Perspective: Labour Relations in Jamaica

Many labour related disputes are either settled at the local level at the workplace or on the job which at times are referred to the Ministry of Labour. When this referral fails then the matter may be escalated to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT).

This word “exculpate”  was disclosed by Mrs Corrodos, Director of Industrial Relations at the Ministry of of Labour & Social Security, in Jamaica. Mrs Corrodos was speaking with Vernon Derby, host of “At Your Service” on Nationwide News Network (NNN) at 9.3FM.

Mrs Corrodos was a guest on the consumer related radio programme dealing with the thorny issue of the termination of employment.  There seems to be a lot of ignorance in this area of labour relations. A lot of complaints are lodged with the Industrial relations division of the Ministry of Labour mainly by disgruntled employees who feel that they were wrongly dismissed or denied benefits due to them.

Employee Benefits

Also in the wide ranging and often vexed  question of benefits to be paid out by employers should there be redundancy or say vacation leave entitlement to be granted based on length of service to an employer.  Maternity leave benefits and sick leave allowed by practice and enshrined in labour laws.

Employment Contracts

Many employees are employed in contracts which may be designed to deny benefits like vacation leave entitlement to employees. This may be ignorance on the part of the employer/employee or both parties (employee and employer).  There have been cases of a skillfully drafted or designed contract to deny or to facilitate the non payment of employee benefits to be paid out to employees.  Security guards in Jamaica are basically being employed on this type of employment contract scheme. Most unfortunate and sad indeed.  These guards are not also entitled to pension benefits. This is left up to the individual security guards to make their own plans for tomorrow like  their pension needs. This is a loose arrangement that can spell an insecure future for guards,  both females and males in their sunset years.

Stable Workplace

It is important that there be peace and stability on the industrial front.  This can have a positive impact on production and job security.  It is a win win for all. Employers need a stable work environment as this helps to build customer base and confidence in the business. Employees do benefit also as they are a ke to feed their family and improve their lives.

Commentary 

Long serving employees instil confidence in customers as these employees are usually most knowledgeable on the products the business sells or deals in.  Customers ask employees for advice on product knowledge. These long serving employees have the potential to boost sales and grow their he business.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a poet, elegist, author and senior international journalist who writes for Vision newspaper.