The following is the unedited address of the Minister of Labour in Anguilla, Mr. Walcolt Richardson. It was delivered as part of the observance of Labour Day in Anguilla on Tuesday, May 1st, 2012.
A Happy Labour Day to all…
Labour Day has been celebrated throughout the world since 1889. However, it was not until the 1st day in May 1987 that Anguilla first officially celebrated Labour Day as a public holiday, and continues to do so each year. Labour and all its attendant issues is a matter that is dear to my heart and so it is with much pride that for the third consecutive year since having been elected to office, as Minister of Labour, I present a Labour Day address.
While the public holiday provides us with the opportunity to have fun with our colleagues and friends; we must always be cognizant of the gains made in the workplace as a result of the labour struggle which is the true essence of the celebration. In celebrating this occasion, we also want to pay tribute to our workers for the enormous contribution they are making towards the economic growth and development of this country. Indeed, it is through the combined efforts and hard work of all our people working in the hotel industry at all levels, the construction sector, the fishing industry, the public sector, aviation, sea and land transport, the banking industry, administrative officers, the retail sector, and the agriculture sector that this country has achieved steady progress towards economic growth.
Anguilla is facing the challenges of the global economic crisis and the normal adjustment that come when a national economy is in a stage of recovery. This is not an easy task. To succeed in these endeavours in this current economic environment will take a concerted tripartite effort among the respective entities – Employers, Employees and Government. In other words all groups must work together for a positive outcome.
The Ministry of Labour for the past few months has been consistent in its message that through these difficult times jobs will be protected, and employment opportunities will be provided for all Anguillians. We need to strike a balance between work permit holders and the local workforce. We do not want a draconian work permit policy that could lend itself to further negatives that may indirectly impact related small businesses and enterprises.
Finding the middle ground and in an effort to preserve the limited jobs available for the nationals, it has been recommended that there should be a temporary moratorium on new work permits for certain categories of workers to ensure that job opportunities remain available for Belongers during the ongoing global economic downturn. It is the responsibility of Government to ensure that qualified Belongers are considered for jobs that become open for which they have the necessary skills and experience. The temporary moratorium on new work permits are indefinite and shall remain in effect from May 1st – December 31, 2012 and will be reviewed in respect of the state of the economy at the end of the year.
We cannot deny that the global financial crisis has had a negative effect on Anguilla’s economy and workforce. Malliouhana Hotel and Spa and Brown Hill Communications closed their businesses, thereby resulting in many persons becoming unemployed. The suggested likelihood of pending reduction of staff in some of the other businesses is worrying, as is the very little activity in the construction sector.
The Government will continue to ensure that the economic climate is right for inward investment, that laws that regulate labour are fair and transparent and are applied in a consistent manner, and that protections are in place for workers and employers.
It is the duty of the employer to treat workers with respect and dignity, remunerate workers in a fair and timely manner, provide humane and decent working conditions including adequate periods of rest and relaxation, and not to discriminate, regardless of circumstance.
Workers must be committed to giving a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, reporting to work on time, conducting themselves appropriately on the job, not misusing supplies and material, not wasting time, and generally living up to contracted conditions of their employment.
The tripartite mechanism is of critical importance. Government must set the correct tone for investment and provide the appropriate legal base to manage and regulate the employer-employee relationship. If employers do not provide the appropriate working conditions and remuneration and if workers do not respect the job our entire economic system will be compromised.
The labour laws of Anguilla must be reviewed to ensure the passage of legislation that protects the rights of workers in the modern workplace. It is the Government’s position that much needs to be done legislatively in order to promote our “Anguillian First” agenda, and that resources need to be brought to bear individually and nationally in order to ensure that workers have the right to be unionized without fear of victimization.
The Ministry of Labour continues in its effort to ensure that a Minimum Wage is established in Anguilla. The commitment to a Minimum Wage was published in the Government’s Manifesto which is now the official policy for development. In this regard an advisory council has been established to advise the Minister of Labour on the way forward. It is important to establish this wage in order to ensure that all Anguillians and residents have access to a satisfactory standard of living.
As I conclude, all Anguilla’s workers must be commended for contributing towards the growing success of our country, which has provided opportunities for employment and improved the livelihoods of our people. On behalf of the Government of Anguilla I extend my respect and best wishes to each and every one of you. It was Dr. Robert Schuller -who said “tough times never last, but tough people do.” It will take some time for our country to work through the economic hardships we currently face, but with God’s help and our undying commitment to this country we will be successful in the end.
I wish you all a happy Labour Day. God bless you and may God continue to bless Anguilla.
