Unions tell PM Kamla stay out of labour day march but embrace Mc Leod, Abdullah

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar marched with labour leaders in Fyzabad in 2010

Trade unions say Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and other politicians are not welcome at Sunday's labour day celebrations in Fyzabad.

However they are making an exception for Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod and Senator David Abdullah who both have a long association with the labour movement through their connection with the Oilfield Workers Trade Union.

Vincent Cabrera, President of the Banking and Insurance Workers' Union, told reporters on Tuesday union leaders will present a new accord to workers on Sunday.

The labour leader slammed the government for its intervention in the collective bargaining process, calling it unethical.

The labour movement plans to march this year as one. However the Public Services Association (PSA) is not joining the group. PSA President Watson Duke said Tuesday the PSA Executive and General Council have decided not to attend.

Duke also slammed what he called the hypocrisy of union leaders who are saying that politicians are not welcome while they embrace McLeod and Abdullah.

"A lot of trade unions have given up strength and they are speaking in and out of timing, making all kinds of reckless statements as if they own Fyzabad. Telling who to come, and not to come, who invited, and who to speak. To me, that is poor and distasteful. We wouldn't want to lend our support to that," Duke told reporters.