With the aim of enlightening the Labour Department of the struggles that domestic workers face in their working environment, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Red Thread held a special meeting with Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott on Tuesday.
Some of the issues raised were sexual harassment, non-payment of wages, ill treatment of employees and non-compliance with labour laws.
The Minister stated that Government’s policy is to have a stable industrial climate and operate within the realm of the law, highlighting that this is within the best interest of both the employer and employee.
Minister Scott also noted that his department will continue to enforce strict
Some of the persons present at the meeting
compliance measures with employers for the protection of every worker’s rights. In stating that the Department of Labour must be respected and that the labour laws must be upheld, Minister Scott promised that all grievances put forward at the meeting would be addressed. He also took the time to applaud Red Thread for their involvement in the pertinent issue.
“I applaud the work that Red Thread has been doing from its inception. It is an example that somebody can stand up, not only for women but generally for the disadvantaged and vulnerable in the society. For too long the disadvantaged and vulnerable did not have a voice and it is commendable to see organisations partnering with the Government to give recognition and support to those persons” he stated.
Subsequently after the meeting concluded, a meeting was held with senior labour officials and labour officers. Issues that rose out of the Red Thread meeting were discussed, with the aim being to resolve and correct those issues. Another objective of the meeting was to find resolutions on how to strengthen the relationship between workers, NGOs and the Government.
Red thread is renowned for its service to women and children who have been exploited. Coordinator of the NGO, Karen de Souza, noted that the organisation is working to strengthen ties with the Government in order to establish the parameters in which her NGO could operate. De Souza stated that she welcomed the discourse with the Minister, where she was not only able to represent the workers but to also address other grievances. She is optimistic that the concerns highlighted will be effectively addressed in the near future.
