Efforts continue for a new Labour Code in St. Kitts and Nevis

Work is continuing for the adoption of a new Labour Code for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. As such, a broad-based committee has been appointed to submit final proposals.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour, the Hon. Sam Condor informed Cabinet on Monday that he had earlier sought the intervention of the Director of the Caribbean Office of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in the identification and dispatching of a legal consultant with the appropriate skillset and experience to assist St. Kitts and Nevis in the review of its Labour Code.

Minister Condor informed the Cabinet that he had charged the consultant, Mr. Clive Pegus, with the examination of the current Labour Code to identify gaps when viewed against international standards, a task he undertook by way of consultation over a three-week period with a number of local stakeholders.

During his weekly Post-cabinet briefing, Minister of Information, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty said the new Labour Code will result in a change in the business environment consequent upon the shift from preferential market arrangements to trade liberalisation and open competition, and the demise of the sugar industry.

the discussion of the consultant’s report was led by Labour Minister Condor who said some of the subject matters of high priority for his Ministry include the establishment of an independent tribunal for the settlement of labour disputes, the reform of the severance fund to improve its sustainability, transparency and efficiency of operation, hours of work and related entitlement, holiday pay: how it ought to be identified and calculated; uncertified sick leave, and termination of employment; among others.

Mr. Carty said Cabinet approved the appointment of a broad-based committee consisting of representatives from the government and civil society to review the consultant’s recommendations and to put forward final proposals for enactment of a new Labour Code.