Despite pushback, Lewis urges workers to stand firm in pursuit of betterment

May 02, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – General Secretary of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) Lincoln Lewis has called on Guyanese workers to stand firm in their pursuit of better wages and improved working conditions, despite persistent pushback from the government.

Addressing a small cluster of workers converged at a Labour Day rally on Friday, Lewis urged workers to continue to fight for their rights even as they face efforts to undermine their cause.

Accompanied by loud speakers often blaring the lyrics to Allison Hinds’ popular tune ‘Togetherness,’ a small group of participants at the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)’s labour march made its way from Main Street to the National Park while the General Workers Union led parade rang out popular reggae songs like Bob Marley’s Redemption Song marched from Burnham’s Court on Carmichael Street to the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) on Woolford Avenue.

There, unionised workers, supporters and representatives from main opposition parties addressed concerns for workers, some advocating for better wages and working conditions.

Speaking on the theme ‘Rooted in struggle, sacrifice, and the unfinished work of justice: 100 Years Fighting for One Man, One Vote (1926–2026) – Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and the Workers, the general secretary noted that despite the efforts to separate the unions along political lines, workers must be resolute in their efforts for betterment.

“Before there was political power, there was worker power. Before there was Independence, there was the struggle for self-government. We must remember – and for those who do not know, and those who choose not to know – that it was the labour movement that laid the foundation for Guyana’s political development,” Lewis said.

He reminded that Guyana’s political foundation is broader than one party and deeper than one race.

“To erase labour’s role is to erase your own foundation…Let us also be honest: the Jagan PPP did not support Independence under Burnham’s administration. Yet labour remained steadfast. Because labour understood that Independence was bigger than party politics. It was about nationhood. Dignity: the future of all Guyanese. To this end, labour worked with Burnham, labour worked with Jagan; because labour has always understood that national development demands collective effort.”

WHERE IS OUR WEALTH?

As part of his remarks, Lewis highlighted the misuse of Guyana’s vast resources. He noted that while workers are being told that wealth is flowing from oil, gas, gold, forestry and other minerals, the reality for many is vastly different.

“Economic growth must mean more than statistics. Growth must improve lives. And too many workers are not feeling that growth. Too many families remain trapped under low wages and high cost-of-living. Too many communities remain excluded. Too many young people remain uncertain about their future,” he asserted.

The general secretary noted that Guyanese did not resist colonial exploitation for their wealth to once again be concentrated in the hands of a few.

“They fought for shared prosperity. They fought so the nation’s wealth would serve the nation’s people. That is why labour reiterates its call for justice, equity, and fair play in the management and distribution of this nation’s resources. What we are witnessing is uneven development. Growth without justice; prosperity without inclusion and that is not what labour fought for,” he stated.

The trade union leader noted that oil and gas must not become another chapter where foreign interests prosper while Guyanese settle for crumbs.

He said the national wealth must produce national benefits: better wages, better education, better healthcare, better housing, and greater opportunity. That is what justice demands. “And this can only happen in an enabling environment that respects the rights and freedoms of all.”

He said the GTUC remains ready to engage in honest dialogue for the betterment of the working class and the nation.

GTUC President, Norris Witter said every effort must be made to forge unity rather than sectarianism to remove the PPP from office “For me, the PPP is a dangerous disease and, therefore, we must work together to determine what kind of dangerous medicine is required to get rid of this disease,” he said.

OPPOSITION SUPPORT

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed noted efforts by the ruling party to undermine the Labour Day activities of the unions. He noted that President [Irfaan] Ali held a brunch at the same time unions held the workers march. Mohamed was joined by several members from the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and other opposition party reps and supporters including leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC), Dorwain Bess, and the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) party led by social activist, Simona Broomes.

“On my way here, I saw a group of nurses… they told me they were headed to the brunch the president is hosting at – State House…These are trainee nurses that have to work for three years to receive GY$16,000 stipend while First Lady travels to Dubai and Singapore in style…”

The opposition leader therefore called on the workers to present a stronger unified front and work towards a bigger turnout at next year’s May Day Parade.

“After today, when we leave here, I hope that we can regroup and I hope that the unions collectively can work together because the only way we can get rid of this dictatorship, deceitful, treacherous government is by regrouping, working together,” he said.

Mohamed told the gathering that he is a supporter of workers’ rights and even provided monies to the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) during the nationwide strike for increased salaries in 2024.

Lead parliamentarian for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Terrence Campbell called on the trade unions to rally behind political parties to remove the ruling party. “When we call a protest whether it is for cash grants or a protest for a new voters list or biometrics; whether invited or invited not, I would expect to see my union brothers standing there with us,” he said.

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• Azruddin Mohamed, FITUG, Guyana Teachers Union, labour day rally, Lincoln Lewis, PPP

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