– Orders arrest warrants for errant employers
The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Health and Safety Department has stated that after several unsuccessful requests from the department to meet with Universal Janitorial Contractorial Services’ Chairman and C.E.O. Mr. Eon Edwards, an arrest warrant was issued for Edwards and bail was set at $50,000 for failure to show.

This action was taken as a result of a complaint made by former employee, Rickford Connelly, for money owing to him by the company. The matter was subsequently taken to court, the Ministry said in a press release.

Representing Connelly, Attorney-at-law James Bond requested time for a meeting with the Ministry. A meeting was granted and the errant employer was ordered to pay $45,000 on charges of failure to produce wages records, failure to give notice of termination, and failure to pay in lieu of notice, the release said.

In a similar case, the Ministry of Labour represented two persons, Orin Parris and Dave Phillips, in charges against Tiger Woods Incorporated (TWI).

TWI also failed to meet with the Ministry on several occasions and bail was set at $40,000 for Anita Mohan, the company secretary. The matter was then moved to court and charges were made for failure to give notice, failure to pay in lieu of notice, and failure to pay severance allowance. The two employees were awarded $150,000 each.

The Ministry of Labour is now urging employers to comply with the Labour Laws and this would save time and money.

Over the years, the Labour Ministry has continued to vigorously pursue initiatives to ensure that workplaces become safer for employees. In March, the Ministry observed Occupational Health and Safety Month under the theme “Health and Life at Work: A Basic Human Right.” (GINA)