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IN BRIEF
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In Guadeloupe, the fight against cost of living is at the heart of the concerns of theUGTG, who believes that the economic system does not benefit the population. At a recent conference, the union called for a mobilization general approach to address the root causes of this situation. Maïté Hubert M’Toumo, the general secretary, stressed that the problem goes beyond that of the high cost of living and that it is essential to fight against a system of “pwofitasyon” (profiteering) that perpetuates inequalities. The UGTG thus wishes to establish a demands platform integrating various issues such as health, education and air quality, while inviting the population to mobilize for a lasting change.
Guadeloupe faces a major challenge: the cost of living. This situation directly affects the daily lives of Guadeloupeans, affecting their purchasing power and their quality of life. Faced with this problem, theGeneral Union of Workers of Guadeloupe (UGTG) is mobilizing to propose sustainable solutions and renew demands that take into account economic and social realities. This article explores the UGTG’s commitment to this struggle, its strategies and demands to bring about significant change within Guadeloupean society.
Economic and Social Context in Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe, although benefiting from natural resources and a certain economic potential, is subject to significant economic pressures. Prices of consumer goods remain high, which weighs heavily on family budgets. According to various studies, the cost of living in Guadeloupe is often higher than in the mainland, caused by a combination of factors, including transportation, distribution and local market structure.
Within this difficult economic framework, the Guadeloupean population expresses its dissatisfaction with a health situation, educational and ecological considered worrying. The various social movements that have occurred in recent years, particularly in 2009, clearly illustrate this desire for change. The UGTG, as the main union, plays a central role in demanding a profound transformation of the system in place.
Focus on the UGTG and its Responsibilities
L’UGTG is a key player in defending the rights of Guadeloupean workers. Founded to respond to the demands of workers facing exploitation deemed unacceptable, the UGTG aims to highlight the injustices suffered by the population. Thanks to her preparation and her history, she is today the voice that stands against pwofitasyon which is eating away at the local economy, a struggle which has its origins in the fight for emancipation and respect for social rights.
The UGTG management insists on the importance of a unified approach to economic challenges. Far from being limited to a purely interested struggle for purchasing power, the UGTG advocates a fight which encompasses various issues including the quality of education, access to health, as well as the preservation of the environment. The union thus invites the population to actively participate in protest movements aimed at regulating local politics and choosing the future that Guadeloupeans wish to build together.
Mobilization against the High Cost of Living
Very recently, the UGTG called for a massive mobilization to make known the demands of workers and the population in the face of the high cost of living. This movement is rooted in the daily concerns of the population, particularly the inexorable increase in the prices of food, services, and even rents. Indeed, the rise in prices of gasoline and consumer products fuels a feeling of injustice and powerlessness.
Local authorities must understand that ignoring this finding can have disastrous repercussions. This is why activists invite all Guadeloupeans to come together to express their concerns, but also to build an inclusive and effective framework of demands. This collective action is necessary to put pressure on decision-makers so that they implement economic and social policies favorable to the population.
UGTG Strategies for Sustainable Change
The UGTG does not just denounce the high cost of living; she develops a real action plan for lasting change. Beyond the demonstrations, the union is planning several concrete actions. Among these, the development of a demands platform taking into account the different aspects of daily life. It is essential that union demands are clear and precise, addressing themes ranging from health to the fight against precariousness.
Taking into account the needs of each sector, the UGTG works to establish a balance of power that can engage in meaningful negotiations with the authorities. Discussions must also include young people and the least represented in the public debate, because these populations are often the most affected by economic precarity. Initiatives such as discussion forums and citizen consultations are planned to collect everyone’s opinions and proposals.
Get involved! Calls to Action
It is crucial that every Guadeloupean becomes aware of their role in this fight. The UGTG calls for general mobilization: demonstrations, neighborhood meetings, as well as information campaigns are all actions that can make the voice of the population heard. Solidarity is essential, and every gesture counts to advance the cause. Joining the actions carried out by the UGTG is a way of showing employers and authorities that workers will not stand idly by in the face of injustices.
