By Sue-Ann Wayow
MEMBER of Parliament for Couva South Rudranath Indarsingh is once again calling for policies to be put in place for the working population in relation to Covid-19.
He made the call on Tuesday as certain sectors of the economy are re-opening.
He asked if persons will now be hired based on vaccination as opposed to skill and qualification.
Indarsingh said on one hand, the Opposition notes that employers must seek their interest and protect their employees, customers and investments from the socially and commercially disruptive nature of the virus.
On the other hand, the Opposition also acknowledges that Section 4 of the Constitution, defends the individual citizen’s right to choose, which would extend to the choice of being vaccinated or not.
He said, “The need for a wholesome, considerate Industrial Relations policy that reflects both the interest of the employer and the individual right of the employee is needed, not just in Trinidad and Tobago, but globally.”
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has advised that each country consider its own prevailing legal framework as it determines a way forward, he said.
It was not shocking but “disgustingly evident” that Government has not yet set a policy foundation on how unvaccinated employees should be integrated into the workplace.
Indarsingh asked, “Will we now see where unvaccinated employees, who have been loyal to the companies for which they work, will be side-lined because they exercised their choice to not be vaccinated? Are we going to see companies hire workers, not based on their merit, but based on their vaccination status?”
Adding that the public sector was the largest employer of workers, he asked about the State’s policy regarding the recruitment of new employees within the public service who are not vaccinated.
If not handled properly, the issue will cause immense industrial relations turbulence, the former union leader said.
Such problem may include a floodgate of Industrial Relations grievances to the Ministry of Labour and the Industrial Court, he said.
He further asked if there was any consultation with Government and the private sector, unions and other organisations on the issue.
Indarsingh said, “Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley needs to act in the interest of the employers and employees to create a policy that protects both their interests and to designate State resources towards ensuring these protections.”
