THE trade union NAACIE says it took a conscious decision not to participate in the march and rally on May 1 this year because by taking part it would have been misleading the workers and the nation that unity exists among unions in Guyana.
However, in a press release yesterday, it said that it saluted all workers nationally and internationally and supported those who participated on that day.
"We are aware that each and every worker in Guyana recognises the benefits that could be had if there were unity in the trade union movement. We are also aware that they are willing to forge this unity", the union said.
It noted that the hurdles that exist were not the making of the workers but of those who chose and those that were chosen to represent them.
NAACIE (National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees) said its decision not to be part of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is because of the body's undemocratic way of operating.
It, however, said it does not only blame the authors of this behaviour in the GTUC but also those who encourage this by turning a blind eye.
"It will be presumptuous of NAACIE to criticise the leaders of any union. We will also be presumptuous to influence any other union on the choice of its leaders" it said.
Each member of a trade union is expected to be making monetary contribution through dues and this gives them the right to sanction leaders, the union noted.
"We are prepared to work with each and every trade union in Guyana", NAACIE said, but declared that it was not prepared to re-enter the folds of the GTUC until it commits itself to democratisation, fairness and reclaim its place as a national workers representative body.
It contended that the GTUC must respect the rights of workers and commit itself to have only genuine trade unions in its membership.
Each delegate of each and every union should have similar rights to be elected for any executive position in that movement, it argued.
Accountability must be a priority for the GTUC and each of its affiliates and criteria should be established to be used as a guide for the composition of delegations representing the GTUC at meetings nationally and internationally, the union urged.
NAACIE said that the disunity that exists in the GTUC is also reflected in the country at large but because all members of the GTUC "pay dues", it is their right and the GTUC's responsibility to work towards and maintain unity so that the grievances of each member can be properly represented by respected leaders.
NAACIE blamed the entire GTUC Central Executive Council for the plight of the nation's workers at this time of attacks on labour nationally and internationally.
"We are proud to be members of FITUG (Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana) and will work in this organisation to force, if we have to, to make changes in the labour movement in Guyana in the interest of the nation's workers, their families, communities and the nation as a whole.
"We call on all workers of this country to recognise that we are willing to return to the GTUC as long as it commits itself to forget who Government is, who are opposition, and represent all workers. Government and Opposition, differences in races, religion and gender will continue to exist", the union argued.