Labour Day march on, but marchers told to stay away

UNLIKE previous years when thousands of trade unionists made the annual trek to Fyzabad for Labour Day, this year, less than 50 people are expected to make the journey.

Also unprecedented, the rally and speeches from the stage constructed in front of the Butler Hall of Revolution following the march, will not be delivered before a ‘live’ audience but live streamed.

In keeping with the changing dynamics covid19 has wrought, president of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), Ancel Roget, on Friday, unveiled plans for scaled down celebrations, which will begin with a motorcade on Saturday morning. “This is going to be a very interesting labour day. To say that what we are going to do is unprecedented is an understatement.”

He said one of the most difficult tasks of celebrating Labour Day under covid19 is asking supporters committed to the struggle, to stay away in observance of the health protocols. “That is a big one but necessary.”

He said it is unthinkable that with Labour Day falling just prior to a general election, “that the trade union movement of which JTUM is a major part, remain silent and does not comment on the performance of those who have been given the responsibility to lead us over the last five years.

“That will not happen. We will be marching and we will be commenting on the performance of those who had that responsibility over the past five years and those who would have done things to provoke us or to interfere with the benefits that we have,” he said at a news conference at Paramount Building, San Fernando. Roget said consultation was sought with the Police Commissioner and a schedule of events arrived at under a theme, “Every worker is essential and must be treated essentially.”

The plans include a motorcade led by the leadership of JTUM from Rienzi Complex, Couva to Charlie King Junction in Fyzabad on Saturday morning. Roget said each union will be allowed to have five vehicles in the motorcade with their different flags and banners for identification, bringing to a maximum 75 vehicles in the convoy.

On Sunday, at 9 am, the annual thanksgiving service will be held at the Butler Hall of Revolution, Fyzabad. Hampers will be distributed to children who would have normally attended this service.

On Labour Day, next Friday, various trade union members in groups of five, will lay wreaths on the tombstone of Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler at the Fyzabad cemetery and also on the spot where La Brea Charles was killed by police who mistook him for Butler. These activities are scheduled to start at 8.30 am.

A gathering will then take place at Avocat Junction where prayers will be said and the symbolic march to Fyzabad, involving leaders and one other representative from each union will begin at 9.30 am. At Fyzabad, a stage will be set for Roget as head of JTUM and also the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) to deliver his traditional Labour Day address.