PM: Labour-employer relations in TT 'respectful and stable'

THE PRIME Minister said that labour-employer relations in TT can be proudly described as respectful and stable.

"We can attribute this to efforts of the labour movement, private sector and the Government, each one seeking the best outcomes for this country."

He made the comments in a release commemorating Labour Day.

Dr Rowley said Government, as the largest employer, has maintained and supported its employees, using available technology, which allows thousands to work virtually, during the current pandemic.

"Significantly, the Government has ensured the jobs and salaries of all public servants, during this stay-at-home. Undoubtedly, it recognises the importance of the nation’s workers as a most important asset in keeping our country economically, socially and politically stable."

He said that as Prime Minister he saluted the achievements and the efforts of all those labour leaders, who struggled on behalf of workers, so today TT enjoys a unique quality of life, which compares favourably, with many countries in the developed world. He pointed out that as a result of the novel coronavirus the celebrations this year are expected to be more restrained.

"Nonetheless, the victories of June 19, 1937, achieved on behalf of workers are saluted as a historic point in the march of labour, which began almost 100 years earlier, in the emancipation of slave labour in 1838."

Rowley said the face of labour as we have known it is changing, and the sudden, devastating appearance of covid19 has brought this realisation to the centre stage.

He said the Government was forced to make unprecedented decisions to protect everyone in this country and the country owed a debt of gratitude to the frontline workers "who took up their charge, ensuring that the rest of TT remained safe and productive".

"Our health care workers, those in the protective services, sanitation and garbage collectors, the public utilities, the supermarkets – essential workers - reminded us that every job is important and even some that society may ignore are the ones most needed to uphold us as a nation. These workers are exemplars of our national watch words, discipline, production and tolerance. As they worked together, they made us proud to be citizens of this country which so far has successfully fought off destruction by a rampaging virus which is still wreaking havoc across the world."

He said as the country celebrates another Labour Day citizens should not forget the past struggles and the names of those who brought us to this place of stability.

"Nonetheless, let us prepare ourselves very early for the many coming challenges and transformations in the 'new' world, after the covid19 pandemic. But let us look towards that future, with boundless faith in our destiny, collectively, in a mutually beneficial relationship, which ultimately will create a stronger TT. Towards this end, I wish all our citizens a safe and enjoyable Labour Day."