The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) concluded successfully a Conference titled “A Century of Trade Unionism – 100 years of workers’ struggles and achievement” on July 17 at the Grand Coastal Hotel. The activity attracted a large number of attendees from all walks of life and included trade unionists, members of parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps, workers, among others. The one-day activity sought to consider the advancements recorded by the working-class since the Trade Union Movement appeared on the scene now a hundred years ago.
The GAWU, through its General Secretary, Seepaul Narine, spoke on the Union’s behalf. The Union reminded those present of the origins of the Movement which emerged in a time of grave difficulties and hardships for the workers in the then British Guiana. The GAWU General Secretary reminded that in the last century workers’ rights have improved and today many rights have now been won. In considering the present-day realities, Narine pointed out that there are still several issues which require attention. He also took stock of the current political situation and urged that our leaders work together in observance of the recent CCJ ruling. He urged unions and workers to take inspiration from the courage of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow as we move forward.
General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis also traced the development of the movement and pointed to the many struggles pursued and the several victories scored. He shared too that the political movement also has its roots in the working-class movement as well. Lewis noted that the benefits and rights workers enjoy now-a-days won were not granted willingly but were won out of the struggle of the workers past and present. He stressed the need for the unity of the working-class as he pointed out that the Movement has played a pivotal role in welding the nation and advancing its development. Lewis urged all that Guyanese need to rise above race and stressed the need for the education of the working-class. The GTUC General Secretary pointed to the need for all citizens to benefit from the nation’s national wealth to ensure that there is equitable development for all Guyanese.
President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Carvil Duncan in his presentation spoke of the several successes Critchlow scored in his early years. He also spoke of Critchlow’s assistance in helping other unions to being founded as he recognised the need for workers organizations in upholding and defending workers’ rights. Duncan also called on the Government to rightly recognize Critchlow as a national hero in recognition of his many contributions to the nation. The FITUG President also urged the need for more workers to join unions especially in view of the exploitative practices workers face these days. He stressed that the Movement while justly proud of its achievements, noted that there is still work to be done. Duncan urged workers and unions to move forward together in winning their just demands.
Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott who represented the Government of Guyana congratulated the Trade Union Movement on its centennial anniversary. The Minister recognised that in the period leading up to the formation of the first workers organization in 1919 was an eventful period in history. He noted that between 1905 and 1919, there was rising workers consciousness in society and this led to workers becoming more vocal about demanding fair treatment and just rewards. Minister Scott said that in that time, workers struggles became more commonplace and fuelled reforms of the then extant systems which were chracterised by harshness and exploitative policies. He also deemed Hubert Critchlow as the greatest Trade Unionist produced in Guyana’s history as he charted a path that have been furthered and enhanced by subsequent generations of unionists. Critchlow, the Minister said, understood the necessity of the marriage between trade unions and politics as a means to advance the workers cause. He shared that Critchlow, as a member of the Legislative Council, played a decisive role in legislation on a number of workers concerns. The Minister said that our nation and its people owe an immense debt to Critchlow as he has left an indelible print on our labour system in our country. Minister Scott urged those present not to forget our history which is filled with rich-struggles and the yeoman sacrifices of workers. Those struggles, he said, left treasured lessons many of which serve us well today.
Bishop Juan Edghill, who represented the Leader of the Opposition, pointed out that the labour movement plays an important role especially in a developing nation as Guyana. He said the movement plays an important role in regulating relations between workers and their employers and thus enhancing rights and conditions-of-work. Bishop Edghill said that the labour movement needed to be fair and fearless as he urged that they give focused attention to improving the workers lot. He reminded that the Opposition, when in Government, has a proud track record in enhancing workers’ rights. Such developments, he opined, were not strange but was in keeping with the PPP/C long-standing workers outlook. Bishop Edghill lamented that while we observe this notable anniversary, thousands of sugar workers were made jobless in recent times. Turning to oil and gas, he urged that there is need too for the movement to speak up more about the arrangement regarding exploitation and requirements for local content. The Opposition Leader’s representative, also noted that, at this time, there are open and naked threats to our democracy and called on the movement to continue to raise its voice. He reminded that in the past the movement played a critical role in the upholding of democratic rule and respect for the rule of law.
Director of the ILO Caribbean Office, Claudia Coenjaerts congratulated the movement on the significant achievement. The Director pointed out that several changes to the labour relations environment are underway which can pose several difficulties to workers. She said technological changes, climate change, among other things will bring about several changes and there is need for training to take account of the new realities. She pointed out that globally there are 190 million jobless persons, 65 million who are under 25 years. The Director shared that global inequality is sharpening with the richest 1 per cent owning 57 per cent of global income as she stressed the need for work in reducing the large gaps between the haves and the have-nots that currently exist. Ms Coenjaerts pointed out that Government’s will play a critical role in ensuring workers are protected and the ILO will continue to play an active role in this regard. To this end, she committed the Organisation’s continued assistance to facilitating dialogue between the Labour Movement, the Government and the employer’s organisaton. The ILO, in this regard, will support activities in improving industrial relations; addressing poverty and inequality; formalizing informal labour relations, among other things within the concept of the Guyana Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP).
The Conference also received a message of greetings from renowned Trade Unionist Ashton Chase who congratulated the movement on its centennial anniversary. Chase, in his message, also shed further light on the advancement of the movement over the years.
From all accounts, the Conference was successful and provided good basis for the forward movement in the time ahead. The Union believes that the Conference met its objectives primarily to bring attention to the achievements of the Movement.
