Minister Charles Names New IDT Chairman
October 9, 2009The Full Story
Attorney-at-law, Noman Wright Q.C. has been appointed as the new chairman of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT).
The announcement was made by Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Pearnel Charles, in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (October 6), as he piloted a Bill amending the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act (LRIDA) which will, finally, allow non-unionised workers access to the IDT.
“We believe that the wealth of legal experience which Mr. Wright has garnered will be an asset to the IDT, and will increase its capacity to offer quality service to the Jamaican workforce,” Mr. Charles told the House.
He said that Mr. Wright’s reputation of being “fair and thorough” should also increase confidence in the impartiality of the Tribunal.
Mr. Charles said his Ministry has also discussed with the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), the possibility of appointing Clinton Davis, a former deputy chairman of the IDT, and Charles Jones, former Chief Personnel Officer in the Office of the Services Commission, as deputy chairmen of the Tribunal.
“Collectively, these men will offer their expertise to the IDT and assist in improving the efficiency of the Tribunal,” Mr. Charles said.
Mr. Wright’s appointment became effective on October 1. Mr. Jones and Mr. Davis are likely to be appointed on November 1. Mr. Davis is expected to deal specifically with the non-unionised workers’ issues.
Mr. Charles said that these developments are part of his ministry’s efforts to strengthen the IDT, to effectively respond to major changes anticipated with the new provisions of the LRIDA currently before Parliament. These provisions will allow the Minister to appoint more deputy chairmen to facilitate the establishment of more panels to hear disputes, and allow for the expeditious settlement of disputes.
The former chairman of the IDT was trade unionist Donovan Hunter. Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Anthony Irons, is the current Deputy Chairman.