A WORKING group of the tripartite Labour Advisory Committee (LAC) is to meet on Thursday to discuss proposals for a flexible work week.
Ministry of Labour and Social Security sources are optimistic that they will iron out the only remaining issue -- the length of the work day.
A proposal by the Ministry, if accepted could see employees working up to a maximum 12 hours per day without overtime pay under flexitime. But, with the proposal for a 40-hour work week to be maintained, workers would be able to complete a week's work in three and one-third days, after which they would qualify for overtime or the employer would replace them with a second shift.
The trade unions are suggesting that either the current eight hours per day be maintained or a maximum 10 hours per day instituted. The employers had two different positions. While the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) said that it could live with either the Government's or the trade unions' proposal, the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) wants unlimited work hours per day.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Anthony Irons, who chairs the working group which was appointed by the LAC to study the matter, said that an eight-hour work day was totally out of the question. However, he said he expected that the parties will reach a compromise by Thursday, so that the proposals can be sent to the Cabinet for final approval next month.
Parties to the discussions say that despite the failure to reach agreement on the work day hours, a number of issues had been resolved by the working group. These include basic agreement on the introduction of a flexible work week; that Saturdays and Sundays form part of the normal work week; that the work week will be a maximum of 40 hours; and for amendments to several Acts to facilitate the necessary changes.
The pieces of legislation to be amended are: the Town and Communities Act; the Shops and Offices Acts and regulations; the Apprenticeship Act; the National Minimum Wage Order 1975; the Holiday With Pay Order; the Women (Employment of) Act; and the Minimum Wage (Garment Marketing Trade) Order.
The LAC is also to meet with Church leaders to clarify their concerns about Sunday work after next Thursday's meeting. The LAC is comprised of representatives of the Ministry, employers and trade unions and meet regularly to discuss proposals affecting the labour sector.
