TUC, FITUG, Opposition to address May Day rally

– as wreath-laying ceremony commences Labour Week observances

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG); the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Government will address Tuesday’s Labour Day, while the joint representatives of the Unions will this morning take part in a wreath-laying exercise at the monument of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow in the compound of the Parliament Building.
Critchlow is widely seen as the father of trade unionism in Guyana, having championed workers’ rights in the 20th century.
“The honouring of this outstanding Guyanese labour leader will see tributes to his exceptional work in the course of his trade union career and his advocacy and active involvement in securing rights and higher pay for stevedores and other workers,” the bodies disclosed.
In the joint press statement by the Unions, it was also noted that today’s exercise will be the first of several observances to mark Labour Week.
Acknowledging the “increased pressures” that working-class persons are facing, the bodies observed that they would continue support of the initiatives taken to move the sugar industry forward.
To this end, GTUC and FITUG said that the organisations were engaged in discussions on submitting three nominees to sit on the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB), a body which has been inactive for the last several months. FITUG and GTUC added that Government has been written urging Guyana’s participation in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) International Labour Conference at which the country has not been represented for the past three years.
The bodies renewed their commitment to advocating for unity and cooperation in the trade union movement, and contended that this must be “diligently pursued”.
“It is hoped that the united work and actions by the FITUG and the GTUC on common issues will lead to the realisation of betterment for our working class and which will certainly benefit the country as a whole. In the immediate period approaching this year’s Labour Day celebrations, the two bodies conducted a joint seminar under the auspices of the ILO on April 24, 2018. The seminar, held at the Critchlow Labour College, focused on “Green Jobs, Just Transition and Decent Work”, the press statement pointed out.
On Tuesday, May, 1, 2018, the two federations will join with stakeholders and march through the city; the march will begin at Parade Ground and culminate in a rally at the National Park.