GUYANA’s largest umbrella Trade Union organisation the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), representing approximately 35,000 members, salutes and has offered its international, fraternal solidarity with the working people of Greece.
A statement from FITUG said: “FITUG includes, especially the Greek Workers’ representatives, the ADEDY and the General Confederation of Workers (GSEE) in this missive of support from a Caribbean/ Guyanese trade union which is all too familiar with struggle; struggle for recognition, for members’ rights and welfare and for the socio-economic benefits and progress all workers deserve.”

“We have followed the “European Bailout” scenario in Greece. We in this part of the world could have suffered significantly from the 2008 American Wall Street/Real Estate avarice which precipitated an American/European financial crisis and its consequent recession. The fiscal systems of many European banks and governments, tied to American capital and risky investments, buckled, hence so – called bailout rescue plans. Greece is now a victim of that international capitalist – spawned scourge. But the EU/IMF austerity measures accepted by Mr. Papandreou, directly ravages the immediate and long term good and welfare of Greece’s working–class, the farmers, the young and, alas the retired PENSIONERS.”

FITUG queried how can a government accede to measures imposed to affect Greece’s workers’ social, labour, pension and economic rights? And if Prime Minister Papandreou “understands” the people’s outrage how can he preside over the collapse of Greece’s social security system? As with weak, timid governments the world over, whose primary purpose is their own survival, the EU/IMF austerity, anti-worker programme was never discussed with Greece’s workers’ representatives.
The umbrella body said it understands that the people accept that reforms are necessary to address the massive debt crisis, but a “bailout” replete ONLY with tax – hikes, public wage cuts and measures to inflict hardships on retirees should not be exclusive to the poor.

“FITUG understands that Greece’s rich – the shipping magnates, its industrialists and barbers are finding ways to avoid taxes and cuts; to stash their millions whilst the working – class bear the brunt of the austerity,” the statement said.
It added: “Against those realities, FITUG relates to the struggle in Athens at this time. Across the oceans, our hand of friendship is extended to the people of Greece – now and throughout your struggle – until social and economic justice is achieved.”