On (Sunday) April 29, 2018, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) will begin the observances of Labour Week with a wreath laying exercise at the monument of the Father of Trade Unionism in Guyana, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow in the compound of the Parliament Building. 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.
On Labour Day, the two (2) federations will, once again, observe the day with a march commencing from the Parade Ground through several streets in Georgetown and a rally at the National Park. The rally, like in past years, will receive addresses by representatives of the FITUG, the GTUC, the Opposition – PPP/C, and the Government.
In the immediate period approaching this year’s Labour Day celebrations, the two bodies conducted a joint seminar, under the auspices of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on April 24, 2018. The seminar was held at the Critchlow Labour College addressed Green Jobs, Just Transition and Decent Work. Participants identified by the two (2) organisations benefitted from what was considered as a timely and useful seminar.
The jointly issued statement recently in support of the initiatives taken to move the sugar industry forward which received many complimentary remarks by members of the public was a noteworthy development. Our bodies are also engaged in discussions with a view to submitting Labour’s three (3) nominees to sit on the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB). The TURCB has been inactive for some months now after its life came to an end. The FITUG and the GTUC have also written the Government urging Guyana’s participation in the ILO’s International Labour Conference in which our country has not been represented for the past three (3) years.
At this time, when the working-class are confronted with increasing pressures and also with an eye on the future, the forging of unity and co-operation in the Trade Union Movement 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 realization of betterment for our working-class and which will certainly benefit the country as a whole.
