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19 March 2008, Caribbean Net News
Former Dutch colony Suriname is not as well known for its banana industry as many countries in the Caribbean basin and news from there is rare. However, following restructuring of the state company SBBS, including partial privatisation and a significant input of EU aid, workers have become increasingly unhappy about pressure to raise productivity without corresponding remuneration. A fortnight ago, workers on the other big plantation threatened action if their new union was not recognised by SBBS management.
Suriname banana workers on strike
Banana workers at the Jarikaba Operations in Suriname were on strike for a second consecutive day Tuesday after rejecting a proposal from the company’s management to increase salaries by 5 percent.
Workers are also protesting the fact that the management is refusing to meet with the Jarikaba Workers Union (JWB) to discuss the position of the employees. Workers are claiming to be paid a mere 26 Surinamese dollars (US$10) per day, while working conditions are poor and overtime is not being compensated.
“We are being treated as slaves,” said a Haitian migrant worker when reporters visited the plant Tuesday. Several other employees also complained about poor medical facilities, safety standards, vacation arrangements and the rude treatment of supervisors who are threatening to fire them if production is lagging.
“A five percent pay increase is not enough. What can you buy with SRD26,” said a angry woman.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Agricultural Workers (FAL) took over the action, which began as a spontaneous walk out. According to FAL vice-president Roy Haverkamp several issues led to the work stoppage including refusal of the management of the Foundation for Preservation of the Banana Sector (SBBS) to invite the union.
Haverkamp disclosed that the union, representing over 600 workers, sent a letter to the company in 2007 to be invited for talks, but the management has until now failed to respond.
“Instead the SBBS management tried to mislead the workers with a salary hike of 5 percent, which is being considered as an insult by the employees,” said the union leader.
The workers vow to continue the strike until the union leadership is invited for negotiations. Haverkamp argued that if working conditions are poor and salaries below standards, this could have a negative impact on the productivity of the workforce and eventually will result in poor performance of the company.
“We don’t want to destroy the company or the banana industry, but we want good industrial relations in Suriname,” said the unionist.
Taking into consideration the current economic situation in Suriname and the very positive results of the company, a pay rise of at least 50 percent is a reasonable increase, Haverkamp argued.
Meanwhile, the SBBS-management announced a press conference to inform media over the current situation.
Recently, Suriname’s vice-president Ram Sardjoe argued that he understands the position of the management not to allow a union in the company since it is in the middle of a restructuring process, which is already proving successful. Two weeks ago another banana workers union, the Nickerie Banana Workers Union (BABN) threatened to strike if their newly established union was not recognised by the management of the state-owned SBBS.
The BABN is seeking recognition to start negotiation for better working condition and wages, BABN president Dayanand Dwarka told reporters. The union has meanwhile put forward a two-week ultimatum to the company, which expires this week. Meanwhile the Mediation Board, an institute to settle labour disputes, has invited both parties to resolve the outstanding issues.
Recently, SBBS manager Anand Ramkisoensing said that currently millions of dollars are being invested in the company to guarantee its viability and sustainability. Starting in 2002 the government and the European Union invested several millions in a restructuring programme, which should eventually result in privatisation of the sector.
While banana production in 2006 was 46,500 tonnes, production in 2007 tripled to a record 56,000 tonnes, valued at US$19.36 million company officials disclosed recently. In 2008 production and export is expected to increase further to over 70,000 tonnes.
By Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com
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