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AFTER a contentious decade under the Dr Keith Rowley administration, described by some labour leaders as the most anti-worker, the election of two labour representatives into the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led government, is being seen as a beacon of hope by the trade union movement.

Former president of the Public Services Association (PSA) Leroy Baptiste was also sworn in as Labour Minister on May 3, making him the second leader of a trade union under a UNC led Government to hold this position.

Errol Mc Leod, former president general of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), was the first. He served in the People’s Partnership 2010 to 2015 government. His predecessor, George Weekes, would have served as a senator with the United Labour Front.