Workers urged to be resolute in face of Challenges; PNCR, AFC, PPP extend Labour Day greetings
PNCR May Day Message 2017
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins all Guyanese workers as well as those of our Region and the world at large in celebrating Labour Day. This is usually the occasion when the workers of the world and the organizations which represent them take stock of their situations and conditions and resolve to take strong and determined actions to ensure that their gains are preserved, and that the fight continues for a better future.
On this occasion, the PNCR recognizes the critical role that Trade Unions have played in the political, economic and social development of the country and asserts that such a role can only continue if the Trade Union Movement as a whole remains united and protect the interests of the workers of this country. The Party also admonishes the trade union movement to recognize that the current era demands that Trade Unions must make necessary adjustments to cope with the existing and emerging challenges, so that they can survive and remain relevant.
The PNCR salutes the workers of this nation as we struggle to create a more cohesive and prosperous Guyana where all can achieve the promised good life. The PNCR asserts that such a society can only come about if the Trade Union Movement as a whole is united and protect the interests of the workers of this country. The Party also admonishes the trade union movement to recognize that the current era demands that Trade Unions must make necessary adjustments to cope with the existing and emerging challenges, so that they can survive and remain relevant.
Alliance For Change May Day message
The Alliance For Change salutes workers on May Day 2017. The party recognizes the immense, incalculable and invaluable contributions which the country’s workers make towards nation building and ensuring Guyana remains a stable and viable democracy despite hardships and challenges elsewhere.
The party is resolute in its commitment to workers and their need for better conditions of work and standard of life along with improved remuneration. The party is pleased that the Coalition Government has made commendable efforts to improve remuneration for public servants, increase the minimum wage and increase the tax threshold while reducing the VAT rate from 16% to 14%. These measures allow workers to take home more pay. The party looks forward to further advances in this regard and calls on workers to remain committed to contributing towards the realisation of a good life for all Guyanese.
The AFC recognizes that workers form the backbone of industry and without their daily contributions, society would unravel, fritter away and eventually collapse. The party thanks workers for enduring some challenging times and for committing to seeing through this period of foundational development for a better Guyana as we begin to tap into new sources of revenue which will allow for fast-tracked and fast-paced development.
The party is optimistic that Guyana is on the cusp of significant social and infrastructural advancement and recognizes that with this will come more and better job opportunities and implores workers, even as they continue to press for better conditions, to not lose sight of the national interests and the greater good.
People’s Progressive Party Labour Day message
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends greetings to all workers, labour leaders and indeed, to all Guyanese on this important day. We recognize that it is the toil, sweat and sacrifices of our workers that are responsible for whatever achievements we have made and successes we enjoy as a country and as a people. We further recognize that it is our workers that will be responsible for catapulting us to whatever heights we attain in the future.
From slavery, indentureship, colonial times to present day, workers have scored innumerable victories and have radically transformed their working conditions. Today, the Guyanese workers have all the legal protection, rights and freedoms that workers enjoy almost everywhere. The struggle to accomplish these feats was long and hard. Many were brutalised; many were jailed and many paid the ultimate price with their lives. These victories must be celebrated, sacrifices respected and lives never forgotten. However, many of the gains won by these workers are now being threatened and much of the progress made are being reversed under this Administration.
From our travels and meetings across this country, we are aware that the economic and political situation in our country is a matter of deep concern of and worry to workers and their families. Workers from every sector and people from all walks of life are apprehensive, not only about their daily existence but more importantly, about their future, their children’s future and the future of our country. We are well aware, that these fears and apprehensions are well founded.
Every productive sector is on the decline; in the sugar industry, estates are being closed and thousands are being dismissed; in the rice sector, they are no new markets and no competitive price for paddy; in the mining sector, small and medium scale miners can no longer afford the cost of production; in the forestry sector, they are no markets for logs; in the commercial sector, there is a drastic decline in trade and commerce? And we can go on.
We appreciate the devastating impact which the draconian tax regime imposed by this Administration is having on the working and vulnerable people of our country. We recognize that taxes and VAT on electricity, water, education and health services are simply wreaking havoc on families across this land.
Politically, workers are operating in an environment where discrimination is rampant; their rights and freedoms to march and protest are threatened; the rule of law is under siege and where political witch-hunting and persecution have become institutionalized policies of the Government of the day.
Against this dismal backdrop, we stand strongly in solidarity with our workers as they face these various challenges; we urge them to stay resolute; to unite; stand up for their rights and to remember that the PPP is on their side in the struggle for a better life.
Happy Labour Day to all.
