In a new year’s message CCL General Secretary Lincoln Lewis said Caribbean workers have been able to focus on the regional socio-economic and political framework as an integral measure of Caribbean development with the recognition that through the CSME Movement of Skilled and Semi-skilled labour the Region can be served by Caribbean nationals. However, he said, the free movement of skills impacted on some more than others and when coupled with the flight of illegal immigrants there is a potential risk affecting the countries at both the migrant and immigrant ends.
In the latter case, the illegal movement of workers and its impact must be addressed not only within the framework of the CSME but with careful review of the condition of workers and citizens in sister Caricom countries who are not merely pulled to countries with higher standards of living and higher economies but are instead pushed by fear of being victims of political or narco-terrorism, the desire to expand the narco-trade; marginalization, poverty, hopelessness, social, economic, cultural and political decay, the denial and violation of basic human rights and no justice.
Lewis said Caribbean countries need not forget that in the free movement and integration process there is equal responsibility on both migrant and receiving countries. He said leaders are first tasked with the responsibility to their citizens to create an environment where rights and the rule of law are respected, jobs are created and social services are provided. “It is unacceptable for elected officials to be abrogating their responsibilities to their constituencies and expect others to pick up the slack,” he said.
These challenges will continue in the new year and must therefore be high on the agenda for discourse and resolution to preserve the integrity of the free movement of skills and Caribbean labour markets; deepen relationships and reduce conflict and tension among Caribbean peoples. The CCL also said it is challenged by governments and employers both regionally and internationally, who set out to erode workers gains; deny them their rights and destroy the trade union movement by seeking to terminate recognition agreements thus violating the laws, convention and time-honoured principles.
Lewis said these benefits came about through struggles dating back to colonial rule which liberated Caribbean peoples and laid the foundation for the Region. These benefits are still relevant today to restrain the abuse of power, regardless of whether it is colonial, local or multinational. These benefits and the legal framework are the best guarantee for human rights and the rights of all workers. “It is this adherence which will provide us with justice and keep at bay those who will want to take us back to the days when labour was seen as just a mere factor of production to satisfy the employer needs for profit with minimal consideration for occupational health and safety conditions, paying of a living wage/salary and reinvestment to benefit the retired labour force,” the CCL said.
Further, it said as the Region continues to invite foreign investors Labour must ensure that employers respect the laws of the respective nation sates in no less manner than they will be made to respect those of their originating countries and other developing nations. They must be held accountable and will be held accountable by collective determination of labour to ensure that they operate within the framework of the International Labour Organi-sation’s core labour standards and the laws of each nation.
Further, the CCL urges Caribbean governments to ensure that the resources of the Caribbean benefit the Caribbean and not just foreign investors or foreign countries. “We must not embrace similar productive inequalities of the colonial economic era which our foreparents fought against and which the world recognised was wrong and acknowledges its creation of imbalances in economic development of various regions,” it said. Regional governments and negotiators must therefore ensure that each foreign investment takes on board fair and equitable local returns to aid in regional development as Caribbean nations are reminded that whatever affects one Caribbean state will ultimately impact on all.
