Employment Act to be updated

Although in the early 20th century, oil replaced sugar as the major export of TT, it did not solve the problem with unemployment, said Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, Minister of Labour and Small Enterprise.

Addressing stakeholders today at the 20th National Stakeholder Consultation on the Employment Exchange Act at Radisson Hotel, Port of Spain, Baptiste-Primus said when the sugar industry declined and slavery and indentureship ended, unemployment became widespread.

“This was coupled with bleak living and working conditions in the colony of TT in 1900. The working population sought opportunities in other islands of the Caribbean and many migrated to the neighbouring territories.

“This massive migration resulted in a labour shortage on the island just around the time this ordinance was introduced. At the same time, those who remained on the island continued to demand work, adult suffrage and ultimately called for the self-governance of TT.”

Baptiste-Primus said the labour movement gained momentum and strength during that period as organised trade unions were formed amidst the growing demand for political expression, deteriorating living standards, unjust labour practices and increased unemployment.

She said the government’s commitment was to ensure this country did not perpetuate the past and have those kind of disturbances and incidences towards the labour force repeat itself.

“When we at the ministry looked at the genesis of the act, which was birthed in the UK, we found that labour exchanges were introduced in their country in 1909 by the Labour Exchange Act. Labour exchanges were established to provide an easy method of allowing employers to advertise their jobs and for those unemployed persons to find work. This method was used to address the chaos in the labour market in the UK at that time.”

Baptiste-Primus said throughout the years, the Labour Exchanges Ordinance of 1919 underwent minimal changes.

In 1925, the Ordinance Chapter 149 did not differ in any material aspect from the 1919 ordinance and in 1940, the Ordinance changed the name of the Labour Exchange to a Labour Bureau and was renamed the Labour Bureau Ordinance.

“In 1961, the Legislative Council moved to amend the Labour Bureau Ordinance with another name change and it was then referred to as ‘Employment Exchange,’ which was then considered to be the modern term at that time.

“Having become newly Independent, TT moved to have the ordinance change to the Employment Exchange Act, Chap. 88:09, which we are here to consult on today.”

Baptiste-Primus said the act had not been updated since 1961, and has been largely absent from the debates of the Parliament over the years, and research has also shown that there has been no recorded major public interest in the act either.

“TT must adhere to our international obligations. Under the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Employment Policy Convention 1964 (no. 122), which TT ratified on September 19, 2013, Article 1 states that we must stimulate economic growth and development, by raising levels of living, meeting manpower requirements and overcoming unemployment and underemployment.

“Therefore, each member shall declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment.”

Baptiste-Primus said the ministry recognised that, in the present labour climate, the act’s relevance and importance is enhanced and as such, must be updated to catch up with the 21st century.

She said many citizens have been retrenched or dismissed owing to economic necessities.

“We are also faced with many graduates for whom employment will be found, the ability to acquire suitable employment to utilise their specific skills. At the same time, we hear that many employers are desperately seeking workers.

“There is a need therefore, for government to continue to fulfil its mandate and link job seekers with employers through the NES (National Employment Service) Unit making the platform easier for attaining the right work standards.”

Baptiste-Primus said the presentations would highlight the various ways the ministry considered the act needed to be amended and updated.