Wales cane cutters finally get outstanding severance pay

The former cane cutters of Wales estate are finally being given the remainder of their severance payments.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in a release on Wednesday stated that it has begun to distribute to the former cane cutters of Wales estate, the remainder of their severance payments which were withheld from them notwithstanding a decision of the High Court

in their favour.

The Union informed that in December, 2018, Justice Sandil Kissoon awarded the Wales cane cutters who took up work at Uitvlugt Estate following the closure of Wales in December, 2016, one month’s pay in lieu of notice apart from their severance entitlements which were premised on their years of service to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

According to GAWU, GuySuCo abided “partially” with the Court’s order with regard to the workers’ severance entitlements but refused to pay those workers who were entitled, their one month’s pay. The Union said it responded by writing to GuySuCo on two occasions early last year, seeking the Company’s full compliance with Justice Kissoon’s decision. However, notwithstanding the clarity of the Court’s order, GuySuCo, it claims, “remained adamant and refused to honour its legal obligations to the workers.” At this point, the Union, through its attorneys-atlaw, Devindra Kissoon and Natasha Vieira of London House Chambers, approached the High Court to have the outstanding section of Justice Kissoon’s decision enforced. As a result, Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire on November 21 last year approved a garnishment order regarding the outstanding sum owed to the workers. Through the order, the Corporation’s bankers – Demerara Bank Limited – were compelled to pay over to the Union the sum of $7.5 million which was owed to the workers.

GuySuCo, however, appealed the Chief Justice’s decision but when that matter came up for hearing earlier this year, the Corporation withdrew its appeal after its attorney learnt that the order was enforced and that the appeal had therefore, become moot. The withdrawal of the appeal by GuySuCo paved the way for the Union to finally pay over to the workers their outstanding monies.

The Union noted that the workers are pleased to receive their outstanding payments and they have expressed their appreciation to the Union for the sustained effort to bring about justice. It added that the workers also lamented the seemingly “arduous and long journey” they had to endure to have their lawful rights respected.

In commenting on the issue GAWU stated, “Indeed, the struggle of the sugar workers of the closed estates to receive their severance entitlements represents a sad chapter in our history but, at the same time, a proud achievement for workers’ rights. It also demonstrates too the obstacles workers have to surmount to having their rights respected and is yet another reminder of the need for workers to be organised lest their rights be disregarded.”