In a significant step towards fostering a just and equitable working environment for all Guyanese, the Ministry of Labour hosted a comprehensive seminar on Guyana’s labour laws earlier this week.
The event, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal, attracted more than 300 employers and employees from both the public and private sectors, enhancing their understanding of rights and responsibilities within the workplace.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton addressed attendees, commending their commitment to learning about the labour laws. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding employees’ rights and ensuring compliance across all sectors. “The Government of Guyana remains unwavering in its commitment

to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair labour practices across all sectors. No employer is above the law; we uphold equal standards for both private and public-sector entities,” stated Minister Hamilton.
Highlighting the ministry’s three core pillars—capacity building, human development, and workers’ rights protection—the minister outlined their critical role in creating a fair and supportive work environment. He also underscored the importance of workplace safety and adherence to the Occupational

Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:06, advocating for a culture of safety to ensure employees return home safely each day.
Minister Hamilton encouraged participants to engage continuously with the ministry through various training and awareness programmes aimed at strengthening workplace practices. He also urged them to explore skills-training opportunities offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) to better equip workers for the evolving industries in Guyana.

The seminar covered key aspects of labour legislation, including the National Minimum Wage, probationary periods, paid leave, workplace safety and health, overtime payments, severance pay, termination of employment, inspections, record-keeping, and reporting incidents of child labour.
Over the past three years, the ministry has hosted a total of 20 seminars nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to empowering both employers and employees. Notably, 14 of these seminars were conducted in 2024 alone, representing a 55 percent increase compared to the previous year. Collectively,

these seminars have engaged 538 businesses across Guyana, employing a total of 28,481 workers.
The Ministry of Labour’s ongoing efforts highlight its dedication to fostering compliance, collaboration, and education, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and informed workforce in Guyana.