Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday paid tribute to labour leaders past and present who have contributed to the growth and development of T&T. In his Labour Day message, Rowley said he fully expect all sectors of society, will continue to work together to better the country’s circumstances in the future.
“The Government is fully cognisant of the important role played by the labour movement through its representation of the interests of workers.
“Moreover, we exist in an environment where all of us, government, civil society, private sector and labour are inextricably linked and dependent on one another for survival and our success.
“Recognition of this is a major breakthrough in helping us navigate our present circumstance and improve the lives of our citizens,” he said.
“Though doing this will by no means be easy, I am reminded of the words of the Black Stalin, ‘We can make it if we try.’ This, in essence, was the message of Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Arthur Andrew Cipriani and many other labour leaders throughout our history.
“They set about to positively impact on existing circumstances and as a result impacted upon our nation,” Prime Minister Rowley said.
Also sending Labour Day greetings was the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce which said the labour movement has successfully defended, protected and advocated for workers’ rights and the national interest from then to now.
“The pivotal role the movement has played and continues to play in the entire industrial relations eco-system is clearly documented in our nation’s socio-economic history.
From Cipriani to Rienzi and Butler, a number of great leaders and personalities have emerged over the years—all of whom have done yeoman’s service in their approach to social dialogue, justice and equity,” the Chamber said.
The group reiterated its commitment to the consultative approach to labour relations as initiated by the T&T government through the National Tri-partite Advisory Council.