THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) concluded its 4th Conference on November 07, 2012 with the full participation of its affiliates – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU).

The Opening Session of that conference was chaired by FITUG’s First Vice President, Cde Komal Chand, and was attended by eighty (80) delegates representing the affiliated unions; a number of special invitees, including prominent Ministers of Government; members of the diplomatic corps; representatives of business organistions, and other distinguished invitees. A six-(6)-person delegation from the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (AT&GWU) also graced the Opening Session.
In his welcoming remarks, Cde Chand drew delegates’ attention to the economic crisis in the world, arising from austere and painful measures imposed on the people; and the dire effects the measures are having on the workers, students, pensioners and others.
He said, however, that there is a sharpening of the struggles, and the workers’ fight-back will undoubtedly force a reversal of the harsh measures.
Live messages were read by the General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald; and by the Education Officer of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Vera Norton. Cde Leroy Trotman, General Secretary of the Barbados Workers Union (BWU), also attended the historic Conference.
The President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency President Donald Ramotar, delivered the feature address and declared the Conference open. A feature of the President’s address is that he invited the Trade Union Movement to dialogue with him from time to time on labour matters, so as to assist him and his Government to ensure there is always a realistic labour perspective in existence, which his government will uphold.
The President’s address was described as insightful and labour-friendly.
FITUG’s General Secretary, Cde Kenneth Joseph, reviewed the Organisation’s work from the conclusion of its last Conference in July, 2010 to the present time.
Delegates from different unions made a number of contributions to the General Secretary’s Report.
Suggestions were made by delegates about issues and matters which should receive public commentary from time to time.
Delegates requested that the leadership of FITUG should encourage other Unions to become its affiliates, and they were pleased with the presence of three (3) non-affiliated trade unions at the Opening Session of the Conference.
Another important feature of the FITUG Conference was the election of officials, who, along with nine (9) other members, constitute the FITUG Executive Council. Those elected were as follows:- Cdes Carvil Duncan, President; Komal Chand, First Vice President; Sherwood Clarke, Second Vice President; Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary; Seepaul Narine, Treasurer; Derek Thakur, Organising Secretary; Aslim Singh, Education Secretary; and Committee Members Narda Mohamed, Elmy Ishmael, Jagdeo Paul, Bhagmat Hochand, Savitri Thomas, Michael Stephens, Winston Joseph, Floyd Thompson and Althea Lindo.
The Conference also unanimously approved resolutions on local government elections, on tax reform, on hire purchase legislation, on public transport, on the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), on the National Minimum Wage and on Climate Change and the Environment.
The Conference concluded with the Charge being delivered by Cde Ashton Chase, S.C., O.E. In his remarks, Cde Chase reminded delegates of the history of trade unionism in Guyana, and the development of the field over the years. He said that while a trade union’s foremost concern is related to wages and salaries, all unions must be concerned with what is happening in the country and society; and the right to protest and assemble must be done within its limitations, and not to obstruct and destroy.
He also made reference to the development taking place across the country, and the need to protect and enhance the gains achieved. He warned delegates not to follow those who seek to misguide them, as it would serve to reverse the development which has taken place over the recent years.
While the Conference was deliberating, FITUG received a letter from the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), saying in part: “Please be respectfully advised that the General Council of the CCL, meeting in Barbados on the 5th and 6th of October, 2012, unanimously accepted FITUG’s application for affiliation…”. The letter was signed by the General Secretary of the CCL, Cde Chester Humphrey.
It follows that the GTUC’s affiliation to that august body was rescinded in order for FITUG’s affiliation to become a reality.