The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) says the past year was difficult for workers, particularly those within its membership, but it cited the case of workers in the mining sector noting that their rights were trampled upon in 2009.

But this year, the umbrella body said, it intends to demonstrate why trade unions remain relevant, adding that bargaining agents can also be agents of working class, social economic advancement. FITUG said too that it will introduce certain economic ventures in the interest of its membership.

In its New Year message the union charged that negotiations under the provisions of Collective Labour Agreements were submerged by “unreasonable corporate employers” who, it said, broke all national and international labour conventions as they sought to undervalue workers with “varied excuses and explanations”. However, FITUG said its powerful affiliates will soon convene to map out strategies to expose in advance, the terms of agreements and other conditions which its members work under which should be steadfastly honoured by employers.

Further, the union body said that it will also engage the Ministry of Labour in its discussions to further the interest of workers and to pre-empt, head off potential discrimination by certain employers.

FITUG hailed its member unions for fighting on behalf of workers and it mentioned the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees; the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). It said that even under pressure GAWU has continued to withstand the “negative impositions” placed on its taxed workers. FITUG also made mention the international assistance which the local unions have benefited from.

Workers’ education would be enhanced this year through new facilities now available to FITUG affiliates, the body said. It also noted that the time has perhaps come for unions to mobilize workers who have been made redundant by certain FITUG affiliates.