Dear Editor,
Labour is at a serious crossroads. Some labour unions have succumbed to restriction and others are struggling to maintain their liberty. Solidarity, the bedrock of trade unionism has different meanings for different people. Some unions have aligned with the government, ignoring its transgressions against the working class, just to survive and get a few handouts. Then there are the unions which seem still committed to their membership by remaining independent of government control. Independence remains a commendable position though the government is leaving no stone unturned to undercut and annihilate the independent unions. No one thought the once self-professed working class PPP would become the biased and selective anti-working class government.
FITUG and the GTUC are quarrelling in the public square over a politician’s address at the GTUC rally. FITUG seemed offended that Robert Corbin, GLU President General and member of FITUG abandoned his post and spoke at the GTUC rally. The PNC and PPP think they have to control the trade unions. It is just not enough for them to form alliances; there has to be total control. The PPP controls GAWU, NAACIE and GLU in the resuscitated FITUG. Political control and influence are maintained with the presence of the powerful GAWU President, Komal Chand, who is also a PPP executive member and Member of Parliament.