Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste has pledged a unified, decisive approach to addressing workers’ issues, promising fair wage settlements, legislative reform, and stronger social protection in his first Labour Day message since assuming office.
Baptiste, the former Public Services Association president, said the Government would begin settling outstanding wage negotiations at no less than ten per cent for the 2014 to 2019 period.
“This Government has heard the cries of workers at Board of Inland Revenue, the Customs and Excise Division and the Water and Sewerage Authority,” he said, referencing decisions to halt the TTRA Act and scrap the WASA Cabinet Sub-Committee report.
“Too many workers still face job insecurity, too many families are struggling with the rising cost of living… let me assure you today, you are being heard.”
Baptiste said the Workers’ Agenda would introduce a living wage, reduce contract labour, and establish protections for domestic workers and farmers. He also promised social benefits such as housing and health plan access.
He announced that the Industrial Relations Act would be the first of several outdated labour laws to be modernised, and reaffirmed plans to re-establish the National Tripartite Advisory Committee and guarantee union representation on all statutory boards.
“The future that the Government has envisioned is one that requires an all hands-on deck approach… a willingness to have open and frank discussions, coupled with strong and decisive actions,” he said.