BEC renews push for single Labour Code

The Barbados Employers Confederation (BEC) has renewed a long-standing call for a single Labour Code to replace several pieces of labour legislation, following the passage of the Protection of Wages Bill in the House of Assembly.

The renewed appeal comes as employers review the proposed legislation, with the confederation arguing that a Labour Code would simplify the labour framework by eliminating the need to cross-reference numerous laws.

BEC Executive Director Sheena Mayers-Granville told Barbados TODAY that the confederation has been advocating for the introduction of a Labour Code for at least five years.

“That is one comprehensive Labour Code, so we’re not cross referencing different pieces of legislation when it comes to labour. Currently there is no Labour Code and it’s something we’ve actively engaged the government on and we’re hoping that we can see some movement in that direction in the near future.”

The confederation had completed a comprehensive study outlining how a Labour Code could work and had presented its recommendations to the government and representatives of the private sector, Mayers-Granville said.

She explained that the proposed code would replace several pieces of labour legislation, including: “Holiday with pay, minimum wage, protection of wages, Shops Act, labour clauses, employment discrimination, employment prevention of sexual harassment, all of those.”

She said consolidating labour legislation into a single code would make it easier for employers and employees to understand their rights and obligations without having to navigate numerous acts.

“I think we reference maybe about 15 to 20 pieces of legislation to eliminate all of that and have 11 codes, one piece of legislation that covers the gamut of labour law. From wages and payment to when persons are leaving the organisation to discrimination, all of that will be encompassed.”

Trade unions also support the code, according to Mayers-Granville who said the confederation hopes to see movement on the initiative in the near future.