By Michelle Ann Joseph- Under the theme “Galvanising and Mobilizing for Workers’ Empowerment and an Equal Share of the Oil Wealth,” workers assembled at the Parade Ground and marched to the Guyana Teachers Union’s (GTU’s) ground on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown in celebration of May Day on Wednesday, May 1.
On the way to the GTU ground, the teachers’ union mantra “Slippers on the Ground” became the anthem of the day. The workers marched with vigor, exhibiting a sense of pride and dignity, and expressing through the pep in their steps that there is dignity in labour.
Dr. Gerald Forde the chairman of the Young Workers Representatives of the Guyana Public Service Union, indicated that “We must demand a livable wage and the commitment to work with the government for the workers.”
Dr. Mark Lyte, the President of the GTU, in his address, first acknowledged and commended Mr. Hamilton Green, former Prime Minister and Mayor of Georgetown, for his commitment to the teachers’ struggle. He also acknowledged the lawyers Darren Wade and Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde for their representations in the recent court cases.
“The struggle for basic rights and workers’ rights continues,” he emphasiSed, after listening to the President of Guyana’s Labour Day speech, which he found lacking in addressing workers’ rights and interests, leading him to say: “We must let our voices be heard, the trade union movement has empowered us to raise our voices.”
Dr. Lyte mentioned that the teachers’ strike lasted for 29 days, with the threat of money being deducted from their wages. “Some have to fight for others because they are too weak or timid to fight for themselves,” he remarked, noting that recruitment agencies are showing interest in recruiting Guyanese teachers, which could lead to a shortage.
Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) General Secretary Lincoln Lewis, who chaired the proceedings, acknowledged Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton, and thanked him for marching with the unions. He also intermittently encouraged the members to fight on and keep trade unionism alive, leading him to ask the lawyers that represented the GTUC and GTU in the recent case against the Ministry of Education/Government to give brief addresses to reassure workers of their rights moving forward.
Mr. Wade said, “The court paved the way for you to enter the streets and shut down this country. Withdrawal of service is what will bring this Government to the table. As we continue, unity is important. In unity, there is strength. Say no to division.”
Mr. Roysdale Forde, in his brief remarks, reassured the members that the landmark court decision is deemed serious progress. He said, “Rights are only defended when people stand up.” The case was fought on the basis of the 1980 constitution, and labour plays a vital role in society. He reassured the workers that they have the “right to strike.”
Mr. Norris Witter, President, GTUC, emphasised the need for telling the truth. “It takes courage to tell the truth,” he remarked, noting that May Day is the only day set aside for workers, and it must be respected. He dedicated the day to the teachers and contended that a landmark victory would be “meaningless if we sit on our laurels, since we are dealing with deceptive creatures.” He emphasized that members must remain disciplined and cooperative to fight the battles ahead. “Organise in every nook and cranny.”
Mr. Eon Andrews delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the Labour Day Rally, 2024.