IN his Labour Day message, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is praising frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said labour-employer relations in Trinidad and Tobago was respectful and stable.
Dr Rowley said, “We can attribute this to efforts of the labour movement, private sector and the Government, each one seeking the best outcomes for this country.
“For instance, the Government, as the largest employer, has maintained and supported its employees, using available technology, which allows thousands to work virtually, during the current pandemic.
“Significantly, the Government has ensured the jobs and salaries of all public servants, during this stay-at-home.
“Undoubtedly, it recognises the importance of the nation’s workers as a most important asset in keeping our country economically, socially and politically stable.”
He said the face of labour was changing due to Covid-19 and the Government was forced to make unprecedented decisions to protect everyone in this country.
Dr Rowley said, “This country owes a debt of gratitude to our frontline workers, who took up their charge, ensuring that the rest of Trinidad and Tobago remained safe and productive.
“Our health care workers, those in the protective services, sanitation and garbage collectors, the public utilities, the supermarkets – essential workers – reminded us that every job is important and even some that society may ignore are the ones most needed to uphold us as a nation.
“These workers are exemplars of our national watch words, Discipline, Production and Tolerance. As they worked together, they made us proud to be citizens of this country which so far has successfully fought off destruction by a rampaging virus which is still wreaking havoc across the world.”
He said as Labour Day is celebrated the past struggles and the names of those who brought us to this place of stability.
Dr Rowley said, “Nonetheless, let us prepare ourselves very early for the many coming challenges and transformations in the ‘new’ world, after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But let us look towards that future, with boundless faith in our destiny, collectively, in a mutually beneficial relationship, which ultimately will create a stronger Trinidad and Tobago.
“Towards this end, I wish all our citizens a safe and enjoyable Labour Day.”
