Head of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), Ancel Roget has alleged that attempts are being made by the government to foil the upcoming Labour Day celebrations.
During a pre-Labour Day media conference yesterday at the head office of the Banking and Insurance General Workers Union (BIGWU) in Barataria, Roget claimed that the Ministry of Works and Transport, (MOWT) had started works directly in front of Charlie King Junction, Fyzabad, where JTUM’s stage will be erected.
“That could only come about by the vindictive nature of a Keith Rowley government. We have never seen that before. We didn’t see it with the government before that, and the one before that, and the one before that,” he said.
“But that and God face – they could dig a hole, they could dig a trench, they could jump in the trench – we will have our Labour Day celebrations. So, this Mr Minister of Works, all of those major equipment you intend to put in front of our stage in Fyzabad on June 19, think again.”
Meanwhile, Roget offered a tease of the activities expected for Labour Day, which will be held under the theme, ‘People Power, People Matter.’
As per usual, the event will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler in Fyzabad and other notable leaders. Trade union members will then march from Avocat Junction to Charlie King Junction.
He said two speeches will be delivered along with an infusion of cultural activities for the first time.
The topics will focus on the government, rising inequality, a failed energy sector – including the social, economic and environmental consequences of the closure of Petrotrin – the Paria inquiry, privatisation of T&TEC, NP, WASA, BIR, Customs, SWMCOL, TTPOST, PTSC, the Port of Port-of-Spain, Port of Scarborough, city and regional corporations, and lake asphalt.
Speakers will also discuss the so-called dismantling of collective agreements and the government’s failure to offer permanent employment to the public.
Photo courtesy GML