IN a proactive move to ensure adherence to the country’s labour laws and foster a harmonious relationship between employers and employees, the Ministry of Labour organised a comprehensive one-day seminar.

The event, held at the Regency Suites Hotel, saw a robust attendance of over one hundred individuals representing sixty-four government ministries, agencies, and private sector entities.

The seminar aimed to enlighten participants on various aspects of workplace legislation, ranging from the national minimum wage to workplace safety and health regulations.

Among the key topics covered were probationary periods, paid leave, overtime payments, severance pay, termination of employment procedures, inspections, record-keeping, and reporting incidents of child labour.

Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Labour, underscored the significance of the seminar, stating that its objective was twofold: to empower individuals with a deeper understanding of their rights as workers and to fortify them against potential future challenges.

Minister Hamilton reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers nationwide, emphasising that adherence to labour laws is imperative for both private and public sector employers.

“Protecting the rights and ensuring the safety of our workers is a paramount responsibility,” Minister Hamilton declared. “Any violation of labour laws will be met with consequences, as the law applies to everyone.”

Highlighting the ministry’s readiness to champion workers’ rights and promote compliance with labour regulations, Minister Hamilton called upon agencies to collaborate closely with the ministry in this endeavor.

Representatives from various prominent organisations such as the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Bureau of Statistics, Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Edward B. Beharry Linden Hospital Complex, National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), National Data Management Authority (NDMA), and others participated in the seminar.

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the Ministry of Labour has successfully attracted over one hundred entities, encompassing government ministries, agencies, and private sector firms, which collectively employ 24,916 individuals, through its educational labour seminars.

The seminar’s comprehensive coverage of vital labour laws and its significant turnout underscore the collective commitment towards fostering a fair and equitable work environment in the country.