President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and Member of Parliament, Hon. Coretta McDonald, has used her 2026 Labour Day message to salute the contribution of workers across Guyana while calling for stronger labour protections, fair wages, and greater unity within the trade union movement.
In a message marking Labour Day on May 1, McDonald said the annual observance provides an important opportunity to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of working men and women, many of whom continue to labour without adequate appreciation from employers.
“Labour Day/ Workers Day gives us the opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions the working men and women make to our nation day in and day out — which on many occasions is not even recognised by their employers,” McDonald said.
She said the occasion also serves as a reminder of the struggles and gains made by workers’ unions and their members, noting that it is a time to express gratitude for their continued efforts in building a better country.
But even as workers celebrate, McDonald warned that many continue to face serious challenges in the workplace, including stress, depression, discrimination, harassment, unsafe working conditions, and salaries that remain inadequate against the rising cost of living.
“As we celebrate May Day 2026, we must cast our minds back to the varying challenges that has plagued us as a workforce,” she said, while also taking aim at government policies affecting workers’ livelihoods.
McDonald said Labour Day should also serve as a rallying point for workers to renew their commitment to demanding fairness, equal opportunities, meaningful consultation, and the restoration of collective bargaining rights.
“Today [May 1] is significant as it signals your renewed strength and commitment towards the demands for fair play, equal opportunities, consultations, the return of Collective Bargaining and Respect for the Labour Force,” she stated.
She urged workers to remain organised and united, stressing that progress can only be secured through collective action and a vigilant labour movement.
“It must be noted that you will not be able to achieve your goal if the Labour Movement is asleep,” McDonald warned.
Emphasising the economic realities facing families, the GTU President said wages must go beyond survival and reflect the true cost of living.
“The call must be sounded that WAGES must mean more than Survival to families, a Minimum wage must reflect a living wage and a Decent Wage must be matched by decent hours and not exhaustion and exploitation,” she declared.
McDonald also challenged what she described as empty gestures by leaders, saying workers need action, not symbolism.
“Smiles are not Solutions, handshakes, photo opportunity and brunches will not erase the hurts,” she said, arguing that meetings and discussions must result in decisions that are implemented.
She further called for labour laws to be enforced, court orders to be respected, and workers to be allowed to associate freely without fear of victimisation or political interference.
“Our Labour Laws must be adhered to as it is not an option,” she stressed.
McDonald ended her message with a call for solidarity, urging workers to unite in advancing their demands and protecting the gains of the labour movement.
“Be reminded Brothers and Sisters that when Labour pushes, the country shifts,” she said, underscoring the power of organised labour to drive change.
