GTUC Warns Oil Boom Is Leaving Workers Behind, Frames May Day as Test of Democracy and Inclusion

From Labour Struggle to Political Rights

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has framed its 2026 May Day observances as more than a commemorative exercise, using the platform to spotlight what it describes as deepening economic inequality, governance gaps, and the unfinished struggle for democratic inclusion in Guyana.

At a press conference on April 22, the Congress unveiled a programme under the theme “100 Years Fighting for One Man, One Vote (1926–2026) – Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow & Workers,” explicitly tying the labour movement’s origins to the broader fight for political rights and representation.

GTUC underscored that this year also marks 121 years of organised labour in Guyana, rooted in the leadership of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, widely regarded as the father of trade unionism in British Guiana and the wider British Commonwealth. The Congress signaled it would resist any attempt “to rewrite history or erase Critchlow’s foundational role,” pointing to growing concern over narratives that diminish labour’s contribution to national development.

Oil Wealth, Persistent Poverty

But beyond symbolism, the Congress delivered a sharp critique of Guyana’s current development trajectory—arguing that rapid economic expansion has failed to translate into meaningful gains for workers.

“Economic growth must translate into improved living standards for all citizens, particularly those whose labour sustains the nation,” the Congress said, highlighting rising living costs, stagnant wages, and persistent poverty in an oil-rich economy.

Despite Guyana being ranked among the world’s fastest-growing economies, GTUC pointed to a stark reality: a 2025 report by the Inter-American Development Bank found that more than half of the population lives in poverty, with at least 32 percent in abject poverty. The Congress argued this exposes a widening disconnect between national wealth and everyday life.

Describing the situation as unacceptable, GTUC called for urgent engagement among government, labour, and the private sector to “hammer out wages and salaries consistent with Guyana’s high-income status.”

Call for Inclusionary Democracy and Reform

At the core of the Congress’s position is inclusionary democracy, grounded in Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. GTUC warned that governance without meaningful participation risks becoming detached and unaccountable.

“Inclusionary democracy allows workers and citizens to have a direct voice in decisions that affect their lives,” the body stated, cautioning that exclusion could deepen inequality and undermine national unity.

The Congress pointed to ongoing political engagement, confirming recent meetings with Labour Minister Keoma Griffith and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, describing them as “fruitful and constructive.” It added that discussions are expected with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), underscoring a stated commitment to cross-party dialogue. This publication has been reliably informed that the GTUC has already met with an APNU delegation, while talks with FGM are pending.

Beyond dialogue, the Congress is pushing for governance reforms, including more frequent sittings of Parliament and the re-establishment of a Border Commission, arguing that development must be anchored in accountability and inclusive decision-making.

Judiciary, Brain Drain and National Capacity

The issue of talent retention featured prominently, with the Congress tying judicial appointments directly to broader concerns about governance and institutional strength. While congratulating Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards on her appointment as Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands, GTUC reiterated its call for her confirmation as substantive Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary, stressing that she has served the nation with distinction and without complaint regarding her performance. It noted that her upcoming honour by the United States Congress in June further underscores her contribution to the judiciary.

GTUC emphasised that Guyana must retain—not force out—its talent, and renewed calls for the confirmation of Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire as substantive Chief Justice. It also called for proper constitutional appointments to the office of Chancellor, invoking the service of former officeholders Carl Singh and the late Ian Chang.

The Congress also reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding the Critchlow Labour College, despite setbacks including fires ruled as arson, noting that training programmes continue online.

May Day as a National Test

May Day activities will include a church service and wreath-laying ceremony on April 26, followed by a march and rally on May 1 featuring union leaders such as General Secretary Lincoln Lewis and President Norris Witter.

The Congress made clear that the observances are a means to an end—not the substance of the message itself.

“There is no substitute for inclusive governance,” GTUC asserted, urging citizens to participate not only in commemoration but in defense of rights, democracy, and social justice.

In linking a century-old struggle for voting rights to present-day concerns about wages, governance, and inclusion, the Congress is issuing a warning: the gains of the past remain fragile, and without deliberate reform, Guyana’s economic boom risks bypassing the very workers who built the nation.

With the country at a defining moment, GTUC’s message is direct—this anniversary is not just a milestone, but a measure of whether Guyana’s progress is truly shared.