What a great and appropriate time to reflect upon the past, review our challenges and achievements, and chart a future for ourselves and in the interest of those we hold dear.

It is that time of year when we say good-bye to one calendar year and bid welcome to a new one. The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) wishes its thousands of members a happy, healthy and constructive 2010. We wish, also, the members of the Guyana Trade Unions Congress (GTUC), also members of the working class of the Guyanese nation all the best for the New Year, that they achieve their positive objectives, which should include the promotion of a “comprehensive workers’ solidarity” in this new year.

The powerful affiliates of FITUG will soon convene to map out strategies to expos, in advance, the terms of agreements and other conditions which our members work under, and which should be steadfastly honoured by employers.

FITUG will also engage the Ministry of Labour in discussions to further the interests of the Nation’s workers and to pre-empt and head off potential discrimination by certain employers.

Even as some question the very relevancy of Trade Unions in modern society, FITUG intends to demonstrate, in 2010, that bargaining agents can also be agents of working class, social economic advancement. We will introduce certain economic ventures in our members’ interest and welfare.

At the individual levels the CCWU has been successful in the upward movement in the leadership of Miss Ann Anderson replacing Mr. Grantley Culbard as the Union General Secretary, and Ms. Kim Halley to the position of first vice-president. This is the first for the female gender in the union, of which representations have been improving for workers progressively. The GLU has been successful in the representations of its membership and a smooth transition of its Executive under the capable leadership of its General Secretary and President of FITUG, Mr. Carvil Duncan.

The NAACIE has been successful in maintaining the rights of its members in the Guyana Power & Light, Guysuco, Bosai and other entities for benefits in keeping with Collective Agreements and Law.

The GAWU, under severe pressure, has continued to withstand the negative impositions placed on already over-taxed workers. Together these four unions are at the helm of the battle for workers to maintain and improve working and living conditions in keeping with the ILO’s conditions of decent work. These unions are ably assisted by their international contacts, which include the ITF, IUF,GMB, among others.

FITUG reiterates its sincere wishes for working class advancement in 2010, and we will pursue practical ventures along which our members must traverse to collective betterment. Perhaps it is time to reorganize and mobilize even those of our members who have been made redundant by certain employers. Workers’ education will also be enhanced through new facilities now available to FITUG affiliates. All this will contribute to the realization of a truly happy new year.

Best wishes for 2010 from FITUG to all of the nation’s workers, and more understanding and success to its employers.
Happy New Year from GAWU, CCWU, NAACIE, GLU, and FITUG.