The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) will convene its 6th Delegates’ Conference under the theme “For betterment through Organisation and Solidarity” tomorrow (March 28, 2018) at the GAWU Conference Room, High Street and Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown. The Conference will see delegates and observers representing the Federation’s affiliates namely:- the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), reviewing the work of the Federation since its 5th Conference in 2015.
The period since our last Conference, the FITUG recognized, has seen many changes taking place. Notably was the election of the APNU/AFC Government, weeks after our 5th Conference in February, 2015. The Federation recognizes that many of the new Government’s promises have remained unfulfilled as it approaches its three (3) year anniversary. Moreover, the FITUG has expressed on several occasions expressed 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 Administration’s approach to the sugar industry has, for FITUG, 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.
As we convene our Conference, the FITUG cannot turn a blind eye to the concerns regarding the functioning of our institutions charged with promoting and defending our democratic way of life. We also are not comforted by the slow, but steady, emergence of tentacles of authoritarianism in our society as well. We also recognise a widening rift between the haves and have-nots in our country. Another major development since our last Conference was the discovery of oil and our nation becoming an oil-producing state in the not too distant future. While pleased by this development we note too the very pointed concerns that are being expressed and we believe that our patrimonial resources need to be harnessed in the interest of Guyana and Guyanese.
The intervening period also saw improved collaboration between the Federation and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC). The FITUG is supportive of moves that lend to increased co-operation between our bodies in the interest of our nation’s workers. Though pleased by this development, the FITUG, at the same time, is upset that the Government, more so President David Granger, has not seen it fit to engage the trade union movement in a sincere and frank manner. Such an engagement is not only necessary but essential if the Government is really committed to giving all Guyanese a ‘Good Life’. As we reflect on the promised ‘Good Life’, which seems really to only apply to those ensconced in Government, the FITUG has to ask about the promised jobs, a safe society, and making Guyana a better place. As our Conference is being convened, FITUG sadly notes that jobs prospects seem slim, crime is on the rise and the riches that will flow from oil are spoken about accompanied by several germane queries, we need to be concerned over the fact that too many skilled Guyanese are leaving our shores. Going along this path cannot in anyway take us to the promised ‘Good Life’.
The Conference’s feature address will be delivered by social activist, attorney-at-law and chartered accountant, Mr Christopher Ram. The Federation is eager to hear from Mr Ram. Also speaking during the Opening Session will be FITUG’s President, Mr 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. The Conference, during the business session, will receive the Report of the General Secretary; the Federation’s Financial Report and will approve motions on several matters of importance. Also 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.
