GENERAL Secretary of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Mr. Kenneth Joseph has thrown out a challenge for the labour movement to be united in 2010.

“It is about time that the trade unions start working towards a united organisation under a united banner,” he declared when making the call.

But, justifying the resuscitation of FITUG, he said Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) withdrew from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) because of its undemocratic behaviour, poor accounting and cliquism.

Joseph charged that the leadership of the TUC remains the main cause for the division which is hurting workers and other unions.

He said, while GAWU and NAACIE have continued to represent their members, FITUG maintains the need for a reunification.

Joseph said one of the main concerns is the tactics used by the TUC leadership to make certain a representative from GAWU or NAACIE does not head that umbrella body.

He said the strategy includes “bad mouthing” of GAWU President, Mr. Komal Chand, for being a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarian and Dr Nanda Gopaul and Mr. Kaisree Takechandra, through fear of them leading the TUC into Government control.

Joseph said that continues to be the view of the TUC leaders who have imposed their selfishness on the movement.

He argued that Chand has a right to be a member of any organisation he wishes and so, too, the current TUC President.