May Day 2019 to be celebrated in unity – FITUG/GTUC

This year, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) – two of the leading voices of our nation’s workers – will once again observe Labour Day 2019 under a one banner. As has been the case, Labour Day will be celebrated with a march that commences at the Parade Ground and which will wind its way through several streets of the city to the National Park where a joint rally will be held. That rally, will see speakers from both the FITUG and the GTUC addressing the workers gathered. Invitations have been extended to both the Government and the Opposition to nominate representatives to deliver remarks to the workers of Guyana as well.

Our trade union bodies are again heartened to celebrate Labour Day – a day with a history filled with landmark events, sacrifices and victories for the working-people. This day will be celebrated in an atmosphere of unity and togetherness. We firmly hold that this coming-together being displayed augurs well for our nation’s workers and the country as a whole. In more recent times, our bodies have heightened our co-operation and collaboration in the interest of the nation’s workers. Our speaking with one voice not-too-long ago on the struggles of the bauxite workers and then before on the battle of the nation’s teachers, saw those contingents of the working-class attaining their reasonable and justifiable demands. Indeed, we go forward in the future optimistic that the bonds we have developed will be consolidated. 

This year’s event is being commemorated under the theme “A long journey for Social Justice- Together we can achieve”. The wreath ceremony is Sunday 29^th April at Parliament Buildings, starting at 4:00 p.m. The March and Rally is Wednesday 1^st May, with the march moving off from Parade Ground at 8:00 a.m., and Rally held at the National Park at 11:00 a.m. All are invited to participate

Labour Day this year, for us, has taken on even greater importance as we observe the centennial anniversary of the Trade Union Ordinance of British Guiana, which allowed for trade unions to be registered as legal entity. 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.

Preceding the Labour Day activity, the Trade Union Movement will pay tribute to the Father of Trade Unionism, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. As we have done in the past, the movement will gather on April 28, 2019 to lay wreaths at the statue of Critchlow at the Public Buildings. Our bodies will also pay tribute to the yeoman work of Critchlow who, history has recorded, faced great adversity and daunting challenges in his efforts to establish the first workers organisation in the British Colonial Empire.

Incidentally, our Critchlow activity comes on World Occupational Safety and Health Day. Indeed, when we consider the times of Critchlow to now, we well recognise that much advancement have 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.

As we march and rally together on Labour Day, the FITUG and the GTUC will continue to seek to work together on other matters which are of concern to our nation’s workers. We recognise that they are still many pressing issues that remain unresolved and which continue to affect our working-people and their families in one way or another.

We take this opportunity to wish all Guyanese a Happy Labour Day 2019!