Grenadian workers at Labour Day celebrations which saw them protesting the high cost of living in the country.

 

GRENADA-LABOUR-Workers protest high cost of living

 

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC –Labour Day celebrations in Grenada turned into an anti-government demonstration of sorts as hundreds of workers rallied against the high cost of living and chanted for a change in the country’s leadership.

 

The usual march in the capital took on a political tone as trade unions called on the Keith Mitchell government to facilitate a round table involving all stakeholders to come up with solutions to combat the rising cost of living.

 

The government has already introduced a relief package that includes free milk and free food baskets for 1300 families.

 

“Efforts to provide relief on some items with the reduction of the Common External Tariff and assistance with the food basket are only a small part,” said Madonna Harford, President of the umbrella Trade Union Council (TUC).

 

She added that efforts also had to be made to ensure that these initiatives reach the vulnerable in society irrespective of their political affiliation.

 

Harford also appealed to political parties to conduct a clean election campaign as the country gears up for a national poll that is widely expected to come before year end.

 

Her call came amid rising political tensions between the ruling New National Party (NNP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The conflict has seen several executive members of the NDC accused of assaulting a police officer who allegedly spied on a closed door meeting and more recently, a heated public exchange between two politicians from the opposing parties.

 

“The Grenada Trade Union Council wishes to call on all political parties to conduct their campaign activities in a dignified manner, free from character assassination, free from violence and other forms of untoward behaviour,” insisted Harford.

 

“We cannot and should not allow politics to divide our small country. I urge everyone concerned and especially all stakeholders to ensure that we have free, fair and peaceful elections.”

 

Meantime leader of the Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU), Chester Humphrey called on unions to support his call for a change in the current administration.

 

“TAWU holds the view that a change in government is absolutely necessary in order to relieve the burden and widening poverty of workers,” contended Humphrey who has been one of the Mitchell administration’s harshest critics.

 

CMC/rt/dmb/08