“No-work day” confusion

Executive Director of the Dominica Employers Federation Achille Chris Joseph

Private sector workers may have to depend on the goodwill or generousity of their employers if they are to get paid for the “no-work day” advised by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit last week in the face of a threat by Tropical Storm Isaac.

This is because the “no-work day” was not a public holiday which can only be proclaimed by the President of Dominica.

“Legislation and practice in Dominica restrict payment of wages to days when work is done, when statute provides for absences and when absences are authorized, in advance or afterwards, by the employer,” Executive Director of the Dominica Employer Federation, Achille Chris, Joseph said. “In the case of the storm threat to our nation, the Prime Minister advised (not declared or promulgated or proclaimed) that employees remain home to secure their person and property.”

According to Joseph the “no-work day” by the Prime Minister was not a public holiday, which only the President of Dominica can proclaim, and “therefore employees do not have the legitimate claim to receive wages.”

However he was quick to point out that it does not mean workers who remained home will not receive wages. “It means that this is best left to the employer or the employee to agree,” he said.

He noted there is a need for a private sector regime or understanding on “no-work days” which are not public holidays in Dominica. “We can’t go back and forth every time a “no-work day” is called for safety reasons. We need to agree that workers be paid, not paid or partially paid,” Joseph pointed out.

Joseph said the matter will certainly be a topic for discussion at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the DEF.

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118 Comments

  1. Back N neck
    August 28, 2012

    In the absence of transparency there is reasonable cause for speculation and there is obviously a great disconnect between the president’s office and that of the PM. I cannot understand why in this day and age of quick communication there is so much miscommunication or the lack thereof between the office of PM and president. It seems to me that mistrust and resentment maybe the reason why the high offices in the country are on different trails.

    I cannot help but to wonder why the president is being sidelined by the PM on many issues. A man of this caliber and stature ought to be embarrassed and so I believe that Mr Liverpool is quitting and is conveniently using health reasons as an excuse.

  2. Mee J Lee
    August 28, 2012

    Mr. Joseph,
    There are times when it is better to remain quiet.

  3. Anonymous
    August 28, 2012

    I understand what mr joseph is saying,the fact is if such a day can only be declared by the president,then the rule of law should be followed to the T,weather a storm or hurricane came,don’t you get it?

  4. row row row ur boat
    August 28, 2012

    Clearly recollecting that on the 4th of January 2010 Prime Minister Skerrit announced a public holiday on a public platform to celebrate his landslide victory in the general elections held on the 18th of December 2009. NOT the president.It was a indeed holiday.I stay home and water my garden and I got paid. Now if this situation in regards to the pay of employees would have been different based on the fact that no work day was proclaimed by the president and then isn’t what happened back in January 2010 a total contradiction to what this article is implying. Really I don’t even know what to believe when I hear officials talk in this country because you hear one thing you see another. Not because they think they can fool us means we are fools.

    • DOMINICAN
      August 28, 2012

      so that is another reason why we do not need a president too much rigmarow

  5. Humility
    August 28, 2012

    All the Goods in Roseau would not be able to compensate for one life being lost!!
    Instead o0f thanking God for hiding Dominica in the eye of that storm throughout its passage we grumbling!!
    I will talk sometime about God having spoken to Dominica as a nation and our refusal to take note.

  6. Justice and Truth
    August 28, 2012

    So what is this fuss about and who is making the fuss? I have not read anything about employers’ complaints. If they did, surely it should have been posted on DNO.
    The PM gave a day off due to an imminent hurricane so that Dominicans could prepare for the inevitability, should DA have been unfortunate to experience one.
    Now, there are those who are arguing about the day off and who should pay it. Did the employers who were affected by this day off complain? It is their prerogative if they wish to pay their employees for the day off. On the other hand they would be mean not to pay their staff for that day.
    There is a simple solution to this. The staff could make up for it in a different way. They could come early to work and leave later over a period of days, if their employer requires it of them. How often some employees will work extra hours/time and they are not compensated? They should keep a record of the time they worked extra hours and were not paid for it in the event in future such occur.
    My suggestion is since some people lambaste the Prime Minister for announcing the day off, in future, he should either keep quiet or give them the ultimatum to go to work or not, allowing them or their employer to make the decision. In this case they would not complain about being told to take the day off to prepare for the hurricane. There will be some people who will still not be satisfied. One way or the other some of them cannot be pleased. This is un-Christian like.
    The PM did not deserve this flack from those of you complainers and critics.

