By Fabiana McKlmon and Saskia Warrick
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) orchestrated a vibrant Labour Day March, attracting hundreds of workers from various unions across the nation.
Dressed in their distinctive brightly colored shirts, the workers painted the streets red as they marched joyfully from the Bank of Guyana to the National Park tarmac, exuding expressions of unity and determination.
At this year’s May Day Rally, FITUG President Carvil Duncan delivered a passionate address, emphasizing FITUG’s role as the true representative of all workers in Guyana.
Duncan, a veteran trade unionist and advocate of the ‘One Guyana’ concept, stressed the importance of unity within the trade union movement for the collective interests of workers.
Duncan highlighted FITUG’s instrumental role in advocating for workers’ rights, citing examples such as increases in the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefits and tax adjustments achieved through the federation’s representation.
However, despite improvements in workers’ rights and conditions, FITUG Treasurer and Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Seepaul Narine pointed out persisting injustices faced by some workers.
These include inequitable salaries, unsafe working environments, and challenges with the NIS.
Narine stressed the importance of the union’s support in addressing these issues and fostering a healthy, productive working class crucial for national development.
The May Day Rally and March received participation from key government figures and prominent trade union leaders, underscoring the collective commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and addressing challenges faced by the labor force.