Flexi-Work Arrangements Critical to Economic Growth – Labour Minister

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Derrick Kellier has reiterated that the implementation of flexible working arrangement is an important measure in the Government’s thrust towards continued economic growth, and increasing productivity and global competitiveness.

The Employment (Flexible Work Arrangements) (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill, which has been already been tabled by the Minister, is to be debated in Parliament by September.

Speaking at a forum and workshop on ‘Material Business Issues : Labour Relations and the International Monetary Fund’ hosted by law firm, DunnCox at the Wexford Hotel in Montego Bay on Thursday, June 5, Minister Kellier said the bill will pave the way for the wholesale implementation of flexi-work by removing legal impediments in several existing legislation.

Amendments are therefore being made to: The Shops and Offices Act and Regulations, which impose restrictions on the opening and closing hours of shops; the Towns and Communities Act; the various Minimum Wage Orders; the Holidays with Pay Act, and the Women (Employment of) Act, which places restrictions on the ability of women to work at nights.

Minister Kellier noted that the proposed changes do not mean that all companies or employers will be obliged, or forced, to implement such work arrangements. However, means is that legal impediments are being removed to give employers the option to determine whether flexible work arrangements will be beneficial, to their organisation.

As such, Mr Kellier emphasised that flexible work arrangements will only be successful if employers and workers are able to negotiate the terms of employment, such as working hours and working days.

In the current arrangements, neither party can vary the terms of an existing employment contracts. The forum and workshop attracted attorneys-at-law, notaries public, patent and trade mark agents, and employers from Montego Bay and surrounding areas.