Dear Editor,

THOSE of us in Guyana’s Labour Movement who fashioned the joint FITUG/TUC Labour Day Rally of May 1, 2016 were generally heartened by the number of worker-related issues on which we found common ground to address in the presence of the nation’s prime minister.It was intended that high-profiled national workers’ events, besides attracting continual media headlines, would galvanize our two representational bodies to continue dialogue towards practical mechanism for joint approaches to Government and to all employers concerning our members’ welfare.

Up front, NAACIE advises trade union leaders, in the context of the one-year coalition Administration which has opted not to have a full pledged Labour Ministry: “Sleep with your members, not with Government leaders”.
It is one thing for “popular” Labour leaders to debate national issues regarding the Constitution and the politics of the land; that intellectual/analytical ability to debate must be put to the service of union membership.

What ideas or proposals for structured joint representations have been advanced lately? Why can’t we mobilize representation concerning the woes of the sugar industry? For example: if, at this time, sugar goes under without sound futuristic plans, the economy would take a further battering, to the demise of all of us.

The real role of all trade unions is representation no matter who is the employer/company or Government. More solidarity is needed now; not just the song on May Day.

There should also be joint TUC/FITUG sessions, workshops and seminars to discuss making practical approaches to regional and international trade union bodies to explore how the new communication technologies can serve the Labour movement, and to formulate strategies, joint approaches to have the administration listen to our united voice on such issues as preparation for oil revenues, constitutional reform and/or crime reduction. Are those challenges and needs beyond our abilities?

This 21st century reality indicates the arrival of new industries that demand new skills from workers, inclusive of non-management employees; but all those graduates from tertiary institutions — with their degrees, diplomas and certificates — must be influenced and persuaded to become organized at their work places to really enjoy the fruits of their qualifications. What are we unionists doing about that?

NAACIE urges a more united approach to issues such as those cited above. NAACIE is willing to initiate movement in this direction. We can’t wait for another Government; this “newness” demands a new or renewed militancy. Our political, cultural and religious affiliations are personal. Our members’ working class welfare is national.

Let the trade union leaders ensure that “workers of Guyana unite.”

KENNETH JOSEPH, AA
General Secretary
NAACIE