Do not misjudge the role of the TUC

Apr 05, 2013 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Response is made to letter, “Freddie, Lincoln and the grand promise of concession from a zero sum player” Kaieteur News, April 3, 2013. The letter under focus is that of a voice that has taken objection to the March 7 Guyana Trades Union Congress’ (TUC) engagement with Sam Hinds, in his capacity as Leader of Government business in the National Assembly.
It is instructive to note that the fixation of telling the TUC how to manage its interest does not: 1) address/understand the constitutional role and social responsibility of the TUC, 2) offer alternative (s) to securing “the right and the duty to work” for Guyanese as it relates to contracts signed by the State, which are really signed on behalf of the People of Guyana, and come under the purview of the Executive arm of government, 3) come up with cogent reason (s) why the TUC must not talk with the government’s side in the National Assembly even as the opposition is presently engaging in said talks as evident in the Budget debates, and  4) attack the TUC for talking to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) who was also present at the meeting.
Notably, current effort to misrepresent and demonise the TUC efforts to secure the rights of the citizens is not dissimilar in nature, antics and authorship to the tactic used against Desmond Hoyte in his struggle to end executive lawlessness. And while the TUC is not fazed and will relent from its pursuit, it needs to be said the TUC is not an outlaw organisation that is involved in guerilla warfare. It is an organisation that operates within the ambit of laws and universal principles and of which collective bargaining is crucial to the pursuant of its goals. So to say to the TUC that it should not engage an employer or principal decision-maker is to take away a key instrument that gives meaning to the trade union existence on behalf of the people.
Those who have a problem with the TUC talks, the TUC is not averse to suggestion (s) to achieve the goal (the right and the duty to work), but such must be buttressed by universal principles and guided by the nation’s constitution.
This country faces myriad problems and it works to the people’s best interest when matters of national import seek to offer solutions built on universal principles and integrity. Too many are looking for work and those who project themselves as caring about the national good have a moral and civic responsibility to avoid double standards or playing games with the people’s wellbeing.
If the efforts undertaken by the TUC to arrive at consensus in securing the nation’s sovereignty and the citizens’ rights are torpedoed, the proponents against talks must take responsibility for any excuse given by the executive or their agent for the non-employment of Guyanese on projects the taxpayers are funding.
Clearly, these persons, by their very actions are giving the Executive the needed coverage to continue the utlisation of this discriminatory policy. For genuine commitment and interest in this matter would see persons coming together and demanding the citizens’ rights be respected and vow to hold those responsible so accountable.
Lest it be forgotten, it is the Executive and their agents that are entrusted the responsibility to sign contracts on behalf of the people. And even as the argument for non-engagement heats up, it is hoped the time is taken by persons to note and reflect on the news that the Executive is presently moving to contract China Railway First Group Co. Ltd (China Rail) to build the Amaila Falls.
Apart from this project subjecting taxpayers to grave financial burden and receiving criticisms for its viability, the citizens may have to confront another battle of being sidelined for employment. At best it is hoped the outcries following the exclusion of our labour in the construction of the Marriott would serve as a deterrent to future acts of this nature.
And to the suggestions made as to what the TUC should have discussed at the meeting, many of the very issues were attended to and would have been evident were the joint press statement, news and recording of the meeting viewed andread.
On the University of Guyana, the TUC is ably represented at the Council by the Principal of the Critchlow Labour College, who is one voice among scores. However, the advancement of this institution is not only the responsibility of the TUC, but each and every one of us, taking an interest in quality education as a prerequisite for nation building.
The same can be said of the Ethnic Relations Commission, as we are all involved and must equally carry out our civic duty.
Finally, the preservation of the nation’s sovereignty and the people’s rights are not the sole responsibility of the TUC; it is responsibility of every Guyanese.
Lincoln Lewis.

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