JOINT Trade Union Movement (JTUM) president Ancel Roget says the majority of the labour movement will be meeting in the coming weeks with political parties opposed to the PNM, including the Opposition UNC.
The objective of these meetings is the creation of a united front against the PNM, not a political party, to remove it from government in next year’s general election.
Roget, who is also the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) president general, made this announcement when he addressed a Labour Day rally at Charlie King Junction, Fyzabad on June 19.
Earlier in the day, celebrations began with the wreath-laying ceremony at Apex Cemetery at the grave of the labour movement’s founder, Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler, at 8 am.
In keeping with tradition, trade-union leaders and union members then assembled at Avocat Junction and marched towards Charlie King Junction for the rally and subsequent celebrations.
Among those joining the march was UNC deputy political leader Dr Roodal Moonilal, who wore an OWTU shirt.
A statement issued by the UNC on June 19 said the party underscored its commitment to workers through Moonilal’s participation in the march.
Moonilal was re-elected deputy leader in the party’s internal elections on June 15.
The UNC said, “Such initiatives strengthen the bonds between policymakers and the grassroots, fostering a more inclusive dialogue on labour rights and fair treatment.”
Also present for the early part of festivities were Opposition Senator Wade Mark and UNC MPs Dr Lackram Bodoe, Rudranath Indarsingh and David Lee.
Moonilal was also seen at the subsequent rally.
Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) leader David Abdulah also participated in the march.
While different trade unions may have differences, Roget said it was important that all members of the labour movement unite against the common enemy: the PNM.
Then Roget made his big announcement.
“In the coming weeks, with the exception of TTUTA (Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association) and any other paid political trade unions, with the exception of them, we in the trade union movement have agreed to meet all opposing forces and all political parties, including the UNC.”
At May Day celebrations in San Fernando, TTUTA president Martin Lum Kin said while the union has several issues it is addressing with the Education Ministry on behalf of teachers, it has never aligned itself with any political party.
Roget said the purpose of these meetings is not to form a new political party.
“We have a political party, the MSJ, and we will also be meeting with the MSJ.
“The purpose of those meetings is to build a national front alliance to remove the PNM from office come next general election.”
He repeated that because the PNM poses an immediate danger to Trinidad and Tobago’s well-being, “All of us must come together as one to remove the PNM.”
“It is the only way. When the dust settles, there must be no PNM on the landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. Now is the time to fire Rowley and the PNM government from Trinida
