Calls for unity, workers’ rights and improved conditions echoed throughout Friday’s Labour Day celebrations as trade union leaders reflected on gains made by the labour movement and the challenges that remain.
Among the speakers was President of the Fire Service Association, Second Division, Keon Guy, who said workers are beginning to see greater representation at the highest levels of government.
” For the first time in the history of Trinidad and Tobago, we have labour leders in both houses of parliament. That is something to achieve, that is something to celebrate. And we have heard over and over the mention of achieving and advancing the workers’ agenda. Just this week comrades, just this week, in both houses of parliament, they debated legislation to ensure that fire officers that acted in higher offices would receive those higher pensions. That is something to celebrate.”
The event also focused on the historical significance of the labour movement and its role in advocating for workers across all sectors and communities.
Another union leader used the platform to call for national unity, condemning divisive rhetoric and emphasizing that workers face common challenges regardless of ethnicity or background.
They maintained that while Labour Day is a time for celebration, the labour movement’s work continues beyond the commemorations.
Labour leaders say they will continue pressing for reforms aimed at improving pensions, workplace protections and overall conditions for workers across Trinidad and Tobago.