  7. Back N neck
    August 28, 2012

    Archille you guys should have consulted Parry Bellot on how the shut down would affect “Pro Duck TV Tea.”(lol)
    All you where Parry. I would like to nominate Parry Bellot to assess the impact on “Pro Duck TV Tea” due to Skerrit Bravado and neglect for president .I am sure Parry would use his award winning model to assess the “Pro Duck TV tea” losses :mrgreen: :lol: :lol: .

  8. Work lover
    August 27, 2012

    What brought about this comment by Assille so many days after? Did some one who will not be paid by an employer make a report to DEF? I wonder whether those people who are lamenting that the PM had no right to declare a ” No work day” went to work that day? Or how many of them are willing to forfeit their day’s pay? I went to work that morning and few businesses like shops and supermarkets were opened. Even the bus drivers went to play dominoes and drink rum instead of plying their route. Employers pay your workers because you might lose more than that days pay. Remember there are many more Hurricane seasons; and this one is not over yet.j

    • NONSENSE
      August 28, 2012

      Achilles you must stop the nonsense you doing. If you are for workers you should look to their interest. But as can be seem by your previous actions you are for the Employers. . . wanting to make Sunday a regular working day so they don’t have to pay double time to person that must work. Why don’t you push to make Saturday a regular work day and force the Seventh Day Adventist to turn out to work.. NO>>> because Saturday is the HOLY SABBATH..

      Stop being nonsensical.

    • cynical
      August 28, 2012

      work lover ! i totally agree with you….and if the storm don’t wipe them out, those employees will…iv seen it happen before….so this is for all the business persons out there ..pay your workers pleeezzzzzzzzz cuz if hurricane Issac don’t get you, hurricane disgruntled employees will

  9. as i see
    August 27, 2012

    i wonder wat DEF would be saying if the storm had ravaged Dominica and some people going to work lost their lives. I wonder……..

    • Justice and Truth
      August 28, 2012

      @ as i see

      As broadcasted on the news, you noted what Isaac has done to the Dominican Republic? It is now on its way to New Orleans, U.S.A. Dominicans are fortunate that they escaped Isaac’s wrath. They should be thanking God as well as their employers instead of worrying about a day’s pay. I hope they are not all worrying about it. If Isaac has hit DA they probably would have lost much, more than a day’s pay and probably a few. Who would then pay them?

  10. Anonymous
    August 27, 2012

    What brought up this comment by Assille so many days after? Did someone who will not be paid by an employer make a report to DEF? Also, I wonder how many people who are lamenting that the PM had no right to declare a “no work day” went to work that day or how many of them who did not work are willing to forfeit the day’s pay? I went to work that morning and few businesses like private grocery shops and supermarkets were opened. Even bus drivers went to play dominoes and drink rum instead of driving their buses.

  11. sweet
    August 27, 2012

    I love my pm

  12. God bless DA
    August 27, 2012

    Let us all stop and read our comments that we have written are we no spoiling our country name the country we say we love and can die for, nothing is sweeter than our country? stopping pulling our country down by one pulling one side and the other is pulling another side. Mr telemac is correct with what he said I have work as a teacher and for the summer holiday to get paid you have to do the summer camp class or else get a job for the 2 months that you are not at work I guess if we travel we will know the pros and cons of other countries is not just listening to hear say If you all had listen to the PM he say he and all the officials were at the headquaters of the diseaster preparedness office who know if the PM and the President waz on the telephone at the moment come on let us join our heart ,hand and work together to build our nation is ours it’s not the government own to build let don’t destroy it. let us all pray together to have a happy Dominica.

  13. Query
    August 27, 2012

    So is it confirmed that the PM had absolutely NO communication with the President?

    I understand the concern and the PM may or may not be stepping over his ‘powers’ (for lack of a better word) but at the time he got the advisories and other notifications what options are he left with?

    • me
      August 27, 2012

      i never support pm but he was right …people first it is simple if you can afford to pay your workers for that day then do it,,,if you can not and your staff understand then you have the right people working for you and understand your stuggles

    • A Rithmetic
      August 27, 2012

      It does not take a minute to call the president. Just like he commanded Cecil Joseph to, he too needs to apologise to the presindent. Too much back to front business. He connects too much with the back to back company.

  14. LIKE OR DISLIKE
    August 27, 2012

    Thank God nothing happened.The storm had no impact on us.All those negative comments referring to the PM decision are coming from a set of people that just hate the PM.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      August 27, 2012

      Now, I do not hate the PM. I simple wish that he would exercise his prime ministerial authority and conduct himself in a more dignified and lawful manner as I expect any Prime Minister of Dominica to do as the head of the government.

