labour
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LABOUR
Objective
“There should be an adequate means of livelihood for all, that labour should not be exploited or forced by economic necessity to operate in inhumane conditions but that there should be opportunity for advancement on the basis of recognition of merit, ability and integrity” - Trinidad and Tobago ConstitutionComprehensive reform of labour legislation is needed in order for workers to enjoy the standard of living they deserve. Our planned reforms are-
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3. Facilitate Workers’ Right to Join a Trade Union of Their Choice-
This is a fundamental right which must be protected. A limit of three months will be put in place for the determination of recognition claims which are made to the Registration, Recognition and certification Board; The current requirement of 51% membership of workers in one particular union for that union to obtain recognition by the Recognition Board will be amended to 20%.
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4. Allow merging of Trade Unions
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5. Appointment of Judges to the Industrial Court
there will be security of tenure and pensions for Judges of the Industrial Court, and their appointment to an independent body, similar to that of High Court Judges.
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6. “Worker within the meaning of the Act”
Employers will not be able to use provisions related to “worker in good standing” and “worker within the meaning of the Act” to delay and prevent trade unions from representing individual workers, who come from a non-unionised environment.
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7. An End to Prohibition of Certain Sectors to Take Industrial Action
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8. All Workers Will be Legally Recognised as Workers
The term “workers” should be amended to include drivers, domestic workers, etc. In this regard, the ILO Convention C189 2011, which T&T has voted for but has not yet been effected must be enforced to ensure the rights of this group of workers are protected. Additionally, workers in the security industry represent another group of vulnerable employees and specific measures should be implemented to protect this group.
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9. Repeal of the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act, No 32/85
This law does not provide for the payment of severance pay to workers who are faced with company closure, such as winding up, receivership and liquidation
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10. Amendments of the Companies Act-
Severance payments will be prioritised in terms of ranking of creditors. It is wrong for payments to banks, shareholders, and other creditors before severance payments are made to laid off workers.
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11. Repeal of Workmen’s Compensation Act
- This will be replaced with a modern Employee Injury and Disability Act
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12. OSHA Will be amended to efficiently deal with environmental aspects of occupational health and safety
