THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has announced the cancellation of the annual May Day — also called Labour Day —- March and Rally for this year for heath-safety reasons.

In a release, on Wednesday, the Union said that the event, which was slated for May 1, 2020, was cancelled to ensure that persons continue to abide by the health guidelines in effect for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The GPSU gave an undertaking to refrain from any action which can be considered to be in conflict with these restrictions and guidelines. With this undertaking in mind, and the fact that these guidelines extend until May 3rd, 2020, the Union has taken a decision, at its Statutory Administrative Committee Meeting, held on Tuesday April 7th, 2020, to cancel its traditional participation in the Annual May Day Parade and Lime,” the Union stated

In 2019, decked out in their customary red t-shirt and carrying banners and placards that carried messages of unity, hundreds paraded through the streets of Georgetown, in solidarity for workers’ rights.

Trade Unionists used the platform at the National Park to give encouraging words to the masses on the need for a continued united front, even as they advocated for other labour-related matters.

It is also customary for representatives of the government to speak to efforts made in the benefit of workers and the challenges which still exist. Last year also marked the 100th anniversary for the trade union movement in Guyana. However, the GPSU said that the Union remains an integral part of, and is firmly committed to, the national efforts in confronting COVID-19.