The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has used its Christmas message to extend greetings to workers, families and citizens across the country, while highlighting the economic challenges facing many households despite Guyana’s rapid economic growth.
In its message, the GTUC said Christmas is “a time that calls us to reflect on peace, justice, compassion, and shared responsibility,” noting that these values are especially important amid current economic pressures.
While Guyana has been described as the world’s fastest growing economy, the GTUC said many workers and vulnerable groups continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. The union body pointed to rising costs for food, housing, transportation and utilities, which it said have eroded wages and placed increased pressure on households. According to the GTUC, for many families “the joy of Christmas is overshadowed by economic uncertainty and hardship.”
The GTUC stressed that workers remain “the backbone of national development,” but said many continue to face stagnant incomes, insecure employment and limited access to essential services. It identified the elderly, persons with disabilities, single parents and low-income households as among the groups most affected by what it described as a widening gap between economic growth and everyday realities.
In its message to the government, the GTUC said economic growth must translate into improved living standards for all citizens. “With national wealth comes social and economic responsibility,” the Congress stated, adding that “fair wages, meaningful social protection, respect for collective bargaining, and policies that cushion citizens from the rising cost of living are not optional. They are obligations.”
The labour body urged national leaders to act “with empathy and urgency” to ensure development is inclusive and that no one is left behind. It warned that “a nation cannot truly prosper when its workers and vulnerable citizens are burdened by inequality and neglect.”
The GTUC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for “justice, dignity, and fairness for all workers” and expressed hope that 2026 will be brighter than 2025, marked by dialogue, equity and policies that uplift all Guyanese.
The message concluded with a call for unity and action, expressing the hope that the spirit of Christmas will inspire “meaningful action for the good of our nation.”
See GTUC’s entire message below:
Christmas Message from the Guyana Trades Union Congress
As Guyanese celebrate the holy season of Christmas, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) extends warm greetings to workers, families, and all citizens across our nation. Christmas is a time that calls us to reflect on peace, justice, compassion, and shared responsibility—values that are especially important in these challenging times.
While Guyana has been described as the world’s fastest growing economy, many workers and vulnerable groups continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. Rising prices for food, housing, transportation, and utilities have eroded wages and placed immense pressure on households. For too many families, the joy of Christmas is overshadowed by economic uncertainty and hardship.
Workers remain the backbone of national development, yet many face stagnant incomes, insecure employment, and limited access to essential services. The elderly, persons with disabilities, single parents, and low-income households are among those most affected by the widening gap between economic growth and lived reality.
The GTUC reminds the Government of Guyana that economic growth must translate into improved living standards for all. With national wealth comes social and economic responsibility. Fair wages, meaningful social protection, respect for collective bargaining, and policies that cushion citizens from the rising cost of living are not optional. They are obligations.
As we reflect on the message of Christmas, we urge our leaders to act with empathy and urgency, ensuring that development is inclusive and that no one is left behind. A nation cannot truly prosper when its workers and vulnerable citizens are burdened by inequality and neglect.
The Guyana Trades Union Congress remains committed to advocating for justice, dignity, and fairness for all workers. As we look ahead, we hope that 2026 will be brighter than 2025—marked by dialogue, equity, and policies that uplift every Guyanese.
May the spirit of Christmas inspire unity, compassion, and meaningful action for the good of our nation.
