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Govt. mulls establishment of Industrial Court – Several labour laws to be amended
While there have been varying views in relation to the establishment of an industrial court, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott has elucidated that a Bill is currently being proposed in favour of it. This disclosure was made during his budget debate presentation to the National Assembly.
It was also revealed that the Government has moved to amend several labour laws within the legislation. It is within the pretext of improved labour, that the concept of establishing an Industrial Court or Tribunal is being explored.
Minister Keith Scott
Aptly, deliberations on the prospect have arrived at a point when many of the country’s workers are recognizing their rights. It was noted that the concept of establishing an industrial court within Guyana would address the country’s growing workforce and the exploitation of employees in so many manual labour professions. Key stakeholders in this venture would include members of the National Tripartite Committee.
“The Ministry has engaged the major Stakeholders who comprise the National Tripartite Committee, which is currently examining a proposed Bill, which should bring into existence either a Court or a Tribunal,” Minister Scott said.
In addition to this, the Minister posited that labour management relations would be greatly improved with the implementation of an industrial court, “…the object of which would be to enhance Labour Management Relations and ultimately the quality of life of all workers, who should be able to experience decent working conditions.”
Moreover, as a prelude to programmes slated by the Ministry for 2019, several laws are being amended to accommodate the changes in the country’s socio-cultural atmosphere. The Minister said that as Guyana is to expect an influx of foreign businesses due to its newfound wealth, changes in key labour related legislation would be needed.
He explained that it is within the pretext of aligning with “enlightened thinking and practices” that the revision would be done. The laws that are to be amended would include “The Labour Act”, “The Leave with Pay Act”, “The Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA)”, “The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act”, The Friendly Societies Act, “The School Thrift Chapter 36:04”, and “The Co-operative Societies Act”.
Compounded with this, the Minister stressed that the Labour Act, a key legislation, was first enacted in 1942, and while it may have been relevant at that time, it does not suffice for Guyana’s current political climate.
It was stated that the Ministry’s mandate for fairness, equity and justice amongst citizens was not being manifested through the current laws.
“It is against that background that the Labour Act will be amended to provide for the compulsory submission of the necessary records to aid in the resolution of complaints for the benefits of the ordinary worker and towards the promotion of Human Development.”
The concept of accruing a quasi-judicial body, if not the court itself, to hear cases of disputes between employer and employee, is being explored.
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