AT&LU and TUC Remain Separated For Labour Day 2012

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Politics

Saturday, 05 May 2012 02:30

By Alex Holder

Another Labour Day will be observed in Antigua and Barbuda with the separation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU). AT&LU General Secretary Alrick Daniel confirmed this as he outlined the plan of activities for the union in collaboration with the Antigua Labour Party for this year’s observation.

Daniel told Cariarena.com that he wouldn’t view the separation in its literal context since the TUC and the AT&LU have established “a good working relationship” and a united march could well be realized in the coming years.

He said the two have had favorable discussions regarding Labour Day itself but nothing significant enough came out of those talks to see a collaboration on Monday.

“But those discussions did not come to an end. They are ongoing. However, the status quo remains the same for this year,” Daniel said.

The AT&LU General Secretary stressed that the two bodies have been engaged in “good discussions” regarding the future of the trade union movement and organized labour in Antigua and Barbuda.

“Hopefully one day we will have a united march. But discussions are ongoing.”

This year’s observations open on Saturday with the Labour Queen Show at the Multi Purpose Center followed by a worship service at the Anglican Church in Potters on Sunday. The queen show is a joint AT&LU/ALP production.

Monday’s activities will follow usual protocol with a gathering at the VC Bird Bust, where ALP and AT&LU leaders will address a gathering of a sizable anticipated crowd.

This year’s speakers include AT&LU President Wigley George and General Secretary Alrick Daniel. ALP leader Lester Bird and deputy leader Gaston Brown are also on the panel.

The customary Labour Day march will follow the routine channel down Market Street and culminate at the AT&LU head office.

In the meantime, the United Progressive Party will again collaborate with the Trade Union Congress for its Labour Day rally. This will be followed by a Fryes Beach family event with UPP politicians and ABWU trade unionists.

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