BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Government is currently working to ensure that those persons who are expected to be laid-off later this year by popular manufacturer, Kajola Kristada, will find meaningful employment across the island.
This comes as the company has informed the Ministry of Labour that it would be closing its doors at the end of this year, which would affect more than 147 employees, many of whom are women who have been working at the company for more than 15 years.
The company, back in April this year, informed the Ministry of Labour that it would be closing its Industrial Site office and several others across the region based on the word from the new owners.
Minister of Labour, Wendy Phipps explained that based on a meeting she had, it was disclosed that the company would only maintain plants closer to its raw materials.
Even as the Ministry of Labour works to provide the affected employees with their severance pay, Minister Phipps confirmed that the company would also take care of them through a gratuitous payment.
The company has long been viewed as one of the most successful employers in the Federation, providing for its employees and receiving positive feedback over the years.
Many readership of SKNVibes would recall the Kajola Employee of the Month Awards, which has been featured prominently on this website.
“... this is not surprising, because all through the 20-plus years that Kajola-Kristada has operated in this country, they have tried and have succeeded in becoming one of the best employers in this Federation.
“And they have basically set the bar very high in terms of other private-sector employers being able to follow…you would recognise [that] of the 147 workers, the majority of them have been with Kajola for more than 15 years,” ” Phipps said.
As many prepare to leave the company, management is providing the necessary psychosocial support for them during the difficult period.
Phipps added that, “We are trying our very best to see where we can do retooling and reequipping and also job readiness support in other forms to ensure that we get these individuals back to work as soon as possible.”
Exit interviews are currently being held with the employees to see where they can best be suited.
