Unions pledge to work together for betterment of workers

The two most vocal workers’ representatives, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), will again this year unite to march through the streets of Georgetown on Labour Day, usually observed in Guyana on May 1.

In a joint statement issued to the media on Saturday, the unions revealed that the parade will commence from the Parade Ground in Georgetown at 8:00h, and will make its way through several streets of the city before culminating at the National Park in Thomas Lands for a joint rally from around 11:00h. The rally will see speakers from the two unions, as well as politicians from both the Government and Opposition, addressing the gathering.
This year’s event is being commemorated under the theme “A long journey for Social Justice – Together we can achieve”.
Leading up to the massive march in celebration of workers, the unions will also pay tribute to Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, who is known as the Father of Trade Unionism.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Parliament Buildings on Sunday.
The unions vowed in the statement to continue working together on behalf of workers across the country, as they noted that they are cognisant of the fact that there are still many issues troubling the workers.
In the past, FITUG and GTUC had joined forces to fight for the rights of fired bauxite workers, as well as teachers who were pleading for a salary increase.

The unions’ statement read, “Incidentally, our Critchlow activity comes on World Occupational Safety and Health Day. Indeed, when we consider the times of Critchlow to now, we will recognise that much advancement (has) been scored and our workers today enjoy greater protections from occupational hazards. In as much as that may be, we also cannot ignore that workers, day in and day out, continue to face dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening, situations at work.
“We recall several workplace accidents which have led to serious injuries, and in some cases death. This is a disturbing feature of our times, especially recognising the hardships that sometimes can be created by such incidents. Undoubtedly, we must, once more, reiterate the need to re-double our efforts regarding such matters, especially recognising that the newly established oil and gas production industry should be fully operational in the not-too-distant horizon”.
According to the workers’ unions, this year’s Labour Day activity has even more significance, as the “centennial anniversary” of the Trade Union Ordinance of British Guiana, which allowed for trade unions to be registered as legal entities, will be observed.
“We well recognise that, over the last one hundred (100) years, the working people have realised several successes in their march towards betterment and social justice. Today, though pleased about those worthwhile and notable developments, our movement cannot ignore, at the same time, that challenges have appeared and attempts, whether below the surface or otherwise, are being furthered to roll back the real triumphs of our nation’s workers. Undoubtedly, the need for solidarity cannot be underscored at this time as we seek to advance the just causes of our workers”.
The Labour Day Parade is often well attended by employees and few employers, well decked in their white and red or black and red attire. The workers usually take to the streets to make a statement, in some cases demanding better working conditions, among other things.