Out of the 912 grievances reported to the Ministry of Labour in 2023, a noteworthy portion emanated from employees within the private security industry. This was disclosed by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, during his recent year-in-review press conference.
Hamilton articulated, “In the security (sector) and other places people work forever. Years (pass) and they haven’t got seven days (off) yet for one year.”
During 2023, the ministry also said it successfully reclaimed $69 million owed to employees, encompassing salaries, annual leave, and severance pay. This figure signifies a notable 22 percent surge from the previous year.
The minister conveyed that out of the 912 employee complaints received in 2023, 85 percent have been resolved, with a commitment to address the remaining 15 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
The recuperated $69 million forms part of the total $160,425,575 million owed to employees from 2020 to 2023. These funds addressed overdue wages, annual leave, notice periods, overtime payments, and severance benefits.
Hamilton commented, “We are glad that we were able to recoup at least up to this moment $69M for ordinary people.”
Furthermore, it was noted that in 2023, the ministry filed 32 cases in magistrates’ court on behalf of employees. These cases encompass issues such as failure to pay minimum wage, salary discrepancies, and denial of annual leave. Hamilton affirmed, “We have taken people to court and we will continue.”
Out of the filed cases, judgments have been delivered in 21, while the remaining 11 are still pending resolution. In the pursuit of ensuring decent employment and working conditions, the labour department has executed a total of 2,700 workplace inspections across all regions, emphasizing compliance with legal standards governing working conditions.
In addition, Hamilton underscored that the ministry’s relentless efforts to reclaim owed payments mirror the government’s steadfast commitment to upholding workers’ rights, a pledge made since assuming office in 2020.
