Head of the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU), Ancel Roget, says the trade union movement is keeping politicians away from its Labour Day celebrations in Fyzabad on June 19. Speaking at a news conference at the CWU Hall, Port-of-Spain, on Wednesday, Roget said, “Absolutely no member of the PP Government or politician will take the platform.”
Roget seemed hesitant when questioned about Labour Minister Errol McLeod, but said David Abdulah, the general secretary of the OWTU and leader of the Movement for Social Justice, will be at the celebrations. Roget said a comprehensive review of the Government’s activities will be done and an assessment made during the celebrations. “There will be a comprehensive review of health, corruption, crime and an assesment of thoughts on these issues,” Roget said.
“We want everyone to come out and take part and let their voices be heard. We are appealing to all sectors to come out and don’t stay home and complain on talk shows. “This promises to be a powerful day in Fyzabad. We will raise the ante to how we perform.” He said he had no regrets about the Government, but noted it was time to take action “because there were expectations.”
Representatives from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (Fitun), National Trade Union Centre of T&T (NATUC), Trinidad Youth Council, T&T Unified Teachers' Association (TTUTA), National Union of Domestic Employees and the OWTU will address the crowd in Fyzabad. The theme is “The time for action is now.”
Members from the Public Services Association (PSA), Communication Workers Union, Trinidad Unified Farmers Association (TUFA), Contractors and General Workers Union, Estate Police Association and other unions attended the conference. Roget called on the Government to implement the Workers’ Agenda, noting some of its proposals had found its way into the People’s Partnership manifesto.
The Workers’ Agenda is a plan compiled by trade unions several years ago that addresses social economic and political issues affecting the working class and the unemployed. “Labour should not be exploited but appreciated for its recognition and merit and integrity,” he said.
Roget said the unions recognised the usage of the Workers Agenda because they had identified problems and solutions which were in the agenda. He said the document addressed good governance, transparency, accountability, the youths, women, health and a wide range of other issues. Roget said many workers were still being victimised or dismissed for having union representation and it was time for the agenda to be implemented.
“We are calling for the Workers’ Agenda to be implemented. Workers can’t continue to suffer at the hands of employers,” he said.