The global economic crisis being experienced around the world is a challenge that Guyanese workers will “no doubt have to face”, the PPP/C said in its May Day message.
Extending best wishes to all Guyanese workers and to working people everywhere, the party said however that “workers can be proud of the achievements that they have made under the PPP/C government.”
The message stated also that the government has passed several pieces of legislation to protect labour, pensioners and young people generally.
Listing one of its first acts as waiving the means test that prevented thousands of retired workers from receiving their pensions, the party added that its government has been improving the amounts paid to pensioners generally, as the economy improves.
Additionally, it said that over the years many pieces of legislation were passed in the interest of the Guyanese working class including Bakeries Hours of Work Act, the Trade Union Recognition Act, the Prevention of Discrimination Act, the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act.
Listing these achievements as important, the party said it believed that a united labour movement would be even more effective in advancing the interest of workers. “We are convinced that this can be achieved if it is done on the basis of democracy. The rules of the movement must be democratic.”