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MINISTER of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul yesterday called for greater solidarity in the labour movement in fighting for workers’ rights and in addressing the issues they are facing. Minister Gopaul was at the time speaking at the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Labour Day rally, at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue, where hundreds of workers gathered for the traditional May Day event. 
Present at the event also were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Leader of the Opposition David Granger and other Members of Parliament.
Minister Gopaul said that in every society, Government leaders and labour advocates must be on their heels and put the pressure on, to ensure that the working people benefit from time to time and that their concerns are addressed. He reiterated that there are problems with workers everywhere, and trade union unity can help to solve them.
Over the last year, the Labour Ministry received many reports of cases where dozens of workers’ services were terminated without any benefits. As a result, Minister Gopaul said Government had to intervene by providing millions of dollars of benefits to the workers.
“I’m not happy when workers’ rights are trampled upon,” he said, but, he expressed delight in working with the unions which has resulted in some improvement over the last year.
“What has happened to labour, and for labour, is as a result of the input from the labour movement… I find it a joy to work with colleagues from the labour movement over the last year, and to have their support,” Minister Gopaul pointed out.
Dr Gopaul said his ministry has come a far way in ensuring that workers are comfortable, and at present, the national minimum wage is in the process of being addressed.
He also mentioned that the ministry will seek to address the issue of domestic workers, and would be willing to consider suggestions from the union in dealing with the matter.
“I will be your minister, and the minister of all workers in this country, and work towards ensuring we have a level playing field, irrespective of your political affiliations,” Dr Gopaul assured.
According to him, workers’ interest must not be compromised, and Government will do everything in the interest of the people and for the people.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Granger also stressed on the need for harmony among the unions. “Today is the day for working people”, he said.
Granger said that even though investments in the country are welcomed, protection for workers is very much needed. He urged the members of the GTUC to get the young people involved in the union in an effort to combine and strengthen its solidarity. (GINA)
Present at the event also were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Leader of the Opposition David Granger and other Members of Parliament.Minister Gopaul said that in every society, Government leaders and labour advocates must be on their heels and put the pressure on, to ensure that the working people benefit from time to time and that their concerns are addressed. He reiterated that there are problems with workers everywhere, and trade union unity can help to solve them.
Over the last year, the Labour Ministry received many reports of cases where dozens of workers’ services were terminated without any benefits. As a result, Minister Gopaul said Government had to intervene by providing millions of dollars of benefits to the workers.
“I’m not happy when workers’ rights are trampled upon,” he said, but, he expressed delight in working with the unions which has resulted in some improvement over the last year.
“What has happened to labour, and for labour, is as a result of the input from the labour movement… I find it a joy to work with colleagues from the labour movement over the last year, and to have their support,” Minister Gopaul pointed out.
Dr Gopaul said his ministry has come a far way in ensuring that workers are comfortable, and at present, the national minimum wage is in the process of being addressed.
He also mentioned that the ministry will seek to address the issue of domestic workers, and would be willing to consider suggestions from the union in dealing with the matter.“I will be your minister, and the minister of all workers in this country, and work towards ensuring we have a level playing field, irrespective of your political affiliations,” Dr Gopaul assured.
According to him, workers’ interest must not be compromised, and Government will do everything in the interest of the people and for the people.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Granger also stressed on the need for harmony among the unions. “Today is the day for working people”, he said.
Granger said that even though investments in the country are welcomed, protection for workers is very much needed. He urged the members of the GTUC to get the young people involved in the union in an effort to combine and strengthen its solidarity. (GINA)
