the opinion that their colleague was wrongfully dismissed.
The workers remain adamant that the manager’s conduct was inappropriate since he was under the influence of alcohol. This accusation has been labeled as false since there are witnesses who claimed the manager was not intoxicated and did not act disrespectfully or aggressively towards the employee.
Workers have burnt several hectares of developing cane plants during their protest action at Skeldon. The crop was estimated to yield some US$54,000 worth of sugar. GUYSUCO has sought the intervention of the Labour Ministry to bring some amount of resolve to the issue which has continued of four days.
