Guyana Stores given 3 weeks to fix labour, other infractions
Local department store Guyana Stores Limited (GSL) is in hot water after it was flagged by the Social Protection Ministry for various infractions, including unsafe and insanitary working conditions.
Guyana Stores Limited flagged for labour, other infractions
Following a workplace inspection carried out by the Ministry on February 13, the company was given an ultimatum to rectify the breaches that were unearthed.
According to the Ministry on Wednesday, the inspection was carried out by Minister with responsibility for labour, Keith Scott, who observed the infractions of the Labour Act, Chapter 98:01 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:10.
Among the breaches were the absence of a Health and Safety Policy, the absence of required records such as accident and wages registers which are mandated by law to be kept by employers, and a failure to have a fire extinguisher in the workplace.
“Most disturbing of all the breaches were the unsafe and insanitary working conditions which obtained. For example, there were holes in the walls of the ablution area which also had stagnant water on the floor, posing a danger to the health and safety of employees; non-functioning toilets and few working fans and light,” the Ministry outlined in a missive.
It went on to say that in addition to oral advice to remedy all observed breaches, the management of Guyana Stores was issued with a written ultimatum to correct the infractions within three weeks beginning February 15, or face prosecution.
On this note, the Ministry issued a stern warning to businesses on upholding the labour laws.
“The Ministry of Social Protection wishes to reiterate that it has no intention to compromise with the health and safety of the nation’s workforce and will do everything possible to enhance workers’ protection,” the statement added.
In light of Guyana Stores Limited being flagged for various infractions and now being asked to correct them, other employers are being encouraged to enhance the level of social protection which they provide to their employees.