      Even though Dominica was severely devastated by the storm, it would not have changed the fundamental point that the PM acted ultra vires his authority and conducted himself without observing proper protocol.

      Once again, he may have had good intentions but he demonstrated his intent in the wrong way, without the necessary class and protocol expected of a Prime Minister under the circumstances. In any event, it is time that some people, like you get it. We are not arguing the reasonableness or prudence of the Prime Minister’s decree. Again and again, it is about the way in which things are done. In every situation, there is procedural and substantive correctness.

      Respectfully
      Roseau Valley

      • Justice and Truth
        August 28, 2012

        @ ROSEAU VALLEY

        This time I must inform you, you should conduct yourself in a dignified manner and have respect for the PM. You are lacking it. Some of you have too much mouth, as the saying. It is time to let sleeping dogs lie. What is done is done and cannot be undone. It is water under the bridge which already flowed out to the sea and which you cannot see.
        The next time the PM should keep silent and allow you to go to work. Whatever would occur then, do not blame him. Keep this in mind and in your archives for the hurricane season in 2013.
        It may be that Dominica may get a bad hurricane then because there are too many ungrateful people who love to criticize. They will be punished. It appears to be one of their traits as yourself.

    • Obey de Law.
      August 27, 2012

      They like the sinner, but not the sins. As simple as that.

  15. Laka Gwen
    August 27, 2012

    What a country this is. The man tell all you already Dominica difficult to manage. But then an inefficient manager seeks to blame everybody else before looking at him/her self. Everything is Loosy goosy – whre is the attorney general to advise the PM; what about one of the seven advisors excluding the spiritual advisor; where is Lennox Lawrence, Alick , Tony when the PM is making all those Billy the kid gun slinging decisions.
    How can we expect growth and development when the administration is screwing up on basic matters; mistakes on garbage bib transactions; mistakes on taxes; mistakes on loans from china and the Dominican people are not employed on the projects nor are their major subcontracts for Dominican owned businessess; the Airport Road project short by over million dollars; airport night landing a disaster; the list goes on. If after 14 years in government these guys are not getting it- when will they get it. As I have noted before conventional wisdom shows that after 10 years the performance of a government administration don’t expect performance. In fact we should brace ourselves – the worse is yet to come.

    • Axe to Ass
      August 27, 2012

      You have forgoten the latest addition to the board; the carmel, the meagest of all axe.
      Where ignorance is bliss, it’s folly to be wise.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 28, 2012

      @ Laka Gwen

      Some of them like to project their authority with nothing substantial behind it. It may be that they never expected to be in a certain position which is why they carry-on in that manner. Imagine wasting time to discuss a day off which occurred sometime ago.

  16. The Truth
    August 27, 2012

    I must say that the comments by Mr. Achille is rather unfortunate, as it clearly shows attempts to create confusion for decisions that were non-issues under other administrations, and are non -issues in other countries I may add.

    The fact that we were spared from the storm, those not diminish the possible risk to the lives of our people if the storm had run its course. No employer should view the safety of his/her staff as secondary and challenge the responsibility of the Prime Minister to protect his citizens, by not paying wages.

    IF we have become so reckless and unconcerned about the safety of our people that we encourage profits before people, then I say that it is time to review the rights of employees, in light of those employers who are “bad” corporate citizens.

    Safety should never be compromised so I advise the writer to occupy himself with things that can strengthen DEF and not create unnecessary confusion.

    Commonsense is really not common.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      August 27, 2012

      I think you might be confused. You should have called yourself “false”- definitely not “Truth” for all what you have expressed is actually untrue.

      Mr. Joseph’s comments are on point. His comments compliment what Mr. Curtis Augustus had already explained with regard to Merchant’s holiday on 2nd January. What the man said is the truth. I am sorry that some of us simply cannot handle truth even if we call ourselves truth.

      I must say that your comments are unfortunate, as it clearly show that you cannot handle clarity, truth and perhaps you are more comfortable existing in a world of lies, spin and confusion.
      Why is it that when anyone tries to enlighten the people, he/she is so viciously attacked for trying? Lennox, Matt, and Fontaine have all found themselves faced with law suits and rather than identifying the true enemies, parading as leaders, we blame the messengers.

      Perhaps you are correct that no employer should view the safety of his/her staff as secondary but that does not address the issue.

      It is not we the people (employers/employees) who have become so reckless and unconcerned. No one is advocating negligence with the safety of our people. People are concerned that the PM acted improperly, in breach of protocol and the guidelines of the National Disaster Preparedness Plan

      This has nothing to do with the rights of rights of employees or being a good or bad corporate citizen. It has more to do with the repeated failure of the Prime Minister to follow the laws of Dominica. We cannot continue to compromise the integrity of our laws to allow our Prime Minister to act as he wishes as if we are in a dictatorship.

