By Sue-Ann Wayow
WITH the re-opening of several sectors scheduled for October 11, the business sector is calling for the draft workplace Covid-19 vaccinations policy from the Ministry of Labour.
Several chambers of commerce have noted an increase in vaccinations following the announcement that only fully vaccinated persons will be allowed into particular areas.
In a joint press release on Tuesday, by AMCHAM T&T, the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Trinidad & Tobago Coalition of Service Industries, and the Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers Association (the Joint Chambers) said the increase was encouraging news.
On Monday, the joint chambers along with other stakeholders met with Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis and again expressed support for the safe zone concept and committed to working closely with the Government and other stakeholders to successfully implement the plan.
The Joint Chambers stated, “As acknowledged by all parties, there are still details of the implementation of the safe zone plans, and the associated employment issues, that need to be fully resolved. The Joint Chambers committed to working with all stakeholders to make this a reality.”
The joint chambers also expressed support for the draft workplace Covid vaccination policies that had been developed by the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee, which were presented at the meeting by the Ministry of Labour. The joint chambers joins with the Trade Union Federations in calling for the “draft policy [to be] finalised, circulated, and tabled for implementation” as a matter of urgency.
The draft workplace vaccination policy includes proposals for the introduction of additional regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Employers have a duty of care to their employees, customers, and other visitors under the OSH Act.
“It is therefore imperative that employers are given clear guidance about any specific vaccination requirements that they could reasonably be expected to implement, in response to the specific level of risk that exists in their facilities,” the joint chambers stated.
