THE TRIPARTITE Labour Advisory Committee (LAC) is expected to make a final decision on how worker should be defined in the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act (LRIDA), when it meets again next week.
At the last LAC meeting, May 3, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Donald Buchanan, gave the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) and the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) two weeks to reach a consensus on the issue. The parties have reached consensus on a definition, which is to be sent to the Minister for his approval, sources tell The Gleaner. It is expected to be approved by the LAC when it meets again on June 1.
Vice-president of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), Dwight Nelson said the definition, which was supported by the unions and the employers, would cover contract workers, including security guards and would clearly deal with contracts for and of employment.
"Basically, we and the employers are agreed. There are only a couple legal points left to be straightened out," Mr. Nelson said.
National Workers Union (NWU) president Clive Dobson, who led the chorus to amend the current definition to include contracted workers, said there was a common understanding between the parties. But, he said, the proposal would be subject to the Minister's and LAC approval.
The present definition of worker in the Act does not include contracted workers, a situation which has prevented a number of these workers, especially security guards, from gaining union representation.
An attempt was made by a Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament to get consensus between the unions and the employers on the matter but, after that failed, Mr. Buchanan suggested they retain the status quo. The JCTU, led by the NWU, has however opposed the suggestion. The unions had threatened to take their case to the Bar of Parliament, if the Minister went ahead with his suggestion.
The JSC of Parliament, which studied proposals for amending the LRIDA, has already tabled its report in the House and a debate is expected soon on the proposals.
