By Youth Perspective
Most of us are already home due to social distancing and might not even realise that a holiday is right around the corner. You’re now probably wondering, which holiday is that? Well, Friday, May 1 is ‘Labour Day’. More than anything in this world, as human beings, we need support. We flourish and excel in environments where we have a ‘backbone’ to fall back on. Without the support of my parents, I would not have been able to attend school. Without the support of my lecturers, I would not have been able to maintain a high-standing GPA. Without the support of my friends, I would not have been able to function effectively in classrooms environment. That list can go on and on but at least you get the picture I am trying to paint. We all need some form of support in life, in all aspects. Workers and working environments are no different. Hence, on this day we observe the unity between workers and their respective unions; we observe the strength and resilience of workers and we also acknowledge plans that will better the working class for generations to come.

In Guyana, ‘May Day’ or ‘Worker’s Day’ as we commonly call it is more momentous than we can imagine. Can you imagine a life in our country without the working force? Can you imagine the thousands of people who will be left without a job? What then, will happen to their loved ones? Our workers and overall economic and social growth depend on how effective the systems and policies of our workforce are. I want everyone to remember that your time and efforts are very valuable. Let it not be forgotten of how brutal and exasperating the colonial days were. The efforts of our accentors were never recognised or rewarded rightfully. If we are not careful and upfront about certain issues in the workforce, we will fall back into that cycle of slavery. Call it, ‘modern slavery’ if you may. Historically, there are many pieces of evidence of mistreatment and inhumanness of workers. These are real people, with real families and real issues. They work for survival and they work honestly. It is about time we truly give credit where it’s due.

I grew up watching workers on the television or the road marching in their red, white and black attire. I never truly understood the meaning of Worker’s Day and perhaps I still do not because I am not a full-time worker. However, what I do know is that their problems should be everybody’s problems. When they cry for an increase of salary, better policies in their working environments and even improved qualities of technology and infrastructure. We should listen, we should pay attention. May I also use this opportunity to point out the ‘ridiculousness’ of certain private companies? It is absurd as to how underpaid and overworked some private employees are and they have to endure this on a day-to-day basis. Are your money and personal gains more important than humanity? Some companies pay workers little to nothing for time-consuming and complex jobs. Who can these workers speak to? How do we expect them to do better if that’s the only job they can find?
Guyana is moving into an era of advancement and first world potential. Yes, the COVID-19 outbreak is making that reality a blur right not but we’re still on that very path. This virus is only slowing us down, but surely we will get there. Hence, we ought to do better. For our workers and ourselves. My articles do not sugarcoat issues and I hope I did not disappoint with this one either. We need to stand behind our workforce and uplift them. Guyana is a unifying country, right? Well, let that be evident in our actions. With all of that said, I’d like to wish you all an early ‘Labour Day’ and always remember that your time and efforts are valuable. You should not stand for a ‘front’ for modern slavery.