TOMORROW the trade union movement will be hosting its annual Labour Day march and rally. This event, as a commemorative one, has its genesis in the struggle of workers in Chicago, USA for improved working conditions. On the 4th May 1886, a number of these workers were shot and killed for exercising their right to demand just reward for their labour.

The point of trade unionism, often ignored, is that we are a global community. Our values are shaped and influenced by principles adumbrated in international conventions and charters and universal declarations.  It is our fervent belief that injustice anywhere threatens justice and prosperity everywhere.

The trade union movement is a creature of conflict that is functional for human development and of which I most proud. For, it was the resistance of workers against exploitation in the workplace, deprivation and marginalisation in the wider society, that led to the establishment of this organisation to represent the interest of the collective. In the presence of unity there is strength.

Where employers (private and public) and government, through various established associations and institutions ensure the advancement and protection of their interest, when workers are without similar supporting structures they are often at the mercy of uncaring and self-serving employers. Our history has shown, from the period of slavery, when the masses are organised as a force, systems of oppression and deprivations can be toppled.

Were it not for the sacrifices of the people, often seen through their sweat, blood and tears, achievements would not have been possible. A lesson of history is that power concedes nothing without demand. Everything the workers have achieved was not without resilience and conflict. There is premium in the belief that anything worth having is worth fighting for. The true measure of a man or woman is the ability to defy and overcome adversity. The ability of our forebears to do this is evident by our existence.

Were it not for the resilience of persons like Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the right to one-man-one-vote would not have been articulated and achieved. For in 1926 when he and other Caribbean labour leaders conferenced in Georgetown, and set in motion the path to attain the fundamental right to self-determination for the Caribbean peoples, Cheddi Jagan was a boy running around in short pants and Forbes Burnham a toddler.

Life is akin to a relay and each generation has its role to play for the development and growth of the human race. When the baton is passed on to us, we shoulder a responsibility to carry it with studied determination and commitment to achieve the common good. Those who yield to the temptation to recline and live a life of plenty whilst participating in acts to deprive their fellow man, do a disservice to man’s development; representing a selfish outlook to life.

The trade union has earned its seat at the nation’s table. The record will show we have been the fore-runner of the 20th century movement that led to the improvement of the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of the masses.

Some of our achievements are: universal adult suffrage, internal self-government/right to self-determination, public health and education, eight-hour work day, 40-hour work week, leave with pay, pension, severance pay, occupational safety and health, maternity leave and benefits, gender equity, equal pay for equal work, premium pay for working at nights, and fundamental rights and freedoms.

All of the aforesaid are marked by a long and arduous journey, on a road paved with self-sacrifices and struggles. These are gains not only worthy of taking note of, but also worthy of guarding zealously, to preserve, strengthen and deepen. These are not to be trifled with or eroded. Any attempt to do so must be met with spirited resistance, and those involved in the acts of deprivations must be met with corresponding force, as we rightly defend what was fought for and achieved.

The red we wear on this day symbolises our blood; the white our purity of purpose. When we march and rally we signal another reminder to those in authority that they do not have the power to kill our un-daunting spirit and determination. That march and rally, followed by merriment, are reminders of the people/workers’ will and determination. Such include the unwavering commitment to cherish, protect, and defend our gains and the land of our birth.

The trade union fervently believes the values we hold would only redound to the collective benefit of the workers — past, present and potential. So tomorrow we would march and rally, once again reinforcing the conviction that “the union makes us strong.”