NOTING that workers are a key factor in the production process, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, applauded the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG) for hosting yet another unified rally when Labour Day was celebrated on Wednesday.

“I wish to commend the GTUC and the FITUG for their integral work and achievements within our national tripartite committee,” Ally said as she delivered remarks at the May Day Rally to participants gathered at the National Park.

“This government believes in your labour, your industry, your enterprise. We believe that if there is an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect where workers are assured that their efforts will be rewarded then workers will be more productive and efficient.”

Ally noted that the government is committed to improving the lives of the working people. She pointed to the over 50 per cent salary increase over the past four years for public sector workers, the increase of private sector minimum wage from $202 to $255 per hour, the increased income tax threshold by 30 percent, and the increase of old age pension by 55 percent as some of the measures that have been put in place to improve the life of citizens across the country.

“Since this coalition government came into office we have tirelessly worked to transform the lives of the working class in Guyana. It’s common knowledge that workers are a key factor in the production process. Thus, my expectation and that of the country is for workers to adopt a culture of efficiency and productivity. It is only through hard-work that the nation’s economy can improve,” Ally said.

Ally also pointed out areas where the government, over the past few years, has settled age old labour issues, including having the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) being recognized by the RUSAL-owned Bauxite Company of Guyana (BCGI), which had been refusing to do so since 2009, an almost 10-year gap.

She also noted the amicable solution to disputes between the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) whereby a three year agreement was signed.

“The MoSp is currently working on several key areas that will protect and improve the lives of our workers. Some of these include putting focus on the implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Policy as well as the Child Labour Policy. We are also looking to amend several pieces of labour related legislations, and have the establishment of an industrial court,” Ally noted.

Meanwhile, workers in Region Two enjoyed May Day celebrations by marching from Damon Cross La Belle Alliance to the Regional Administration Compound in Anna Regina.
The event saw participation from members of the GTUC and Guyana Teachers’ Union, while giving brief remarks to the gathering was Dewane Boston.

Boston reminded workers of the many struggles of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow- the father of trade union movement in Guyana, calling on trade unions to work together for a better Guyana.

This message was reiterated by Regional Executive Officer (REdO), Denis Jaikarran, who told the gathering of workers that he is aware of the countless struggles of the workers, which reinforce the need for unity among the unions.
Jaikarran said he will be addressing several issues facing the varying sectors.