PNP supports immediate engagement of security guards in discussion about their upgraded employment status
/ Our Today
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The People’s National Party (PNP) has indicated that it fully supports the position of the security guards who mounted a demonstration on Monday (November 7) to indicate their dissatisfaction with the silence of the Government regarding the landmark decision of the Supreme Court in September 2022 and its implications for all security guards and all contractors who are employed under similar circumstances.
Dr Angela Brown Burke, opposition spokesperson on labour and social security, in expressing solidarity with the security guards, shared: “The right to a 40-hour work week, pension, overtime, sick leave, vacation leave and holiday pay are rights guaranteed to all Jamaican workers under the law.”
Brown Burke highlighted that the court’s ruling in NHT v Marksman Limited has set the precedent that security guards are entitled to these benefits and it is therefore reasonable for all security guards to expect to hear from the Government of Jamaica about their upgraded employment status.
“Our security guards cannot be expected to exercise patience while others who are involved in determining their future show no urgency.”
Dr Angela Brown Burke, opposition spokesperson on labour and social security
She insisted that any discussion towards the expected change in status should include the security guards themselves and/or their appointed representatives.
“Our security guards cannot be expected to exercise patience while others who are involved in determining their future show no urgency,” said Brown Burke.
She is calling dor the Government to include consideration of compensation for back pay for these workers who for years have been denied basic workers’ rights and to move immediately to include them in any ongoing discussions about their upgraded status. The Opposition spokesperson is also urging the entire security industry to adopt the necessary changes in keeping with the court ruling.
READ:
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