According to a release issued by NAACIE’s President, Kenneth Joseph this decision was made by its Executive at a recent meeting.

He pointed out that they opted not to participate in the usual May Day Parade to register their displeasure at what they claimed is a “A disorganised Labour Movement”

“Our decision to stay way from active participation of the rally on May Day is because of the undemocratic manner in which the GTUC is being operated. There is no space for Unions like NAACIE and GAWU. We have discussed and agreed to terms with the GTUC which would have caused us to return to the fold of the umbrella body since 2001. To date there has been no movement by the Executive of that important body to secure national cohesion between workers of large Unions in this country” NAACIE stated.

NAACI also claimed that there is a lot of talk about working together at the political level, when in fact in the Trade Union organisation there is authoritarian rule, dominated by a particular clique. We cannot continue to be part of such a process and must speak out against such domination.

“We in NAACIE are disappointed that the Minister of Finance did not increase the Income Tax Threshold in any significant way. We further believe and reaffirm our proposal to the Government that the Income Tax Allowance be re-introduced” NAACIE added

The Union also issued an appeal to all workers regardless of Trade Union membership to remain united and committed to their common cause - of promoting and defending the interest of the working people.

“For this year’s May Day we must call on the leaders of all individual Trade Unions to explain what happened to the Agreement made between the GTUC, NAACIE and GAWU, signed by Messers, C. Duncan, L. Lewis, G. Culbard and F. Wilson for the GTUC, K. Chand, S. Narine and R. Tiwari for the GAWU and K. Joseph, K. Takechandra and M. Rafeek for NAACIE on January 17, 2001” NAACIE said.

The release, noting the serious challenges the labour movement is facing with globalisation, declared that we cannot be complacent, since we are also the beneficiaries of preferential treatment, especially in terms of the Sugar Industry.

“The effects of the current exchange rate continues to take a toll on the cost of living, our purchasing power continues to be eroded. The constant electricity tariff is an added burden. As such, employers including the Government must recognise the plight of the working people and do everything possible to alleviate the hardship they now face” the union body added.

NAACIE issued an urgent call for genuine investment in workers as a necessary condition to further restore their confidence and to stimulate productivity and efficiency.