Name Hubert Critchlow | ||
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Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow (1884–1958) was born in Georgetown, Guyana. Little is known of his early childhood but in his late teens, after leaving school, he was a dock worker. At the age of 20 he began his struggle for the interest of waterfront workers' wage negotiations and rights. His struggle continued into 1917 when he founded the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU). The BGLU is officially the first trade union in the Caribbean.
Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow is often referred to as the father of trade unions. He was the first man in British Guiana to formalize labour negotiations. Critchlow died in Georgetown.
On 2 December 1964 then premier of Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, unveiled a bronze statue of Critchlow in the compound of the Parliament Building.
Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow devoted his life to changing the harsh conditions under which men were forced to work in those days. His work is specially remembered on 1 May, which is designated as:
On this day, wreaths are laid at the base of Critchlow's statue by leaders of the government and prominent trades unionists. Workers parade through the streets of the township dressed in red and white. They march under the banner of their particular trade union in a show of solidarity for workers' rights.