1,273 workplace complaints lodged at Labour Dept. in 2019.

– 886 investigated and closed

– Stricter workplace inspection to be enforced

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, January 8, 2020.

The Ministry of Social Protection’s Department of Labour has investigated and closed 886 of the 1,273 workplace complaints it received in 2019.

This was disclosed by Minister with responsibility for Labour, Hon. Keith Scott in an interview with DPI.

“The closure of those investigation yields a recovery of $45Million, which would have been otherwise denied the complainants. The closure also resulted in complainants being awarded leave with pay which were hitherto being denied,” the minister explained.

He added that the investigations served as a learning experience for employers and employees who were unaware of the extent of the labour laws.

“We urged the public to report any workplace incidents or matters because it will also put these organisations on the record for thorough investigation and inspection. There are several methods designed to promote employer’s compliance with the labour laws,” Minister Scott said.

Every workplace inspection will entail an examination of the physical environment, wages book, leave with pay records, and reviews of the terms and conditions of employment to ensure conformity with the norms and practices.

“For 2019, a total of 1441 inspections spanning the entire spectrum of industrial activities were conducted, with all infractions of the labour laws highlighted to the employers who took remedial action to promote compliance,” the minister noted.

He said the labour department would be even more active this year with the oil and gas industry coming on stream. According to the minister, there will be extensive and frequent examinations of contracts, workers rights, health and safety, and the introduction of trade unions.