Hundreds of Grenadian employees from the eight affiliates of the umbrella Grenada Trades Union Council turned out in their colours on Monday in observance of May Day celebrations.

Although the turnout was relatively lower than in previous years, hundreds of workers still paraded the streets of St. George's to the sound of DJ music, chanting and displaying their placards. A number of persons with disabilities also participated in the celebration.

The day's activities began with workers assembling at the Fish Market area on Melville Street where solidarity messages from the International Trades Union Council, and Caribbean Congress of Labour were read out to them.

The workers then marched into Melville Street, unto Granby Street, Halifax Street, Carnash Hill, Young Street, through the Carenage and into the Tanteen Recreational Centre for the main event which featured an address by Acting TUC President, Madonna Harford.

The theme for this year's celebrations was, "Workers Advocating for Social and Economic Advancement through Good Governance." Although the industrial environment in the country is relatively stable, workers highlighted a number of issues which they believe are affecting them, such as the reduced 3% National Reconstruction Levy (NRL).

In her address to the workers, Harford who is also the President of the Public Workers Union (PWU) called on workers through out the country to remember the work of those who have died in the struggle for their betterment.

This sentiment was also echoed by President of the National Bus Association, Lewis Rouse, who openly expressed his disappointment with the low turnout of workers to the event. For the first time in modern history, the TUC failed to extend an invitation to the Minister of Labour to attend May Day celebrations to address workers.

Last year, Labour Minister Claris Charles refused to attend the annual event after the TUC failed to met her pre-condition to provide her with security in order to make an appearance. According to TUC's General Secretary, Ray Roberts, the Council made the decision not to invite Minister Charles this year partly because of some of the requirements made by her regarding security.

Over the years, labour ministers in Grenada have been heckled by workers for perceived anti-worker actions by their governments. Roberts said that while the TUC does not endorse heckling of government officials, Grenada is a democratic country and people who wish to voice their disapproval have the right to do so peacefully.

Charles did not respond to the decision by TUC not to invite her to Labour Day celebrations but instead sent a simple message extending best wishes to all workers of Grenada Carriacou and Petit Martinique on Labour Day.