NIS addresses workers’ concerns

On March 21, 2021, the Management of the National Insurance Office was made aware that a staff member, whose most recent day at work was March 16, 2021, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Acting Director, Jennifer Hunte said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our staff member and family and wishes are expressed for a speedy recovery.”

It should be noted that the daily cleaning regimen of the National Insurance Office involves the use of a sanitizing agent on all work surfaces. In addition, the COVID-19 safety protocols with respect to the proper wearing of masks, sanitizing and physical distancing are in place.

Management met with staff on March 22, 2021 and notified them of the positive case and advised them of the protocols regarding testing and possible contact tracing. The Acting Director advised she had not received any instruction from the health authorities to close the Office.

On March 23, 2021 some members of staff staged a work stoppage citing various concerns.

Management met with NUPW representatives on March 23, 2021 and advised them of all actions taken following the notification of the positive case, the timelines involved and the daily sanitizing regimen of the Office.

It was agreed that additional sanitizing of the entire Office would be done. This was completed on March 23, 2021 and communicated to all staff.

A concern was also raised about the proximity of workstations for those employees required to work from the Office. Management and staff met with the Covid-19 Monitoring Unit on March 23 and 24, 2021 and work is ongoing in this regard.

The matter regarding the implementation of the flexible working arrangement policy was also discussed. Management advised that flexible working arrangements were already in operation and that employee requests would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

On the issue of the transition to a Statutory Board, a matter which does not fall under the purview of the Acting Director, the NUPW representatives informed Management that this matter was one which they now needed to discuss amongst their membership.

The NIS Acting Director assured the staff and members of the public that the Department remains committed to strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols for a safe place to work and conduct business. (NIS)