The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins with the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and millions of workers who, through their organisations, are affiliated to the long-standing working-class organisation to observe International Action Day (IAD) today (October 03, 2018). The WFTU-sponsored IAD which has been observed for a number of years coincides with the WFTU’s foundation in 1945. As on previous occasions, the day brings into focus matters of serious concern to the global working-peoples and the world’s peoples generally.
IAD 2018 comes ten (10) years since the global capitalist system entered its most far-reaching and devastating crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. A decade later none of the contradictions which produced the financial crisis has been purposefully addressed, much less overcome. Moreover, the very policies carried out to prevent a total meltdown of the financial system, involving the outlay of trillions of dollars by the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks, have only created, according to concerned economists, the conditions for an even bigger impending disaster.
At this time too, hovering over our heads is the threat of a new world war. We see the ongoing and new hot spots which have the potentials of escalating into a world conflagration. We see in the Middle East purposefully fanned tensions, especially with regard to Syria. In Eastern Europe, there are continuing tensions between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. We see major military activities in the South China Sea. And, in several other countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, conflicts and war-mongering seem to be the new norm of mankind’s existence. In the countries so afflicted, not only do the people suffer greatly but there also are consequences for those countries’ future and for democracy.
The current tumultuous developments, literally worldwide, are linked to some countries dream for global hegemony as well as to ensure control of the strategic resources of various countries in all continents. However in our day, this dream of primarily the imperialist-ruled countries is being increasingly and militantly challenged globally. A New World Order, just and people-oriented, is beckoning.
Today’s IAD, is being observed under the theme “Ensure social security and free healthcare for all”. According to new data presented by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), World Social Protection Report 2017/19, that 55 per cent of the world’s people – 4 billion persons – do not have any social protection. The lack of social protection leaves people vulnerable to ill-health, poverty, inequality, and social exclusion throughout their lifecycle. Denying this human right to 4 billion people worldwide is a significant obstacle to economic and social development and we support the efforts today pursued to ensure that the right to social protection becomes a reality for all. The report also alerts us to the fact that the right to health is not yet a reality for millions in many parts of the world. We are informed that the problem is more prevalent in rural areas where 56 per cent of the population lacks health coverage, compared to 22 per cent in urban areas. An estimated additional 10 million health workers would be needed to achieve universal health coverage and to ensure human security, including in emergency situations such as an Ebola crisis.
Unemployment, too, continues to be a scourge. The ILO reports that globally 190 million persons were unemployed at the end of 2017. Last year around 42 per cent of workers worldwide are estimated to be in vulnerable forms of employment. Similarly, extreme working poverty remains widespread, with more than 300 million workers in emerging and developing countries said to be in extreme poverty.
Alongside such stark realities, there is the obscene concentration of wealth in a small layer of the population. The world’s richest one person owns half the world’s wealth. The richest 500 individuals have, as of December, 2017, a combined wealth of US$5.3 trillion, up US$1 trillion from 2016. Further, credible researchers bring to our attention that some 70 per cent of the world’s working-age population, account for just 2.7 per cent of global wealth. And repeatedly, we have heard how resources that should be deployed to build schools, affordable housing, water treatment plants and hospitals, or cultural activities are being wasted on frivolities and weaponry.
In an observance of IAD we cannot fail to recognise the growing threat of climate change to humanity. Hurricanes which, as we saw, ravaged the Caribbean and certain parts of the United States, floods in Europe and Asia, forest fires and droughts in various parts of the world, always leaving a trail of untold destruction are now more regular occurrences on our planet. The developed countries are, particularly, most responsible for this phenomenon but are still not yet giving their full attention to this existential threat. We are dismayed by this and urge, once again, everyone to rally in defence of humanity existence.
The theme of IAD this year has special relevance to our country. The necessity of social protection and health care has been heightened in recent times. The Stabroek News on September 29 and the Guyana Times on September 30, both reported about the plight and circumstances now facing redundant sugar workers following the closure of estates in the last two (2) years. Many Guyanese were touched and very moved by the circumstances the jobless sugar workers and their families, especially the children, now must contend with. Across our country, people are finding themselves, more and more, in such difficult and hard conditions. Added to that, we see our country’s social protection institution – the NIS – finding itself in difficulties as well. Recent news reports advised that the NIS will record an $854.9M deficit this year. This for the workers is worrying news and one which, the authorities must give undivided attention to.
Given the painful realities we are experiencing, the GAWU joins the WFTU and its affiliated trade unions to focus attention to the plight of tens of millions of our planet’s citizens who suffer from being jobless. GAWU recognizes and supports a revitalised struggle by the international working-class around the question of unemployment and underemployment. We believe employment is an indispensable condition for a worker to lead and enjoy a full and satisfying life. We are quite aware that unemployment is a phenomenon inherent in the capitalist system and its final solution is tied up to realising profound changes of that profit driven socio-economic system.
On this International Action Day called by the World Federation of Trade Unions, we of the GAWU takes a principled stand with the oppressed peoples and the working-class of the world. We too, in Guyana, want to see a world based on economic justice, democracy, peace and humane social relations. Such a world, we believe, is quite possible.
