Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 18, 2019 (SKNIS): The inclusive measures implemented by the Federal Ministry of Labour in St. Kitts and Nevis to enhance labour administration and strengthen industrial harmony have been praised by stakeholders. Labour administration is defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as public administration activities in the field of national labour policy.
More than 80 persons from St. Kitts and Nevis representing the tripartite parties – employers, workers, and the government – met at the Ocean Terrace Inn on Thursday (October 17, 2019) for the 3rd Annual National Conference on Labour. The participants, who were supported by the Deputy Director of the ILO Caribbean Office, Lans Johansen, spent the day considering the “Future of Work” in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Andrew Satney, Executive Director of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said “Our relationship with the Ministry of Labour and several other government departments has been quite outstanding and I commend the Ministry for … involving us in everything.”
The Chamber and workers’ representatives have made key contributions to the recent drafting of the Labour Code and review of the minimum wage.
The Chamber’s executive director stated that he was looking forward to the updating of labour-related legislation which will ensure that efficiencies in the workplace can lead to increases in productivity, allowing businesses to grow.
Sydney Bridgewater, President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNTLU), spoke on behalf of the workers as the head of the largest union in the federation.
He said, “Indeed our union is pleased to have a seat [on] the Tripartite Committee, and at this stage we are looking forward to the continued work of helping to fine-tune the relevant details of the Labour Code document, which seeks to put forward the proper legislative framework that … is critically important for governing the labour industrial relationship between employers and employees.”