Young people, in particular, have a leading role to play in this fight. They are the future builders of Guadeloupean society and must get involved now. Their creativity, experiences and perspectives are valuable assets in challenging the status quo and forging a more just and equitable society.
Towards Structural Reform
So that the fight against cost of living is effective, structural reform is necessary. This implies that local authorities must rethink the economic model in place, which often favors particular interests to the detriment of the entire population. The UGTG calls for transparency in commercial practices, better market regulation, and support for local agriculture to reduce dependence on imports.
Additionally, measures must be taken to ensure equitable access to essential goods and services. The UGTG is fighting for the establishment of mechanisms to regulate prices, both in the food sector and in that of public services. The union is calling for a clear legislative framework, carrying a vision for the future that respects the dignity of Guadeloupeans.
Strengthening Social Rights
As part of this struggle, social rights are at the heart of concerns. The UGTG insists that the protection of workers’ rights cannot be sacrificed on the altar of profitability. Demands such as improved working conditions, recognition of trade union rights and access to professional training are essential. This strengthening of social rights is inevitable to build a fairer society where all citizens can prosper.
Past struggles against exploitation have made it possible to lay solid foundations. But there is still much to do. Raising worker awareness, education on their rights, and support for local solidarity initiatives are essential keys to moving forward. The UGTG is committed to implementing awareness programs in order to increase the collective awareness and commitment of Guadeloupeans.
The Role of Institutions and Social Partners
Finally, for the actions of the UGTG to bear fruit, collaboration with local institutions is necessary. Governments, communities and businesses must realize the need to act. It is by bringing together the country’s active forces that lasting solutions can be found.
The UGTG also invites social partners to join this fight. Whether NGOs, local associations, or other unions, joining forces can strengthen the impact of demands. Each stakeholder must play their role and clearly position themselves in favor of the well-being of Guadeloupeans. This collective fight is the only way to make a lasting break with a system that only benefits a few.
There Guadeloupe is going through tough times, especially when it comes to the cost of living. The members of theUGTG are not there for tourism, but to fight against this scourge which affects so many families. The testimonies of those who fight every day clearly illustrate this reality.
“We’re tired of waiting for things to change on their own. Every time I go to the market, I realize that prices keep increasing. We try to manage, but it’s more and more more complicated,” testifies a father from Baie-Mahault. For him and his family, every euro counts, and the repeated price increases are unbearable.
A young mother adds: “I am embarrassed to send my son to school without giving him something to eat at midday. Canteen prices are exorbitant! I am not alone in this situation, many mothers are fighting to deal with this situation.” This daily struggle is a call for solidarity and collective mobilization for a Guadeloupe more equitable.
On the side of the unions, Maïté Hubert M’Toumo, the general secretary of the UGTG, does not hesitate to call for action. “We must all come together. It is not just a question of the cost of living, but of pwofitasyon system which serves us. Together, we can change things, but everyone must realize the importance of getting involved.” His meaningful speech inspires hope and determination.
A retiree adds: “I don’t understand why big companies continue to make exorbitant profits while we struggle to make ends meet. It’s unacceptable! Every day, people talk to me about solidarity, but in reality, we don’t sees nothing concrete.” This call for social justice resonates in the hearts of many Guadeloupeans who want real change.
The demands of the UGTG do not stop only at the question of cost of living. Other topics, such as health, L’education and the air quality, must also be taken into account. “Everything is linked,” says one activist. “It is time for the government to take responsibility and act to improve our daily lives.” This collective awareness marks the beginning of a new era of mobilization.
Guadeloupeans are determined to fight for a better future. Thanks to theUGTG, they see a glimmer of hope so that together they can build a powerful movement against all the injustices they experience. There mobilization is more relevant than ever, and every voice counts. The voice of citizens is a force on which the future of Guadeloupe can count.