Leaders reaffirm support for the working class   

Leaders across the country today called for sustained support for Guyana’s working class, reaffirming their commitment to workers’ rights and economic empowerment.

Guyana joins countries the world over in observance of Labour Day 2025.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his message to mark the occasion, said it is a propitious day to reflect on the heroic and historic struggles of workers worldwide who have fought tirelessly for justice and dignity, not only within the walls of their workplaces but in wider society.

He assured Guyana’s labour movement of the government’s support for protecting their rights, noting that workers have a friend in his government.

Guyanese workers, the President said, stand to benefit equitably from the country’s growing economy, and can look forward to a future that will guarantee continued improvements in incomes and investments, and one which generates personal, household, and inter-generational wealth.

Guyanese workers, the President added, will continue to benefit from improvements in housing, water, and sanitation, lower energy costs, better social security, transformative infrastructure, and meaningful opportunities for economic empowerment.

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, in his message said the Guyanese working class continue to benefit from the country’s rapidly growing economy, despite challenges.

“Our workers power this nation. Despite the odds and challenges of adjusting to a fast-growing economy, our workers continue to give their best. You are the foundation upon which Guyana’s progress stands. Guyana is progressing. We are seeing a transformation that not long ago felt like a dream. Massive investments in infrastructure, expansion of social services and renewed attention to agriculture, housing, energy, education and healthcare are all reshaping our country for the better. We acknowledge that the government has taken several pro-worker initiatives, from improved access to education, vocational training, expanded healthcare coverage and housing solutions,” he said.

Speaking at the annual Labour Day rally, which culminated outside of the Critchlow Labour College in Georgetown, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, re-emphasised calls for workers’ rights to be valued and respected.

He also reissued numerous demands to suit the needs of the working class in times of need, including unemployment benefits through the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

“Launch unemployment benefits through the NIS. Since 1969 the NIS was established. The Act made provision for unemployment benefits but was never activated. We are demanding that we get the money, let we put it there. If a man gets knocked off from his work this week here, and he doesn’t get a job until the next nine months, by the time he gets that job he has gone further down in poverty. Let us get NIS unemployment benefits in place that can help that man through six or nine months.”

Also speaking on the sidelines of the rally, Alliance For Change (AFC) member Nigel Hughes made the call for the working class to have access to the highest international standard healthcare and for significant improvements in wages and salaries.

The government is investing heavily in healthcare through the construction of 12 state-of-the-art hospitals, and today, there are 84 telemedicine sites in Guyana.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that public sector workers now receive $105 billion more annually in wages, benefits, and bonuses than they did in 2020.

He also pointed to gains in labour rights, citing new multi-year collective bargaining agreements with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU).

Seepaul Narine

Photo Credit: Office of the President