Labour check

Article by Gercine Carter

Foreign companies operating in Barbados have been put on notice that attempts to circumvent labour laws and tread upon the rights of Barbadian workers will not be tolerated.

Minister of Labour Colin Jordan issued the warning on Tuesday while calling out some construction companies for treating their workers as self-employed to avoid paying their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions. He also chided businesses which failed to recognise the trade union as the bargaining agent for their employees.

Leading off debate on the Employment Rights (Amendment) Bill 2019, Jordan told the House of Assembly as sittings resumed after the Christmas break: “We will encourage investment, but at the same time ensuring that the rights of workers in Barbados are respected.

“We are not taking investment in Barbados at any cost. Investment in Barbados is only considered good investment if investors are prepared to treat people as human beings,” he said. (GC)

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