      With all due respect, you are advised to focus on the issues and the consequential political, socio-economic and legal impact of the irrational statements and conduct of those who profess to be our political leaders and causing confusion in Dominica. Do not blame Mr. Joseph. You contribution bears witness that commonsense is really not common.

      • QUestion
        August 27, 2012

        Roseau Valley,

        If the storm had ran it’s course, and persons were lost their lives either by being covered by landslides or failure to secure their family ( kids or grandparents etc), the above discussion would not have been an issue.

        Mr. Joseph expressed an issue but failed to highlight the fact that even if the law does not adequately address the issue, that a socially responsible cop orate citizen should not deny workers pay, as the matter at hand was the endangerment or non -endangerment of employees.

        So the decision to highlight the matter now, a few days before payday, is as far as I’m concerned is acting as a catalyst for confusion!

        I will reiterate if we had been affected by the storm, this would be a non-issue so in your quest to make issues only about the Prime Minister, I say SAfety of people come first over profits!

        When the lives of citizens may be at stake, what do you say, let them die because it’s only the President that can authorize a holiday.

        BRavo then to you, when you are in the hot seat and the lives of your citizens are in your hands, and you say, I don’t have the authority so let them die.

    • No Probs
      August 27, 2012

      But I see it as educational. Ww need to know our laws. Knowledge is power.

  17. Gary
    August 27, 2012

    When they wanted the president to sign an emergency reprieve so that the senators of salibury and Marigot could contest the illegal Bi-elections that was done in a hurry but they could not get the president to declare a no work day even when they had ample notice of the threatening storm. That tell us how much they really care about people. Their focus is to play politics by trying to promote themselves when they issue a simple cautionary – “yeh yeh yeh see how much we care we gave you a warning “. They were so caught up in trying to get this on their Kairi program that they did not even stop to think that we have a president ( useles as he is ) let us at least make himearn 1/10 th of his pay.

    • "O" STRESS!
      August 27, 2012

      That is why he is leaving. Read thru the lines.

  18. Sarafina!
    August 27, 2012

    FOR DE LAST TIME!!!

    It was NOT a holiday!!! Stop referring to a WEATHER ADVISORY as a holiday. Isaac was lashing Florida yesterday, buses, everything shut down. I have yet to hear one news reporter refer to it as a HOLIDAY.

    Secondly, President Obama didn’t have to give a STATE OF THE UNION address about no work. From the time the Hurricane Center gave their OPINION on where the storm would pass, business places gave notice that they were closing. So all that stupidness people coming and run their mouth about just showing to the whole wide world how idiotic we can act.

    • Eyes wide open
      August 27, 2012

      My dear, the US government and laws are completely different to the Commonwealth of Dominica and its laws. Please stop comparing US to Dominica ok. Under our laws and constitution, this needs to be advised by the President of Dominica. Unless they change the laws saying that it is the PM responsibility or the responsibility of the office of disaster preparedness; then the responsibility remains in with the office of the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Please not that you can find a copy of the constitution online, its a good read.

      • "O" STRESS!
        August 27, 2012

        Tell that to the “PM” he loves using the So called rat race system to his advantage when it pushes his agenda.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      August 27, 2012

      I shall not react too strongly or detailed to your comment as you have already secured over 19 thumps up. The laws of nature may suggest that at least 20 persons must be wiser than the 2 who have given you thumps down. However, in the instant case, the two thumps down make much more sense than the 20 thumps up.

      Therefore, I accept being called a “stupid person who is running my (mouth) fingers on a keyboard and just showing to the whole wide world how idiotic people like you can be with statements like “President Obama didn’t have to give a STATE OF THE UNION address about no work”.

      Who said that anyone asked Mr. Skerrit to make a “State-of-the Union-like address”, which is something that is planned long in advance and is locked into the American political calendar. What you should have noted is that in case of an national disaster or emergency, president Obama would call a press conference from the White House or wherever he is and invite all white House reporters/correspondents from the major news networks or he may advise the media houses of a planned address to the nation (Not a State of the Union address), which would then be broadcasted by different media houses simultaneously, if they so choose to broadcast the address in its entirety or in parts or have it recorded for future broadcast.

      I may not know the media business at the back of my hand like Kamala but this is how it is done

      • Reader
        August 27, 2012

        Thanks a mil. Well explained.

