Minister of Labour and the Public Service, the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle has released a video statement responding to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) opting not to participate in the upcoming Labour Day Parade.

President of the TUC, Obie Ferguson made the announcement at a press event on Monday calling the parade a political event. He also voiced many other grievances saying that the government is not living up to its 2021 memorandum of understanding.

Glover-Rolle said, “when the leadership of the TUC suggests that this administration is failing workers I must ask where was this level of outrage when significantly less was being done in years prior. The truth is the majority of what the TUC is demanding is already happening and they know it. They know it because they have been present in the room. They’ve helped shape the labour legislative reform that is being finalized right now. In fact the entire reform process, which was launched in July 2024, is built on their own recommendations. They sat at the table, they gave input, they attended our symposium just last week and said they were pleased with the draft. So what has changed between today and last week.”

According to the Minister the government has signed 55 industrial agreements, increased the minimum wage and is carrying out the first service wide promotion exercise. She also said the government is working through the memorandum of understanding line by line. “you don’t have to agree with us but if you intend to walk away from the national parade, from a day that belongs to workers, not parties, then have the decency to come to the negotiating table in good faith and make a decision based on the facts. The Davis administration has kept the door open as a matter of policy. Ultimately, regardless of our views we must all come together in the name of progress if we truly support the advancement of labour in our nation.”

The Labour Day Parade is scheduled to take place on June 6th.