The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) gathered at the Parliament Buildings on Sunday afternoon for a wreath-laying ceremony that marked the beginning of Labour Week. With the theme, “We Need a Change Where the State Respects Workers’ Rights,” the event became a solemn tribute to the tireless struggle for workers’ dignity.
As patriotic melodies such as “I Want to Build This Land” filled the air, it set the stage for a day that echoed with the call for justice. Attendees, dressed in black and red—the colours of labour—stood together, honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for the rights workers now cherish, their unity a reminder of the unyielding foundation that supports the labour movement.
The keynote address was delivered by Coretta McDonald, the immediate past president of GTUC and General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU). McDonald boldly urged trade union leaders to remain resolute in their mission to deliver unwavering, high-quality representation for workers. She stressed the urgency of confronting the grave threats facing workers today, including the violation of their rights and deteriorating conditions of work at the hands of unscrupulous employers.
In a sharp rebuke of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, McDonald condemned the administration for using the power of the state to oppress workers and undermine their unions. She demanded the government respect court rulings that have consistently favoured workers and citizens, holding that no government should stand above the law.
Eon Andrew, GTUC’s Organising Secretary and chair of the afternoon proceedings, reminded the audience of the immense challenges faced by the labour movement in the early 1900s, particularly by the pioneering Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, the Father of Trade Unionism in the British Empire. Drawing parallels to the struggles of today’s unions, Andrew noted that while Critchlow’s battle was against colonial and merchant classes, today’s workers face opposition from both a powerful business class and a government that mirrors the oppressive forces of the past. He urged workers to take a firm stand, learn from Critchlow’s legacy, and fight back against the forces that seek to subjugate them.
In his welcoming remarks, executive member of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Trevor Bailey highlighted the historical struggle of workers, tracing the roots of trade unionism from Critchlow through to today’s unions. He called on fellow unionists to honour this legacy and continue the fight for improved working conditions and a higher standard of living for all.
Wreaths were placed at the base of Critchlow’s statue at the Parliament’s forecourt, as representatives from various trade unions, the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), and other members of civil society paid tribute to the trailblazers who fought for labour rights in Guyana.
GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis shared that the theme for this year’s observance was inspired by the growing concerns of workers, both organised and unorganised, who are facing a sustained disregard for their rights. He emphasised that trade union rights are human rights, encompassing the fundamental freedoms outlined in the United Nations Human Rights Declaration and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. These rights directly impact the working conditions and quality of life for millions of citizens.
A key point of contention raised by GTUC is the refusal of the PPP/C government to respect a ruling by the courts regarding workers’ rights. Specifically, the government has failed to honour a 2024 court decision, issued by Justice Sandil Kissoon, which mandated the Ministry of Education to respect the check-off system for union dues as stipulated by the GTU. Instead of complying, the government appealed the ruling and even threatened to escalate the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice, the region’s highest court.
For labour advocates, this act is seen as yet another manifestation of the government’s resistance to court rulings that challenge its political and economic agenda. GTUC believes the Attorney General’s office, by using state resources to deny citizens their constitutional rights, must be exposed for its role in undermining justice.
Further compounding labour’s grievances is the issue of union dues and the economic survival of unions. The GTU’s Collective Labour Agreement, a legally binding document, mandates that employers deduct union dues from workers’ salaries, but the government’s actions in blocking these payments prevent unions from sustaining their operations. This denial of funds constitutes an insidious form of union-busting, depriving workers of their right to representation.
Lewis also touched on the case of Quindon Bacchus, a man tragically shot and killed by police on June 10, 2022. In November 2024 the courts awarded his family a $24 million judgment, but the state appealed, citing the sum as excessively high. The appeal was eventually withdrawn in January 2025 following advice from President Irfaan Ali. For Lewis, the government’s use of state power to deny the Bacchus family compensation is not just a personal injustice, but an attack on the rights of all workers and citizens. Bacchus, though unorganised, represented the very people labour unions aim to protect—those whose voices too often go unheard.
The day concluded with a light reception, but with a clear message that the fight for workers’ rights continues. The GTUC’s call for change resonates louder than ever, with a growing demand for a government that upholds the principles of justice, equity, and respect for all its citizens.
