The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) will convene its 6th Delegates’ Conference today under the theme “For betterment through Organisation and Solidarity”.
The event will be held in the conference room of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), High Street and Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown and is aimed at reviewing the work of the Federation since its 5th Conference in 2015.
FITUG President Carvil Duncan
Participating in the Conference will be delegates and observers representing the Federation’s affiliates; namely GAWU, the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE),
According to FITUG, since its last Conference, there have been many changes that took place and others that are still taking place. One such notable change was the election of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government – some weeks after its 2015 February Conference.
“The Federation recognises that many of the new Government’s promises have remained unfulfilled as it approaches its three -ear anniversary. Moreover, the FITUG has expressed on several occasions its dismay with policies embraced by the Government which, among other things, have brought to bear heavy pressures on the working people through new and increased taxation for instance,” the Federation stated.
It went on to outline too that the coalition Administration’s approach to the sugar industry has been very worrying as the State pursued possibly the largest retrenchment exercise in the history of independent Guyana.
“Today, FITUG stands with those workers and their families as they face up to the difficult times brought about by what, in our view, was not a well thought out approach to one of our country’s economic mainstays,” the Union asserted.
FITUG further posited that as yet another Conference approaches, it cannot turn a blind eye to the concerns regarding the functioning of critical institutions charged with promoting and defending the country’s democratic way of life. The Union added too that it is also not comforted by the slow, but steady, emergence of tentacles of authoritarianism in society, while recognising as well, a widening rift between the haves and have-nots in the country.
Another major development since its last Conference was the discovery of oil and Guyana becoming an oil-producing State in the not too distant future.
At today’s Conference, the feature address will be delivered by social activist, Attorney and chartered accountant, Christopher Ram. Also speaking during the Opening Session will be FITUG’s President, Carvil Duncan who will reflect on the work of the FITUG in the last triennium as well as the conditions and challenges of contemporary times.
Meanwhile, during the business session, the Conference will receive the report of the General Secretary; the Federation’s Financial Report and will approve motions on several matters of importance. In addition, a new Executive Committee would be elected and would be charged with implementing the Conference’s decision as well as steering the Federation until its 7th Conference which will be held in 2021.
