As Guyanese workers mark Labour Day amid deepening socio-economic concerns, the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) has issued a strong call for workplace justice, urging national solidarity in the fight against inequality and systemic bias.
In a statement released today by its Vice Chair, Pt. Ubraj Narine, IFAAD extended greetings to the country’s workforce and emphasized the critical role of labour in nation-building. “We honour the strength, resilience, and unyielding spirit of the Guyanese workforce—the engine that drives our nation forward,” the statement read.
However, the Institute cautioned against viewing Labour Day solely as a celebration. Instead, it described the holiday as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity in employment, particularly in a society still grappling with racial and social disparities.
“Discrimination has no place in our labour force,” IFAAD declared. “We stand firmly against all forms of inequality and injustice.”
The statement comes at a time when public servants, including teachers and healthcare workers, have been increasingly vocal about low wages and perceived neglect from the government, despite the country’s rapid economic growth from oil revenues. The organisation’s message implicitly resonates with growing discontent among workers who feel excluded from Guyana’s prosperity.
IFAAD urged citizens to use Labour Day as a moment to recommit to the ideals of inclusion and justice. “Let this day strengthen our resolve to create a more inclusive and just society, where every worker is valued and protected,” the statement said.
Concluding with a message of unity, the group affirmed its vision of a Guyana in which “opportunity and respect are not privileges but guarantees for all.”