News Categories: Media Release

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

No Such Requirements Under the Labour Laws

It has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, that a number of employers have mandated that workers who are engaged and contracted to serve as Election Day Workers by the Electoral Office of Jamaica, in the upcoming General Elections on Thursday, September 3, 2020, are required to self- quarantine for a minimum of 14 days prior to resuming their normal employment.

It is further understood that these workers are being instructed and required to utilize their vacation and sick leave entitlements to offset the period of quarantine.

The Ministry is therefore making it abundantly clear that there is no such requirement under the Labour Laws or any other law. Employers are encouraged to be guided by the Holidays with Pay Act and Gazette notices that are published under the Disaster Risk Management Act.

While we are quite cognizant of the dangers of the Covid19 and the increased number of cases island-wide, we must never-the-less be protective of our country’s labour-force and ensure the fair application of Labour Legislations in order to prevent breaches that maybe intentional or out of ignorance.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Industrial Peace Needed Now More Than Ever -Henry

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Lester ‘Mike’ Henry, is calling on employers and workers to use the services of the Labour Department within the ministry, to help develop policies that will result in the preservation of industrial calm and amicable agreements. Minister Henry said, in these economically challenging times due to the debilitating effects of the Covid19 pandemic, there is need for industrial peace and harmony now more than ever.

Speaking in Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Minister Henry said while the government continues to find innovative and creative ways to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic, a broader look at labour laws is now required.

According to Minister Henry, several issues due to Covid19, which were not fully or adequately addressed under our Labour Laws such as quarantine, extended absence from work and extended absence due to community lockdowns, were interrogated. He said that the Ministry will continue its social and tripartite dialogue in order to strengthen Jamaica’s labour legislations, using the many lessons learnt during the pandemic.

He said while his Ministry’s priority is providing a social safety net for the most vulnerable, he has great appreciation for those who continue to play their role in ensuring the country remains vibrant and viable.

In a direct quote the Minister said, “I applaud our employers and workers who have displayed the resilience, flexibility and tenacity necessary for the sustainable recovery of the labour market and Jamaica’s economy. It is unthinkable where we would be presently in the face of this disaster without their efforts and sacrifice”, end quote.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more