TODAY workers, particularly the unionised, will march and hold rallies. This annual May Day event has its genesis in workers losing their lives and suffering injuries during strike action to protest for just working conditions, notably an 8-hour work day, on 4th May, 1886 in Chicago, USA.As workers participate in activities today, it would be remiss not to acknowledge that they do so in a markedly changed environment. The labour movement is going through a metamorphosis, but it is yet to be seen if this will see resurgence befitting its behemoth legacy, or resignation in accepting the status quo.

The latter notwithstanding, it is the former that helps to better understand the movement and what it has come to exemplify in the society, which undeniably are under threat for the welfare of workers, unionised and not.

Labour’s history in shaping universal rights, freedoms and conditions of work that are taken for granted ought not to be ignored. Where workers of this country first distinguished themselves as an organised force, in 1905, to stand up to the employer and demand a say at the table to influence their conditions of work, such has set in train a series of actions.

This act by the workers — consistent with the universal right to self-determination, freedom of association, collective bargaining, and involvement in management and decision-making processes that affect one’s wellbeing — has shaped universal declarations, charters, conventions and local laws.

While the right to freedom of association respects the right not to associate, those who choose to associate and work as a collective should be allowed to do so. And where there continues to be expressed concerns by the trade unions that such is under threat, these expressions of concern have to be heeded. Workers, as members of trade unions by constitution, not only have this right enshrined but labour laws that require employers treating with their representatives in good faith, but
Governments are expected to set the tone and standard for how citizens will be treated.

Workers who gravitate to Government jobs, outside of doing so based on limited opportunities or preferred career choice, would admit to good benefits and tenure, including a pension which are attractive incentives to remain on the job or to enter the employ.

And while there are some large private employers, notably Banks DIH and DDL, who each has a unionised workforce, continual industrial peace and netting significant after-tax profits, though admirable, it is unfortunate that they have become principal standard bearers for how Government and others should treat workers.

None paying attention to the trade union movement within recent years would miss that fingers are being pointed at state institutions, owned in whole or part by the Government, for engaging in unsavoury conduct. It is no secret that, within recent years, Government has failed to uphold standards that would secure workers’ and citizens’ wellbeing. Such also gives rise to, and open the door for, similar and worse practices in the private sector and non-unionised environment.

Public service unions have, for more than a decade, been demanding the restoration of the right to collective bargaining. The absence of this right breeds low morale among the workforce and creates an environment where the workplace is seen as a hustle or pay cheque.

The teachers’ union has been expressing concerns, and a caring employer cannot be seen as unmoved, dilatory, or disinterested, because such will adversely impact our children’s learning.

The sugar unions are complaining about non-involvement in determining the state of the industry, and disregard for the collective agreement. The High Court took a decision in the matter of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated on reissuing arbitration letters, which the Government has not denied, yet the court’s ruling stands in abeyance.

Ignoring these anomalies will not only create a disgruntled workforce, but professionalism and performance risk being compromised. It is a mistake to treat workers as mechanical tools to be dictated to, and to deem their input unimportant to workplace safety and development, yet expect good performance from them.

Outside of employers, there have been expressed concerns that some trade union leaders are not representing and protecting the interests of workers. This should not happen, and workers should increase their vigilance and participation in the activities of the trade union.

That being said, when government sets the right tone and standards, such remove temptation for, and practise of, unscrupulous employers mistreating the nation’s most vital resource. It is a truism that businesses that treat workers well succeed. This success is premised on the principle that where workers feel valued, they will give of their best and want their employer to succeed. This symbiotic relationship ought not to be lost sight of.

Happy Labour Day to workers everywhere!