Moore gives guidance on vacation leave during pandemic

As the start of a 15-day lockdown approaches, General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) Toni Moore is reminding workers that only by agreement between themselves and their employers are they expected to proceed on annual holiday where less than 14 days has been given.

In a statement, Moore said although employees may not be forced to proceed on vacation with less than 14 days notice, they may, through or after discussion with the employer, be convinced of the value in agreeing to use the mandatory period of tightened restriction for vacation purposes.

“It is the view of the BWU that going forward, the approach to sick leave must change. Extraordinary paid sickness benefit entitlements must be extended to ensure workplace safety. As previously stated, employees who are required to quarantine should not have to contemplate being paid or being forced to surrender entitlements under existing sickness and holiday provisions. These gaps in protection may in some instances threaten public health, as workers may be compelled to continue earning even though they may be experiencing known symptoms of the disease, thereby presenting possible threat to others in the workplace,” she said.

Moore said her union is also repeating earlier calls for documentation from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and Medical Practitioners, that would support the recommendation for employees to quarantine. She said, similarly, employees should receive confirmation of negative tests, which are to be submitted to employers before they can be allowed to return to work from quarantine or isolation.

She said the Union rejects any notion that because employers may have facilitated testing for staff, that these results should be sent to the employer first.

“In recent weeks, we have had to address instances where employers were notifying workers that it is safe for them to return to work from quarantine, although no proof of negative tests results has been received by the employee. Employers must not seek to undermine the objective of prioritizing safety at work above all else,” Moore said. (AH)