New Year message from Caribbean Congress of Labour

As we close the year 2009 and embrace the New Year it is time not only for celebration of the symbolism of the season but also using the experiences we have acquired over the year in developing our resolve to meet the challenges envisage in 2010.

As Caribbean workers we have been able to keep Labour’s focus within the regional socio- economic and political framework as an integral measure of Caribbean development with the recognition that through the CSME Movement of Skill and Semi-Skill labour the Caribbean can be served by Caribbean nationals. The free movement of skills however impacted on some more than others and when coupled with the flight of illegal immigrants there is a potential risk affecting the countries at the migrant end as well as the immigrant end. This latter case of illegal movement of workers and its impact must be addressed not only within the framework of the CSME but with careful review of the condition of workers and  citizens in sister CARICOM countries who are not merely pulled to countries with higher standard of living and higher economies but are instead pushed by fear of being victims of political or narco-terrorism; the desire to expand the narco trade; marginalization; poverty; hopelessness; social, economic , cultural and political decay; the denial and violation of basic human rights and no justice.

Caribbean leaders need not forget that in the Free Movement and integration process there is an equal responsibility on both migrant and receiving countries.  First and foremost the leaders have a responsibility to their citizens to create the environment where rights and the rule of law are respected, jobs are created and social services are provided. It is unacceptable for elected officials to be abrogating their responsibilities to their constituencies and expect others to pick up the slack.

These challenges will continue into the New Year and must therefore be high on our agenda for discourse and resolution if we are to preserve the integrity of the free movement of skills and Caribbean labour market as well as deepen relationships and reduce conflict and tension among our Caribbean peoples.

In addition we are faced with the challenge of government and employers, both regional and international, who set out to erode workers gains, deny them their rights and destroy the trade union movement by seeking to terminate recognition agreements  thus violating the laws, convention and time-honoured principles.  Lest we forget, these are benefits gained through struggles dating back to colonial rule which served to liberate our people and laid the  foundation for all of us, including those who now hold the reins of power. These are still relevant today to restrain the abuse of power, regardless of whether it is colonial, local or multinational. These benefits and legal framework are the best guarantee for human rights and the rights of all workers. It is this adherence which will provide us with justice and keep at bay those who will want to take us back to the days when labour was seen as just a mere factor of production to satisfy the employer needs for profit with minimal consideration for occupational health and safety conditions, paying of a living wage/salary and reinvestment to benefit the retired labour force.

As we continue opening our region to foreign investors Labour must ensure employers respect the laws of our respective nation state, in no less manner than they will be made to respect those of their originating countries and other developing nations. Multinational organizations are welcomed but not to abuse our laws and our people. They must be held accountable and will be held accountable by collective determination of labour to ensure they operate within the framework of the ILO core labour standards and the laws of each nation. At the same time we urge all Caribbean governments to ensure that the resources of the Caribbean benefit the Caribbean and not just foreign investors or foreign countries. We must not embrace similar productive inequities of the colonial economic era which our foreparents fought against and which the world recognized was wrong and acknowledges its creation of imbalances in economic development of various regions. Regional governments and negotiators must therefore ensure that each foreign investment takes on board fair and equitable local returns to aid in our regional development.

Caribbean nations are reminded that whatever happens in one Caribbean state will ultimately impact all Caribbean states. Our destinies are intertwined and therefore we cannot ignore the conditions of labour in any Caribbean state.

For 2010 CCL wishes the government and the people of the Caribbean a deepening of our individual and collective resolve to better manage our political, social and economic circumstances to create an environment of Caribbean identity and regional stability. May the beauty and warmth of our tropical paradise be reflected also in peace, political maturity, economic growth and respect for workers right and the rule of law with an end to discrimination based on political, ethnic or class exploitation.

Workers of the Caribbean UNITE for survival and guarantee of rights! Solidarity!

Lincoln Lewis
General Secretary

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