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By Tahna Weston
[email protected]
A document proposing likely amendments to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code has been submitted to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda.
This was done on May 7 by Labour Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin during the weekly Cabinet meeting.
Earlier this week, Sir Steadory announced that after about 50 years, the country’s Labour Code will be revised.
Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Lionel Hurst spoke about the issue on Thursday during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing.
“Yes, the Attorney General actually submitted a paper [on Wednesday, May 7], which contains some likely amendments to the Labour Code. But he recognized and indicated that this is a tripartite undertaking — the unions, the government, as well as the employers.
“As a consequence, before any announcement, he wanted the government officials who were involved to study the paper that had been distributed. So, I’m not at liberty to speak about the contents of the paper, because it was really intended for study by the members of the government team,” Hurst said.
“When that examination is through, I think that what will go to the unions, as well as the employers, will be something that the government side will think is acceptable. Maybe at that point we’ll make an announcement, but the object is really to have all the stakeholders on board before the Labour Code is actually amended.”
The Labour Code was passed in 1975 and since then there has not been any review of the comprehensive legal framework that governs employment, employment standards and industrial relations in the country.
Sir Steadroy stated that input has been received from various individuals who aim to review the code and update it for the 21st century.
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