Support Village Voice News With a Donation of Your Choice.
Last Sunday, April 23, at the Critchlow Wreath laying ceremony, to mark the commemoration of Labour Week, Ms. Gisela Nelson, President, Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union delivered the feature address. In that address the president called on workers to resist efforts to muzzle the trade union and impressed upon them the importance of uniting for their common good.
Her presentation follows:
Below is the Feature Address presented by Ms. Nelson at Critchlow Wreath Laying Ceremony
Today [Sunday, April 23] we assemble at the statue of the Father of Trade Unionism, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, to lay wreaths in his honour and pay homage, for his memory is transmitted through words. And as we reflect upon his significant contributions to the Trade Union Movement; there are some discouraging discourses surrounding trade unions and trade unionists, and many, inclusive of workers and union leaders are worried about the future of trade unions, its membership and other engagements. In the midst of the chat, union members are wondering how diminishing ranks could affect the future of their unions and ultimately, members’ benefits.
It is no surprise that some trade unions continue to face “huge challenges-” challenges to organize workers and move toward economic progress, challenges of inequalities and injustices; all under the current political system. But this should not be accepted as another strategy to muzzle and/ or break up the Labour Movement. This should not cause us to give up on that for which our fore parents and predecessors fought.
If ever we decide to give up, the Trade Union Movement shall lose everything that was fought for by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. Rather, sound bites should resonate about how these challenges can create an opportunity for trade union leaders and members alike to work towards the common good.
The common good can be reached when we work together to improve the welfare and well-being of all.
The common good can be reached when rights are respected. The common good can be achieved when there is equal access to the distribution of our resources and the common good can also be achieved when we all are treated as equal.
Notwithstanding, the challenges should motivate all of us, to ‘hold the feet of the government and the politicians to the fire.’ All of us deserve a good life. The mantra of ‘One Guyana’ needs to be realistic. It must be reflected in the allocation of our resources. It must surpass party affiliation. It must not have a face. It must be authentic.
All of us must be allowed to enjoy our national patrimony. I speak to the government. I speak to the opposition, I speak to the politicians, I speak to the public and private sectors. I speak to all the workers’ representatives. I speak to all of us. If you have never stood for anything, I urge you to stand up now. Standup and be counted. Stand up for justice. Now is the time for each of us to raise our voice; raise our voices against injustice; raise our voices against discrimination, raise our voices against racial profiling; raise our voices for the voiceless.
Yet another year and we are assembled at this statue to celebrate the life, labour, and legacy of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. We recall Critchlow devoting his life in those days, to changing the harsh conditions under which men were forced to work. He led a courageous campaign to transform the backward colony of British Guiana when he entered office on until his passing on May 14,1958. The founder of the modern Trade Union Movement in Guyana, protested for higher wages; He led a petition for an eight-hour workday, that which workers enjoy, up to this day.
And so, we can’t talk about challenges and not delve into the details of what these challenges look like, and how unions can respond. The challenges unions face today result from a combination of trends, years in the making, as well as recent political developments.
But the key message underlying that response is that trade union leaders must look to robust member engagement to turn the tide. Union leaders and other elected representatives must stop politicking and be bold and forthright in calling out discrimination, victimization, injustices, and other unfair treatment, irrespective of who is affected. Guyana belongs to all of us and as citizens, we all must enjoy our patrimony. As workers, we must be properly compensated for our labour. It is time that the earnings from our oil be made available to all of us.
In addressing the major challenges trade unions face, leaders, and membership alike, would do well to take note that declining membership does not translate into declining engagement. Trade unions and trade unionists must continue to provide a voice for workers. Trade Unions must not forego the responsibility to provide workers with the opportunity to get their voices heard in policy debates that shape their lives and livelihood. The challenge for trade unions is not always to respond to politicians, but rather it’s to reaffirm what exists within the modern economy. It is to be reawakened while we remain vigilant.
Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow will always be remembered with reverence. Today, on the commemoration of his death, we renew our collective commitment to continue his campaign against poverty, hunger, unemployment, discrimination and exploitation.
As we reflect on the contributions made by him, I wonder, in fact, if all workers’ prayers are not the same! The timing of this day is quite deliberate in terms of its historical perspective, and I wonder if there is not anything that we can draw upon to re-energise ourselves.
Brothers and sisters, a few moments ago wreaths were placed at the statute of the father of Trade Unionism, and as I stood during the moment of silence that followed, it occurred to me that each of my predecessors had a similar moment, and I wonder if our prayers weren’t very much the same, if not identical.
All of us need to be reminded that weakness is a temptation. But strength is a declaration that cannot be misunderstood. Strength is a condition that declares actions have consequences. Strength is a prudent warning to the belligerent that aggression need not go unanswered.
And so, even as we pay respect to the statute of the revolutionary man, let it be known that the Labour Movement, (which includes all of us) has a permanent interest in protecting and advancing the gains of our predecessors. The struggles continue to be a major part of our fight for freedom, equal rights and justice. As leaders we ought to emulate Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, which is required for the struggle. This year’s theme “Building a Strong Progressive Union to Respond to the New Challenges,” allows us to carefully reexamine, reformat and regroup to be able to confront the challenges with our most potent weapon-our strength.
Our forefathers gave their lives to protect others and laid the foundation on which we stand. Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow has left us a lasting legacy and imprint; and it is for us to build upon that legacy.
Trade unions will continue to be an integral part of securing workers’ rights, inclusive of securing pay increases for workers.
Long Live Guyana
Long Live the Trade Union Movement
Thank you.
Sis. Gisela Nelson
President
Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union
