General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Coretta Mc Donald, has complained about the state of the working class in Guyana, noting that workers deserve much better with the inflow of oil revenue.

Speaking at the wreath laying ceremony at the Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow monument to jumpstart Labour activities, Ms Mc Donald said the working class is finding it difficult to remain in Guyana as their living conditions continue to worsen.

“As we reflect on labour today, we must do so with honest and clarity the starvation of wages have left many with starvation incomes, many of our working-class folks are unable to meet the most basic things because of the cost of living. Despite a dashing 10% salary increase in this oil economy for public servants, teachers and nurses in 2024, the rise in cost-of living has outplaced these adjustments leaving many still struggling,” Mc Donald said.

Further, Ms Mc Donald said that there is growing disdain for the Trades Union movement by Government. She recalled the difficulty that her union faced in getting the Government to the negotiating table to discuss salary increases. The Trade Unionist said their should be no stifling of the trade union movement.

“It must be noted that Union leader can credibly defend workers while simultaneously serving diametrically opposed political or employer’s agenda, that conflicts with the interests of the very workers they pretend to serve, to do so is a betrayal of the movement,” Mc Donald stated.

She also said too many union leaders find themselves too close to persons they have to face with negotiations.

“I implore upon you today that we should not stand and pull against each other and link ourselves with the oppressors, I urge you that in order for labour to take its rightful place that we stand together as one labour movement, this will not happen today or tomorrow but if we start, we will reach our destination, everyday we see the workers across this country continue to suffer,” Ms. Mc Donald acknowledged.

Labour Day in Guyana will be observed on Thursday with a number of marches and rallies across the country.

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