THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) in a tribute to fallen veteran trade unionist, Roy Hughes said he carved out his own status as a dedicated and committed trade unionist in Guyana’s labour movement.

FTUG said he followed in the footsteps of his colleagues his glorious Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) colleagues like George DePeana, Gordon Todd, Albert Alstrom, Rudy Reece, Burchmore Philadelphia and Grantley Culbard,
FITUG said it takes this opportunity to pay a brief tribute to a fallen workers’ hero.
Roy Hughes passed away on August 5, 2013 in the United States of America. He was a latter-day stalwart of the CCWU serving as its President between 1998 and 2007, following in the illustrious pathways of the fearless, indomitable Gordon Todd, from whom, no doubt Roy inherited some practical and strategic trade union approaches.
A FITUG release said: “Brother Roy worked with Bookers Stores and soon felt the need to pursue a representational career, promoting and defending the rights and welfare of the hundreds of workers who toiled in the country’s commercial sector. His transition from CCWU Shop Steward to Field Secretary was as swift as it was effective in organizing and investigating on behalf of the Union’s membership.”
“ Brother Hughes was one of the CCWU militants involved in the infamous stand-off between CCWU and the then state-controlled Guyana Stores when thugs loyal to the ruling party of the day attacked the union-protestors. After 1992, Roy Hughes as CCWU President was a pivotal player, ensuring that the workers’ rights were not trampled upon when Guyana Stores was privatized. University of Guyana-trained, he qualified in numerous Industrial Relations and Trade Union courses. Also a national awardee with the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA), he served as a Director on the Boards of the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC), the Lottery Company and the Widows and Orphans Dependent Fund, among others.”
“Even as relations soured, somewhat, within his beloved CCWU, Roy Hughes battled on against periodic illness, to pursue his dream of true trade union unity in Guyana.”
“Being passionate in promoting trade union unity Roy felt that he could be a catalyst for solidarity between the two local trade union entities. To this end, he convened conciliatory meetings in the USA among Guyanese unionists still willing to compromise and promote working-class harmony back in Georgetown. He was delighted on hearing that the Minister of Labour announced a National Minimum Wage with a forty-hour work-week which was promulgated from July 1, 2013.”
FITUG said a grand wake of reminisces and tributes will be held today in the compound of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), 59 High Street and Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown. The event will begin at 18:30 hours and all former colleagues, all unionists and friends of Roy Hughes are cordially invited.
FITUG also expressed condolences to his wife Debbie, his two children along with relatives and friends.