BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Several Caribbean countries were on Wednesday observing May Day, the international day set aside to recognise workers, with the traditional rallies and speeches against exploitation and the need for better working conditions despite the ongoing global financial and economic crisis.

While many workers, some armed with placards, urged unity in dealing with the crisis, labour leaders in several Caribbean countries, like Dominica, remained divided on the need for a trade union congress (TUC).

Former secretary general of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), Kertist Augustus, who had been part of a committee drafting the constitution for the proposed TUC in Dominica, urged his colleagues to put aside their differences and ensure that the TUC is formed and workers’ rights enhanced.