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.... Local News

04th August 2012
Finally:
LABOUR CODE!
Stan Bishop

The newly-implemented Saint Lucia Labour “Code” Act (2006) is already receiving positive feedback from certain quarters.

During a symbolic ceremony held last Tuesday afternoon in the Cultural Development Foundation’s Conference Room, representatives from a few workers’ and employers’ unions expressed their support for the new Code.

Hosted by the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development and Labour, Tuesday’s ceremony served as a testament and celebration of somewhat of a triumph for a document that was long overdue. The ceremony was held just one day before the Labour Code went into effect last Wednesday, August 1.

President of the Saint Lucia Trade Union Federation, Julian Monrose, spared no words as he lauded the efforts of all those responsible for the new Labour Code seeing the light of day. The moment, he explained, was both significant and historic.

“Today, I think that many sons and daughters of Saint Lucia will love Saint Lucia a lot more,” Monrose said last Tuesday. “Because many of our sons have been crying out for this Labour Code and today we are happy. And we are happy (that this is so) on the eve of Emancipation (Day). This is a very significant day in the history of Saint Lucia.”

Monrose added that with the Code’s implementation, workers especially should realize some semblance of justice in the workplace. Referencing ‘justice’ as one of the three hallmarks mentioned in the national anthem, Monrose noted that the new document represents a major stride in the fervent struggle that trade unions and workers alike have kept alive for nearly two decades.

“The Labour Code is about justice: justice for workers, justice for employers -- justice for all. Justice in the interest of national development (and) justice in the interest of a peaceful industrial relations climate. And that is why today we are happy to be welcoming the implementation of the Labour Code,” Monrose said.

Whilst commending the government for its delivery on its promise to implement the Labour Code, Monrose reminded the powers that be that the long road ahead still requires some work.

“As we implement the Code, the Trade Union Federation would like to go on record again as stating that the Code by itself will not change anything,” Monrose added. “We need to ensure that the necessary actions are taken. One (such action) must be the improvement in terms of resources – human and financial – (at) the Labour Department. The Labour Department must be given the tools to be able to effectively police the Code and ensure that everybody – workers and employers – abide by the provisions of the Code. In the Trade Union Federation, we understand that there’s a role for the trade unions. The leaders of the trade unions must understand the importance of educating workers and ensuring that our workers give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. And, similarly, we expect that our employers will understand that our workers have to be treated with respect.”

Executive Director of the Saint Lucia Employers’ Federation, Joseph Alexander, said that contrary to popular opinion, the SLEF has always welcomed the implementation of the new Code. A great deal of input, he said, came from the SLEF in terms of putting the Code together. In fact, Alexander said the SLEF initially joined the initiative for revamping local labour laws at a tripartite seminar held in early November, 1998.

“The talk is always that employers are against the Code,” Alexander said. “I will tell you once and for all, employers have never been against the Code. It’s a balanced document and initially there were times when we felt some of it was against employers. But through proper negotiations, the employers have decided that we’re on board and we’re moving full steam ahead.”
 
 

The new Labour Code was also lauded by Minister of Education, Human Resource Development and Labour, Dr. Hon. Robert Lewis. Dr. Lewis explained that the ever-changing global economic market calls for an industrial relations framework that meets the needs of those changes. The International Labor Organisation (ILO), which played a pivotal role in Saint Lucia’s labour reform legislation, is currently in discussions with the Department of Labour with the objective of promoting greater collaborations between employers and employees, the minister indicated.

“As a government, we are concerned that the industrial relations climate we create and preserve will not only attract investors but also help our local entrepreneurs navigate these perilous waters that challenge their very existence,” Dr. Lewis told Tuesday’s audience. “The ongoing shock in the global economy (and) the reverses that threaten to lengthen the unemployment lines are of real concern to us. That is why we have adopted the balanced approach of employee responsibility and employer fairness that characterize the Labour Code.”

Hon. Phillip J. Pierre, at the time serving in the capacity of Acting Prime Minister, described the Code’s implementation as “a defining moment in the history of workplace relations within Saint Lucia.” The Code, he added, will be given top priority as it relates to its smooth implementation.

“The Government of Saint Lucia hopes that no attempts are made to utilize this law to create confusion or to destabilize the relatively calm labour relations climate within the country,” Hon. Pierre said. “We are aware that there are some anxieties and trepidations over the level of preparedness of the Labour Department. However, the Government wishes to reaffirm its commitment to taking all necessary steps needed to address any possible impediments to the smooth implementation and functioning of the Act.”

Acting Labour Commissioner Ray Narcisse was the final speaker to commend the Code’s implementation last Tuesday. Despite his pronouncement that “the Code is not a perfect document”, Narcisse said the Labour Department stands ready to work with all parties concerned to refine the process that will make the document live up to its purpose. He also challenged all concerned to live up to the expectations of the new Code.

“This Code presents a balanced approach not only to rights but corresponding responsibilities. That is even more important as we face diminishing resources and real (external) competition. So we urge all of you – trade unions, workers, employers – for the sake of all of us and the livelihoods of our people in this country to ensure that our operations reflect respect for the standards of this Labour Code,” Narcisse said.

Last Tuesday’s ceremony ended with the Labour Minister, Dr. Hon. Robert Lewis presenting copies of the new Labour Code to the following people: President of the Senate, Claudius Francis; Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Phillip J. Pierre; SLEF Executive Director, Joseph Alexander; Solace Myers of the National Workers Union; TUF President, Julian Monrose; Acting Labour Commissioner, Ray Narcisse and founding member of the National Workers Union, Dr. Julian R. Hunte.

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