ST. GEORGE’S, May 1, 2009 – The current global economic and financial crisis should not be a reason for “unnecessary’’ firing of workers or for abandoning our commitment to the less fortunate  of society, Labour Minister Glynis Roberts has said.

The minister, in an address delivered in St. Andrew at the annual May Day rally of the Grenada Trades’ Union Council (GTUC), said the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) intends to maintain “cordial relations’’ with trade unions and other social and economic partners to overcome the challenges of the crisis.

“We must continue the collaboration aimed at formulating a coordinated policy response that first and foremost ensures there are no unnecessary business closures and job losses,’’ the Labour Minister said.  “Worker-layoff must be an absolutely last resort.  Working people and taxpayers are the victims of this crisis and should not be victimised any further.’’

Mrs. Roberts, the NDC MP for St. George South, said government is interested in partnership that is “proactive’’ and which would examine avenues for national development.

The approach, she said, is to have “a mechanism where we meet with labour’s representatives to analyse local, regional and international economic trends and decide what, if anything, we can do to protect ourselves, safeguard our economy and shore up employment.’’

The minister added that the meetings should include “the development of proposals to kick-start the economy and to keep it buoyant.  In other words, I’m imploring you to be proactive and to explore opportunities, even in the midst of such a deep economic and financial crisis, and to join the national effort to boost productivity and improve our competitiveness in the region and the world.’’

Mrs. Roberts, who also has responsibility in government for Social Services and Ecclesiastical Affairs, said the crisis is seriously impacting on the “social fabric’’ of society, with particular consequences for some segments of the nation.

“In the predicament being faced by our most vulnerable citizens – workers, the unemployed, the poor, the elderly and our children – I appeal to all, including trade unions, to demonstrate to an ever greater degree that we are indeed our brother’s and sister’s keeper,’’ she said. “Notwithstanding the economic and financial squeeze, we must still strive to meet our commitment to eradicate poverty in our society, to end alcohol and drug abuse, and violence against women and children.’’ 

Mrs. Roberts assured the GTUC and its members of the commitment of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and his administration to working with them..

“Let’s reposition, retool, regroup, organise and re-organise to overcome the challenges of the current global financial and economic crisis,’’ Minister Roberts urged.  “In unity, there is strength.  In team-work, there is success.’’

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