Madam Speaker, I wish today to address the current controversy that has arisen as a result of the recent ruling of the Supreme Court on the employment status of Security Guards.
Some of the comments appear to be calling into question the role and function of the Ministry of Labour, and the Minister with whom portfolio responsibility lies. The comments are well intentioned.
The fact is that the court has determined that all Security Guards are employees and not Independent Contractors. This, Madam Speaker, is a matter that has been debated for many years, in fact, the issue has existed for over 30 years.
I empathize with the concerns of the Security Guards. Many are understandably concerned about how the new arrangements will affect not only their job security, but how they will impact considerations for the years of service already given. Bear in mind, Madam Speaker, that many have been working for periods of 10, 20 years, or more.
Madam Speaker, since late last year the matter relating to the rights and benefits of Security Guards has come into sharp focus in this Parliament and in the general public.
Let me explain the process. If a Security Guard believes he/she has been denied any worker-related benefits, that Guard can attend one of the Ministry’s offices island-wide to lodge a complaint or seek guidance, in fact, we have on record 88 Security Guards who chose to lodge formal complaints.