PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jun 18, CMC – Chairman of the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), Ian Roach, says Labour Day is a powerful reminder of the dignity of work and the struggle for fair treatment in the workplace.
In a message ahead of Labour Day here on Thursday, Roach said it honours the contributions of workers throughout the country’s history and the ongoing efforts to create safe, inclusive, and equitable working conditions.
“At the Commission, we continue to address discrimination in employment, one of the key areas under the Equal Opportunity Act, by investigating complaints, promoting fair hiring practices, and supporting education and outreach to both employers and employees.”
Roach said that these national observances reinforce its commitment to a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, thrive and be treated with respect, regardless of their background or status.
“The Commission stands as a resource for those who believe they have been treated unfairly and we remain focused on fostering a culture of inclusion and justice throughout our country,” he said, urging the public to “find renewed purpose in our efforts to build a nation where equality is not just an ideal, but a reality lived and experienced by all.
“At the Commission, we understand that to truly achieve equality, we must first foster equity, recognising that different individuals and groups may need different levels of support to reach the same opportunity. It is through this commitment to fairness that we move closer to a society where no one is left behind,” he added.
Labour Day was declared an annual national holiday in 1973. It is the anniversary of the day of the Butler Oilfield Riots which took place in 1937. Between 1934 and 1937 workers became more influenced by a need for change resulting in strikes and riots which extended throughout the Caribbean.
This gave rise to several prominent labour leaders in Trinidad and Tobago such as Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler, who awarded the country’s highest honour, the Trinity Cross, and the country’s main highway re-named in his honour.
Labour Day is marked by trade union marches and gatherings in Fyzabad every year and a visit to the statue of Butler that stands at the Fyzabad junction.
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