PM Persad-Bissessar Salutes Workers and Pledges Steadfast Labour Reform

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivered a powerful tribute to Trinidad and Tobago’s workforce, emphasizing their pivotal role in the nation’s past and future while committing to significant labour reforms. Speaking in Parliament on the eve of Labour Day, Persad-Bissessar acknowledged the monumental sacrifices made by generations of workers whose perseverance underpins the country’s development.

As the nation celebrates Labour Day, Persad-Bissessar highlighted the historic struggles for workers’ rights, emphasizing their hard-earned nature and the importance of continued unity among labour forces. “Labour Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a testament to collective resilience and a call to further action,” she stated, urging workers to rally together in the face of injustices.

Central to her message was the Government’s commitment to revitalizing the Petrotrin refinery—a pledge that’s seen as crucial for both the economy and employment. “Reopening Petrotrin stands as a beacon of our commitment to workers’ economic empowerment and security,” the Prime Minister declared, reiterating the focus on job creation, particularly for rural communities.

Persad-Bissessar underscored the Government’s proactive stance on enhancing occupational protections and uplifting vulnerable workers, drawing attention to achievements under her administration such as widespread wage settlements and reformative labour legislation. “Our agenda firmly places working people at the centre of national prosperity,” she added.

Calls for unwavering solidarity were at the heart of her address, signaling a political and societal push towards a unified front against division and injustice. With Labour Day’s historical significance as a backdrop, the Prime Minister’s announcements underscore her administration’s renewed dedication to the labour movement’s legacy and future aspirations.