As we approach the commencement of Labour Week on April 28, 2024, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) finds the opportunity befitting to recognise and recall the significant and varied contributions of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, rightly deemed the “Father of Trade Unionism” in our country. Critchlow’s contributions to the upliftment and advancement of the working people of our country have been recorded in history as a testament to his unwavering belief and commitment to his principles of justice for the working class.
Critchlow’s defence of workers emerged during a great upheaval in British Guiana. At that time, the pressures on the working class were mounting, and the owner class, though able, was unwilling to ease the burdens the workers were made to carry. Indeed, it must have been a rude awakening when the waterfront workers, under the leadership of Critchlow, decided to down tools and demand fairness and justice. For his efforts, Critchlow was asked to withdraw his demands or be sent home. He chose the latter, and it was a clear demonstration of where his loyalties stood. Indeed, it must have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, more so in the face of the immense pressure he would have faced.
His later establishment of the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU) was a clear signal of his commitment to working-class aspirations and ideals. He would have undoubtedly faced great difficulty and hardship to reach the pinnacle of the BGLU, but his perseverance and determination brought him to that high point. Critchlow’s later efforts in leading the regional trade union efforts and his demands in favour of the working class were clear indicators of how he regarded the workers’ involvement.
Critchlow’s experience in the workers’ struggle led him to the view that the established capitalist system was not beneficial to the working class. In December 1930, in an address to members of his union, he called for workers to fight against capitalism and to struggle for the establishment of socialism. Notably as well Critchlow championed demands for the extension of the right to vote so that all workers could participate in national elections.
The GAWU urges that in our celebration of Labour Week, we as a class within society should take account of the advances we have made since Critchlow and keep before us the challenges that still lie in our path. We believe that together, we can overcome those obstacles and blaze a path for a better tomorrow – a path that can fittingly honour the memory of our working-class hero –Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow.
Happy May Day to all Guyanese workers.
