ACHIEVEMENTS: Ministry of Labour
SOME ACHIEVEMENTS IN MINISTRY OF LABOUR UNDER THE PEOPLE’S PARTNERSHIP GOVERNMENT:
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has
successfully settled more than 83 wage negotiations
within the State sector in less than 56 months.
In direct fulfillment of the promise by the Government
manifesto document of 2010, partnered with labour
unions to build a productive nation putting workers
at the centre.
For the first time in 45 years, the salaries of PTSC
workers are in line with other statutory authorities.via
a $90 million settlement between the PTSC and the
union. This Government is committed to partnering
with all sections of the national community to build a
better Trinidad and Tobago.
Increased the Minimum Wage, Maternity Leave,
Maternity grants and NIS.
Increased grants for special maternity, retirement,
sickness, invalidity, survivors and employment injury
benefits. Benefits would be increased 25 per cent in
2013 and 20 per cent in 2014.
Launched National Business Incubator System (IBIS)
to provide a unique mix of business development
support, infrastructure, operational and financial
assistance that will assist in the growth and success of
new and existing micro and small enterprises.
Stakeholder consultation to inform new legislation to
replace the Workmen’s Compensation Act, Chapter
88:05.
Repeal of the Masters and Servants Act and a
proposed increase in maternity leave from 13 to 14
weeks.
Launch of FairShare Programme, establishing set
and preferential arrangement for public sector
opportunities up to $1 million for qualifying micro
and small enterprises and co-operatives.
Establishment of a Working Committee for a Heroes
Park and Museum in Fyzabad to honour great leaders
of the labour movement. The first public consultation
was held in April 2012.
Establishment of a Steering Committee for Action
against Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
in the Workplace, which will oversee the
conduct of a National Study on Discrimination
and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.
Reconstitution of the National Productivity Council
which will focus on all matters pertaining to
productivity, quality and competitiveness.
Establishment of a Standing National Labour Market
Council which will advise on matters relevant to the
efficient collection, processing, dissemination and
utilisation of Labour Market Information.
Establishment of an Industrial Relations Advisory
Committee to advise the Minister on matters relating
to industrial relations.
Hosted a National Youth Employment Forum,
“My work…my future…my life”, which focused
on increasing access of youth to decent work
opportunities.
Hosted the Distinguished Lecture Series for the
International Year of Co-operatives 2012; a seminar
was held on “Rebuilding Economies: Strengthening
Credit Unions for this Responsibility”.
Brokered the finalization of the salary wage
agreements with the S&WWTU for the 2008 -2011
Industrial Agreement.
Signing of an agreement between the PSA and Civil
Aviation that was outstanding for more than 10 years.
Increased minimum wage from $9.00 to $12.50.
Establishment of the HIV/AIDS Advocacy and
Sustainability Centre.
Secured Titular Seat on the Governing Body
of the ILO.
Increase in lending limited to $500,000
by the National Entrepreneurship.
Development Company Limited.
600 Developed new Strategic Plan 2011-2015.
Reconstitution of the National Productivity Council.
Commenced process of establishing a Social Dialogue
Process in Trinidad and Tobago.
Introduction of a Labour Advocate Training
Programme.
Reconstitution of the Minimum Wages Board.
Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with 13 organizations ranging from trade unions to
private sector organizations as well as those of the
informal economy to develop workplace HIV/AIDS
policies and programmes.
NEDCO – YTEPP strategic partnership to contribute
to the advancement of the micro and small sectors
(MSE) by assisting in the development of young
Entrepreneurs.
Promotion of more than 200 PTSC drivers from
part-time to full-time.
Is that all the Ministry has done?