The Labour Act is in need of an update

Aug 06, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

The recent issues raised over the failure of private sector companies to pay NIS for their employees prompted CRG to review the current Labour Act of Guyana. The Ministry of Labour should also review and update the Labour Act. There is no provision in the current act that makes the necessary requirements to protect workers’ retirement by ensuring pension benefits.

The increasing expansion of the private sector should be met with increased cooperation in the joint development of the necessary provisions. It is great to see that the President has taken interest in the current problem, but we must also ensure the necessary laws are reinforced. Updating the Labor Act to close the gaps in worker protections and to reflect the changes in the economy is a good step forward towards beneficial progress for worker rights.

Best regards,

Jamil Changlee

• CRG, Jamil Changlee, Ministry of Labour, NIS, provisions