Veteran trade-unionist Sherwood Clarke is calling for urgent law reform that would expand Guyana’s Prevention of Discrimination Act to protect LBGTQ+ workers. Clarke who is the General Secretary of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) and 2nd Vice President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) made this call on Labour Day while addressing hundreds of workers at the National Park. Clarke who represents one of the largest trade union bodies in Guyana said that the unions’ actions have been “guided” by the fundamental belief that “when workers are treated fairly, our workplaces are stronger, our economy is stronger, our communities are stronger and our nation benefits”. It is based on that belief that Clarke called on union leaders and workers alike to “stand against discrimination” in all forms. “Because our commitment to dignity and respect for workers must apply to all workers,” Clarke said, “Not some, Not most, All,” he declared.
Clarke said the unions are “proud to stand in solidarity” with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers and neighbors to endorse the Guyana Together campaign. The Guyana Together campaign which was launched two years ago is a grassroots, public education effort to increase acceptance levels among Guyanese and reduce the level of stigma and prejudice for LGBT+ Guyanese.
Clarke linked his union supports to a specific mandate, “that is why today we are calling for extending non-discrimination protections to create a stronger, more inclusive Prevention of Discrimination Act,” Clarke told workers, “We take this position because we believe Guyana is strongest when everyone is included in our workforce,” he added.
This is the first time, a trade union leader made a specific call for an inclusive Prevention of Discrimination Act that protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers. Clarke told the rally that LGBTQ+ workers are an integral part of Guyana’s communities and economy, “they are our co-workers, our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. Like every worker, they contribute to the growth and success of our country,” he said.
Guyana’s current Prevention of Discrimination Act has no explicit protections in employment that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Clarke cited this as among the reasons that LGBTQ+ workers continue to face real and significant risks like the denial of employment, being passed over for advancement and facing unequal pay or dismissal.
The Labour Day rally is considered one of the largest gathering of workers from across all sectors in Guyana.