CAYRGORY:LABOUR
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By Trevor Thwaites
Inside Grenada correspondent
Friday December 08,2006


ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - Labour Minister the Hon Clarice Charles will like to see an effective Medical Plan in place for Public Workers and indeed for workers in general. The minister is hopeful that the various Trade Unions, will establish medical plans that will provide valuable assistance to workers after their productive days are over. She made the call while addressing the 75th Anniversary Awards Celebrations of the Public Workers Union (some time ago.

Charles, who is also the Minister of Education, wants to see more attention being paid to workers who have retired after working diligently in the various fields. “Many people have been outstanding. Apart from award and recognition ceremonies, we need to visit them, when they are old and lonely”. She paid tribute to the many nationals who have struggled bravely over the years for workers’ rights and freedom, especially those in the Public Workers Union (PWU).

Minister Charles recalled the struggles of the PWU over the years and paid glowing tribute to those who she described as the forefathers who have fought to bring benefits for workers. “Unions were out of the question in the 1900’s. We must appreciate the work of our forefathers” The minister mentioned the name of the outstanding Trade Unionist local hero Uriah Buzz Butler, who fought bravely and diligently for workers rights in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago.

“So many have done so much; Uriah Butler for example, who died alone in an old house. We need to go back and recall the names of the many who have served us well like Ms Simon Peters and Yolande Bain”, the minister pointed.

She suggested to the Public Workers Union that it makes a list of all its retired members and start showing recognition for the invaluable contribution they have made over the years.

“It is not a favour. We are just paying our dues. We are in great debt- a great debt of gratitude. We can do a lot of things.” One of the things she wants to see accomplished is the establishment of a medical plan that will help retired workers take care of their medical needs”, which she said is very costly. “Maybe the union can help them get something out of life and enjoy their twilight days. The Labour Minister also wants to see more attention being paid to old retirees.

“Maybe we can organize a ceremony or some function twice yearly to honour them. We have to appreciate the old. I am also talking about myself, who is getting to that stage. I do not want to be abandoned”, she said, remarks which drew laughter from the audience. Minister Charles is keen to see awards ceremonies happening annually. I hope it will continue every year. I hope that the Public Workers Union will continue to appreciate the work of its workers”, she said.