It is truly an honour and a privilege to welcome you all to the 2ndAnnual Congress of Delegates of the National Workers Union, in this its 42nd year of existence. The National Workers Union has a long and rich history steeped in industrial relations and workers’ rights. Through changes in governments, political ideologies, market fluctuations and mainstream philosophies, one thing remains constant, that of workers’ rights.
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First let me thank you for your kind and generous invitation to be not only your guest of honour but also to deliver the feature address at this your 42nd Annual Conference of Delegates.
The theme of your Conference is CONSOLIDATE FOR SURVIVAL. This begs the question: How do we survive in these modern conditions? Uppermost in the minds of most labour movements in the Caribbean is the question: Where do we go from here?
Workers Union have never really enjoyed a reasonable relationship. While I am not prepared to go into the causes of such a situation over the last twenty-four (24) months, we have, however, witnessed the emergence of a couple of new faces within the body structure and leadership spectrum of that organization. This new initiative has helped the Saint Lucia Employers Federation begin to think differently, and view some national issues beyond petty narrow class interest. As a result, we are prepared to build a bond of industrial relationship with the Saint Lucia Employers Federation.
First of all let me make a profound apology on behalf of the President General of the National Workers Union (NWU), Mr. Tyrone Maynard, who at the last minute could not attend this important event. I was however asked to represent the NWU and gladly accepted that responsibility. Greetings from the National Workers Union.
As you celebrate under the theme “Trade Unionism in the Region 2012 and Beyond”you will no doubt have to address the current global financial meltdown which has had implications for all sectors of our economies. We recognize the effect that the collapse of CLICO and British American Insurance Company has had on many local organizations including yours. You have had to restructure your organisation accordingly. The constant struggle to maintain branch membership is a concern for many.
