Road Town, Tortola - Yesterday marked an historic event in BVI history with the passage of the new Labour Code in the House of Assembly, 35 years after the 1975 Code was passed. Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Honourable Omar W. Hodge, speaking in the House of Assembly, said “We have a fair balance between the interests of employers, employees and the Territory”.

“Provision has been made for equality of opportunity and non-discrimination in employment and the Code also seeks to strengthen the provisions of health and safety at the workplace and that the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour would be empowered to make regulations for specific sectors,” the Minister noted.

He also added that, “The code seeks to strengthen the effectiveness of labour administration by providing for enhanced powers and functions of the Labour Commissioner with increased penalties that reflect contemporary economic conditions”.

The new Labour Code will be Government’s mechanism to address the Territory’s system of labour administration which includes labour disputes, employee health and safety issues and work permit processing.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Department of Labour anticipate that the new Labour Code will allow for the efficient management of the labour market and at the same time address the Territory’s need for migrant workers, while facilitating opportunities for British Virgin Islanders and Belongers.