Minister of Labour Dr Nanda Gopaul says that the trade union movement is an important and necessary body as it is a political voice for workers and looks out for their interests. He was speaking on Saturday at the opening of the third triennial delegates’ conference of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) at Hotel Tower, Main Street.
A release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that the conference was held under the theme, “Repositioning and strengthening our role as workers’ voice in this changing working environment.”
Gopaul, a former longstanding trade unionist, emphasised the importance of employers working with the trade union movement, which he said, is not a threat to their existence. “I hope that employers will not be scared of the labour movement, but see them as partners and see them in the development of these business entities,” he said.
According to GINA, he advised that trade unions can provide that peaceful role in developing businesses, for the reasons that unions do not want to see those entities where they have members fail. “So it is in the interest of the union movement to work steadfastly with management to promote harmonious industrial relations,” he said.
The Labour Minister also highlighted the package that government recently implemented for workers including the 40 hours work week and the new minimum wage of $35,000. He emphasised the need for unions to be vigilant and assist the labour ministry in monitoring the full implementation of these measures, especially in the garment industry.
Gopaul called for unity among the unions, noting that a divided union did not serve the workers’ cause.
He also called on the unions to recognise and to support the Amaila Falls Hydro Power and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport projects, in light of the benefits that they will bring to workers.
“As workers we ought to be concerned about those two projects. I believe that those two projects are pivotal to the development of this country,” Gopaul said.
GINA quoted the Minister as saying, “Within the space of 10 years, workers’ wages will be eroded because of the cost of fossil fuel.”
He said that unions have to make the call to make “our politicians bury whatever hatchet they have and let us do this [Amaila and the CJIA] for the country.”
GINA said that acting President of the union, Kim Halley called for the retooling of the union towards adapting to the changing environment and towards making the union stronger, and Guyana better.
Halley emphasised the role of women and youth in energising the union towards this re-organisation. She said that youths have the energy the union needs to meet the demands of the future generation.
