‘Insist on contracts before working’ – Min. Keith Scott advises miners

– issue raised at NTC conference

– “We will go after those attempting to rob you, and we can take them to court or take other necessary actions”

DPI, Thursday, July 19, 2018

Miners across the regions are being advised to sign employee contracts guaranteeing payment, before proceeding to work with dredge owners.

This guidance was given by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott at the National Toshaos’ Conference being hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Several toshaos at the meeting raised the issue of residents within their communities not receiving salaries after working for months in various mining camps.

A number of complaints were received from other miners as well, the minister clarified, adding that his ministry was able to dispatch workers into several mining camps to conduct further investigation into the matter.

According to Minister Scott, the enquires revealed that nine out of ten miners employed at the various campsites, began working without signing contracts. “…before you work you need to have a contract signed.”

He added, “if you have a contract and you do the work and you are not paid; then we, at the Labour Ministry, will go after those attempting to rob you, and we can take them to court or take other necessary actions.”

In re-emphasising that the miners and other workers need to ensure they sign all contracts before proceeding any work relations with dredge owners, the minister noted that only then will the ministry will be in a position to adequately represent labourers.

By: Crystal Stoll