The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), whilst giving support, to the workers and union’ cause, entered into the court issue because collectively, the federation believed, the PPP Government was setting out, to cut off the lifeblood of the GTU, and if successful they would turn on any union challenging their violations and transgressions.
The PPP are sore losers and, history has proven, they are never prepared to play by the rules, when in government. The Jagdeo /Ali regime has proven to be even worse, with Machiavellian tendencies and practices, threatening peace and stability, lives, livelihood, and our nationhood.
It is over important to state, that the trade union community, must recognise, that the GTU has led the way, on this landmark victory, which is important not only to Guyana, but the wider Caribbean and CARICOM nations.
Special mention must be made to President Lyte and General Secretary Coretta McDonald, the “boots and slippers” of our teachers, on the ground, their frontline leadership, refusal to be divided in true trade union resolve, and resilience in their struggles for workers’ rights and protection.
The labour union has proven with its collective membership from all races and communities that Guyanese can come together on issues, fight and win their battles and struggles against common threats to their collective well-being. It’s a lesson that must be enshrined. Our Teachers from all races, ethnic and political persuasions rejected race, ethnic and political baiting to show the world and other Guyanese we can achieve as a united labour movement.
Before the GTUC joined the teacher’s case there was a meeting with Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde where we discussed the struggles of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, protecting the value and integrity of the Guyana Constitution, particularly Article 147, and the ILO Conventions. We sealed the deal and it brought great relief when asked about cost to hear Mr. Forde say immediately, ” No cost! it’s about the cause, let us fight. ”
A key issue addressed by Justice Sandil Kissoon, was Article 147 of Guyana constitution, which speaks to the ‘Protection of freedom of assembly, association and demonstration.’, to the right to strike and collective bargaining. This demonstrates that our constitution can work, and is there to protect and advance the rights of citizens, and not to embolden governments to transgress them.
- The decision included that there exist a right to strike in the circumstances where an employer has taken the decision not to negotiate with the trade union.
- The termination of the check off is illegal and must continue.
- The deduction from the salaries of the teachers is illegal due to the fact that the employer refuse to negotiate.
- The dereliction in the performance of the duties of the Chief Labour Officer in seeking to address the issues as requested by the union.
GTUC was convinced, it had made the correct decision to recruit Forde, for he was incisive, thorough, well prepared and commanded our deserved space in the courtroom. There was a general palpable feeling of appreciation for this move by the GTUC, and Forde delivered with great skill establishing his well-deserved bonafides as a senior legal officer.
To all those who contributed from former minister Senior Counsel Basil Williams, attorney-at-law Darren Wade, current trade unions leaders and teachers, GTUC thanks you.
