The President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, is attending the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland. GAWU’s President’s participation underscores Guyana’s continued commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of workers both at home and across the globe.
As a dedicated trade unionist, Narine’s presence at this pivotal gathering serves to amplify the voice of Guyanese workers on the international stage. He actively engaged in discussions promoting greater respect for fundamental principles and rights at work. The GAWU President advocated for stronger mechanisms to uphold decent working conditions, freedom of association, and collective bargaining – all critical pillars for sustainable and inclusive development.
Narine has also joined calls for enhanced social dialogue as a tool to address not only workplace issues but wider societal challenges. As the world of work continues to evolve, meaningful engagement between governments, employers, and workers has become more crucial than ever.
A key focus of the GAWU’s President’s advocacy is the need for a just transition, especially in the context of escalating climate change. He has emphasised that workers must not be left behind as global economies pivot towards greener alternatives. Instead, there must be deliberate efforts to ensure that climate policies are fair and inclusive, safeguarding livelihoods and promoting equity.
Additionally, Narine contributes to timely deliberations on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. He is championing a balanced approach that embraces innovation while protecting workers’ rights, employment opportunities, and well-being. The rise of AI and automation presents both challenges and opportunities. Seepaul continues to advocate for policies that ensure workers are equipped, protected, and empowered during this digital transformation.
The Union’s President is joined at the conference by officials from the Ministry of Labour and the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI), who demonstrated Guyana’s tripartite commitment to collaborative labour policy development. This collective participation reflects a national effort to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues that affect workers and employers alike.
The 113th ILC has convened stakeholders from around the world to deliberate on major themes, including protecting workers against biological hazards, decent work in the care economy, and strategies for achieving a sustainable and equitable recovery from global crises. Seepaul’s participation not only strengthens the voice of Guyanese workers but also reaffirms the value of labour as the cornerstone of national and international development. His contributions highlight the urgent need to centre workers’ welfare in all aspects of economic and social policy-making.
