The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
  • Home
  • The President
    • Christine Carla Kangaloo
    • First Gentleman
    • Role and Function
      • Extracts from the Constitution
    • The President’s House
    • Greeting the President
    • History of the Presidency
    • Did You Know?
  • Trinidad and Tobago
    • National Anthem
    • National Symbols
    • National Holidays and Festivals
    • State Structure
    • National Awards
      • National Awards Ceremony
      • Database of National Awardees
  • News & Events
    • Press Releases
    • Presentations of Credentials
    • Courtesy Calls
    • Appointments
    • Messages and Speeches
    • Other Events
    • Photo Galleries
  • Contact

Select Page

Message on Labour Day 2024

Jun 19, 2024

Message on Labour Day 2024

On June 19, 1937, the police tried to arrest Tubal Uriah Butler while he was making a speech to workers at Fyzabad. His followers resisted his arrest, and riots broke out. The underlying causes of the riots were unfair and unjust labour practices. The unrest which they caused was the impetus for the formation of the trade union movement and the improvement of labour relations in the years to come.

On Labour Day, we commemorate the struggles which have led to better and fairer working conditions for all. We pay tribute to the courageous men and women whose sacrifices made possible the rights and freedoms enjoyed by workers today. We recognise the long and the arduous battles to secure fair pay and decent working conditions, and we acknowledge the progress that has been made in that regard.

We also acknowledge, however, that although the labour landscape is much improved since 1937, much more remains to be done. We have much further to travel if we are to arrive at our goal of a brighter, more equitable future in the world of work.

For trade unions and similar bodies, who continue the work set in motion by Butler and his contemporaries, there is the need to contend with ever-evolving labour practices and new challenges to their traditional methods of operation. Automation, technological advancements, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Artificial Intelligence, among other developments, compel unions to rethink their approaches and to adapt, in order to ensure that they continue effectively to contribute in a constantly changing labour environment.

For employers, the task is no less challenging. They must also do their part. Employers must understand that true progress lies not in drawing bright, dividing lines between themselves and workers (and the organizations that represent workers). Rather, true progress lies in recognizing that employees and their representatives are partners on the same journey to better and more efficiently run businesses. Employers must recognize that safe, responsive and fair working conditions and environments increase productivity, which in turn redounds to the benefit of both partners in the employment relationship.

Even while we call on labour and employers to collaborate more closely, the wider society, too, has a role to play. That role is to establish the broader conditions to promote such collaboration. What this means is that each of us, in our interactions with one another, need to be more flexible, more tolerant, more open to new ways of seeing and doing things, and more accepting of our different perspectives. We cannot demand of labour and employers, that which we do not practise ourselves.

Let us therefore commit as a society, to becoming more understanding and accommodating of one another. Let us commit to building the broader environment that will cause labour and employers to collaborate even more effectively, and that will cause our nation to thrive. If we apply ourselves, we can and we will be successful in navigating the challenges that face us. We will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.

I extend sincere wishes to the nation for a safe, productive and peaceful Labour Day.

Share:

PreviousTheir Excellencies attend Distinguished Jurist Lecture
NextThe Honourable Stuart Young M.P. appointed as Senior Counsel

Related Posts

Appointment to the Teaching Service Commission

Appointment to the Teaching Service Commission

June 20, 2023

Statement on the Passing of Retired Justice Lennox Deyalsingh

Statement on the Passing of Retired Justice Lennox Deyalsingh

March 22, 2023

New Year’s Day Message from The President

New Year’s Day Message from The President

January 1, 2020

Message on New Year’s Day 2022

Message on New Year’s Day 2022

January 1, 2022

Facebook Feed

Cover for The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
23,543
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

The official Facebook Page of The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

3 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
His Excellency Didier Chabert, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago paid a farewell courtesy call on Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday 10th September, 2025 at The President’s House.His Excellency was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Marguerite Chabert.Her Excellency thanked the Ambassador for his service to Trinidad and Tobago and extended her best wishes for his future endeavours. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

4 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
#ICYMIOn Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Office of the President welcomed the third and final group of winners of this round of #otptriviatuesday. 🏆🧠Over the past 13 weeks, participants tested their knowledge of the history of the Presidency and The President's House, and the best of the best emerged victorious. 👏✨Congratulations to all winners, and sincere thanks to everyone who participated. Stay tuned for more engaging and educational activities from the Office of the President!#otptriviatuesdaye#officeofthepresidenttte#trinidadandtobagoobago ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

4 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
#TodayAtOTP Today, Wednesday 10th September, 2025, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago presented the President’s Medals for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) and the National Examinations Council (NEC) to awardees for the years 2023 and 2024.Click link for full photo album: www.flickr.com/photos/160414226@N06/albums/72177720328939620/with/54779094474 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

4 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
#TodayAtOTPAwardees of the 2023 & 2024 President’s Medals pose with Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Kerwyn Garcia S.C., First Gentleman with Minister of Education, Dr. the Hon. Michael Dowlath, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Senator Professor the Hon. Prakash Persad and Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Hansen Narinesingh at today’s ceremony at The President’s House. ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T

7 days ago

The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
As the new school year begins today, the Office of the President extends best wishes to all students, teachers, and parents. May you be inspired to work hard and make the most of every moment, as this year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve! 📚✏️🌟 With the JAVA season officially over, let's take a look back at some of the tour groups we were delighted to host at The President’s House, including the Mt. Ebo Spiritual Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, the THA Primary Plenary Debaters and Assembly Legislature, and the children of the La Brea Constituency Office. 🏛️📸See following link for full albums: www.flickr.com/photos/160414226@N06/albums/Photos Courtesy: Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Categories

  • Appointments
  • Courtesy Calls
  • Featured
  • Galleries
  • Media Releases
  • Messages and Speeches
  • Multimedia
  • News & Events
  • Other Events
  • Presentations of Credentials
  • Publications
  • Videos

  • THE PRESIDENT
  • Christine Carla Kangaloo
  • Role and Function
  • Extracts from the Constitution
  • The President’s House
  • Forms of Address
  • History of the Presidency
  • Did You Know?

  • TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
  • National Anthem
  • National Symbols
  • National Holidays and Festivals
  • State Structure
  • National Awards
  • Ceremony
  • Database/Past Ceremonies

  • NEWS AND EVENTS
  • Press Releases
  • Messages and Speeches
  • Appointments
  • Presentations of Credentials
  • Courtesy Calls
  • Other Events
  • Galleries

Contact

President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Office of the President
Circular Road
St Ann’s
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Telephone: (868) 225-4687
Email: otp.mail@otp.gov.tt

Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress