Roadtown, Tortola - Labour Consultant for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and its Department of Labour Mr. Clive Pegus has identified seven areas of concerns gathered from his Territory-wide consultations. 

The consultant identified the areas after holding extensive consultations and meetings with various stakeholder organisations in the Territory including the V.I. Civil Service Association, BVI Bar Association, Contractor’s Association of the Virgin Islands Limited, BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, BVI Charter Yacht Society, BVI Christian Council, BVI Registered Agents Association as well as several Government ministers, department heads and private individuals.

The areas identified by the consultant are flexible working arrangements as it relates to job functions and hours of work; term limits and other related issues surrounding work permits; the registration, recognition and certification of trade unions; equality of treatment for migrant workers; occupational health and safety, protection of children and young persons in the work place and the administration of the labour code.

These areas were also widely discussed during the various public meetings held on the mainland of Tortola and the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. 

Other concerns expressed by residents during the recently concluded public meetings were the rights of employees in the work place, proper administration and enforcement of labour code, the enforcement of the labour commissioner’s powers, victimisation, employer’s right, vacation and sick days.

The Labour Consultant said he found the public meetings to be useful as they “crystallized the issues of public concern with respect to the labour market and the labour code.”

From the public and private consultations, a discussion paper reflecting the common and divergent views voiced by all the stakeholders on the principles, standards, areas and options for policy development will be drafted for submission to the Minister for Natural Resources and Labour.  This will be followed by the submission of a legislative brief for Cabinet’s consideration.

The final phases of the labour code reform will conclude with the drafting of the bill which will be done in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Department of Labour are encouraging persons who were unable to attend any of the public meetings to email their written concerns, suggestions and comments to Mrs. Stephanie Williams, Executive Secretary, Labour Code Review Secretariat to the email address SWilliams@gov.vg by Friday, May 29.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Department of Labour are committed to producing a labour code that facilitates legitimate interest of employers, employees and the territory at large to provide a system of efficient, effective labour administration.