Mark DaCosta-As Labour Week begins, Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), echoes the frustrations and aspirations of workers across Guyana, articulating deep concern over the challenges facing the labour movement today — a movement that played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of social justice and workers’ rights in the country.
With the current political climate raising alarms, Lewis argues for a renewed commitment to the very principles that once empowered the people, stating, “Labour built this nation, and more than any institution outside of government, it laid the groundwork for the social justice framework that ensures equal rights for all.” That sentiment resonates strongly as he points to what he sees as a growing disconnect between politicians and the needs of ordinary citizens, underscoring that “politicians have become disconnected from the people’s needs, distracted by power struggles and ignoring their responsibility to work towards the collective good.”
Historically, the labour movement has driven significant advancements in society. From the pioneering efforts of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, who founded the country’s first trade union, to the monumental achievement of universal adult suffrage, which granted every eligible citizen the right to vote, the movement has shaped Guyana’s political landscape. Yet, Lewis warns that today’s environment is stifling progress.
He notes, “While labour remains a key social partner in governance… it is increasingly marginalised in today’s political climate.” This warning reflects a troubling reality in which the vital concerns of workers are often sidelined in favour of partisan political battles.
His concerns come against the backdrop of troubling poverty figures. According to the 2025 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report, at least 58 per cent of Guyana’s population lives in poverty, while 32 per cent live in abject poverty, despite Guyana being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies due to oil production. Local analysts believe the actual figures may be much higher, pointing to the rising cost of food, transportation and housing, coupled with wages that have not kept pace with inflation.
For years, the labour movement has been calling for a living wage, stronger measures to address the high cost of living, and full respect for workers’ rights — including the right to join a trade union of their choice and to engage in collective bargaining.
Lewis said that while Guyana’s oil and gas boom has transformed the economy, the benefits have not reached enough working-class families.
The past decades have seen the labour movement secure meaningful rights for the workforce, including freedom of association, which remains vital in protecting workers against exploitative practices.
“It’s this right that ensures employers cannot arbitrarily set wages or impose harsh conditions without the consultation of organised labour,” Lewis said.
That legal framework has shielded many workers from mistreatment, but Lewis argues that the current economic landscape, particularly with the oil and gas boom, reveals stark inequality.
“We must guard against situations where Guyanese are forced to settle for ‘crumbs’ while foreign interests reap the bulk of the benefits,” he cautioned.
The need for reform, Lewis said, is urgent. He called for a shift toward genuine collaboration between political factions and advocated for adjusting the voting thresholds needed to pass crucial legislation, arguing that “increasing the number of votes needed to pass certain Bills in the National Assembly” could improve bipartisan cooperation.
He said such a move would help ensure politicians prioritise the welfare of all citizens over party allegiance.
Lewis also shone a light on the pressing issue of wage disparity between local and foreign workers performing identical roles. He criticised a system that rewards external interests at the expense of the local workforce, calling for policies that ensure Guyanese benefit equitably from the nation’s resources.
“It is time for a new approach that guarantees substantial benefits for locals,” he asserted.
The labour movement’s contributions, Lewis said, extend beyond workplace protections. He pointed to housing initiatives such as TUCville and TUCberg, which have helped many families improve their quality of life.
However, he warned that the current socio-political climate is complicating these advances.
“The growing divisions in society, fueled by political partisanship and misinformation, undermine national unity,” Lewis lamented.
He added that divisive politics threaten the progress workers fought hard to attain, leaving many with a sense of betrayal by those in power.
As he called for greater accountability from all sectors, particularly political leaders and institutions like the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Lewis stressed the need for credible electoral processes that respect the will of the people.
“To GECOM, we express concern with the failure to provide to this nation free, fair, and credible elections,” he stated, emphasising that the integrity of governance must be maintained for democracy to thrive.
Lewis’ message stands as a rallying cry for unity and action. While acknowledging the labour movement’s historic contributions, he continues to defend workers’ rights against ongoing marginalisation, urging citizens to remain vigilant.
“Together, we can continue to push for a fairer, more just society for all Guyanese.”
His message serves as a reminder that while progress has been achieved, the struggle for equality and justice requires continuous effort and vigilance against complacency and division.