    • grey popon
      August 28, 2012

      Serafina sakwe sort qui ous yeh. “State of the union adress about no work”. You people go overseas and still remain idiots.

  19. Boom!
    August 27, 2012

    For those of you bashing Achille Joseph, wipe the politics off your eyes and smell the coffee. Achille may have said some things in the past but we are now dealing with the present. If the PM knows he cannot declare a public holiday, why didn’t he make it clear in his statement that he is ‘advising’ and not ‘declaring’? He may not have declared it but Dominicans did not need to hear anymore.

    In the US, some jobs allow you to accumulate Paid Days Off (PDO) or some call it Paid Time Off (PTO). However you call it, this can be used in times when you may experience a short fall in your pay. Dominique pas ni sa!! There is no such thing especially for non-salaried workers!! Now, all the salaried workers who running their mouths should be considerate to those non-salaried workers. Government workers and others on salary know that at the end of the month, their salary is the same. What about those who get paid based on how many days they work? Grow a conscience!! Most of you allow selfishness and politics to blind you and make a fool of yourselves. Think of the other people.

    Right now, I would like to know which employers are lining up to pay workers for a day they did not work!! When you find it out, let me know. DNO would be right there!!

  20. Riddim Up !!!
    August 27, 2012

    that man have a problem unno, its the same man that wanted to make sunday a working day….not seeing mr have issues then….let my boss not pay me nuh…. lol lol

    • budman
      August 27, 2012

      and if he/she doesn’t pay you then what? what legal recourse do you have? as usual people talk big when they online.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 28, 2012

      @ Riddim up!!!

      The almighty dollar is speaking and those who love the almighty dollar. He does appear to have a lot of issues. He must find something to talk about.

  21. Devoted Dominican
    August 27, 2012

    Dumb Dominicans, why cant you all understand that a hurricane is an act of god, and that the PM was just being safe by wanting to protect all of you and your properties. You all greedy sets of people does not understand what danger lies in the path of a hurricane and it’s much better to be safe than sorry. So for all of you ignorant stupid dumb people who are blaming the PM, why don’t you all say a prayer for him for he may have saved your worthless lives on that day. DUMB-MINICANS.

  22. resident
    August 27, 2012

    what I really don’t understand about Dominica is that there is something called Dominica Employers Federation and it has executives who gets paid. Why can’t the executive of this federation, make a proposal to amend the labour law and get rid of those ‘grey areas’..instead of arguing and making such charming statements?

  23. Morihei Ueshiba
    August 27, 2012

    Time somebody put skerrit in his place, nonsense mister doing in Dominica. :lol:

    • ?????????????
      August 27, 2012

      You fella I always don’t understand why you so angry and hateful. I have addressed you before on that. Don’t you listen to the news … Well I guess that a State of Emergency be declared in future when we have those occurences. So you would not want to use any opportunity to get back at the PM. I am sure you have not been following lately the weather pattern. Do you remember the Flooding of Canefield down to Coulibistrie on the West Coast. You as an Employer would definitely have no regard for your Wmployee who could not get home as quickly as should be. So discretion should be used if your Employee lives in the Country and commute to town daily. Well those who live close by in town can probably form the skeleton staff for the organisation. Arenot we suppose to work as a team and if the Owner Manager lives in town and close by then they can chip in and workers who live close by can do some work. Aren’t we suppose to keep each others back evenif we don’t work in some departments???

    • LIKE OR DISLIKE
      August 27, 2012

      Ain’t you somebody?Just do it!

  24. UDOHREADYET
    August 27, 2012

    The Prime Minister did the right thing. Employers should simply use this day as a sick day or vacation day without occurrence for their employees. What was done was not in personal self-interest but for personal safety of all Dominicans. Is this even a topic for discussion? Would you prefer being at work not knowing whether you can get back home or have the safety of your children at school in question? Move on, it was the right thing to do. End of story go back to work, move on.

    • ?????????????
      August 27, 2012

      I love that comment. Well said. They want everything from you. They don’t care about your well being but just your service. If I was an Emplyer infact I am in a situation like this I would pay or perhaps use as paid sick days. Do you employees know how many paid sick days you are allowed for a year.? I am sure many don’t know and Mr Joseph should know that as well. If they knew that then certain persons would not take advantage of them with their rubbish. People know your rights.

    • Eyes wide open
      August 27, 2012

      That is the problem with you people in Dominica, no body wants to follow rule of law or protocol. The simple matter is that the PM had no legal right to declare a ‘no work’ day. That is the responsibility of the President. Now if the President is not available or is not there, then an acting President should be the one to carry out the functions on his behalf. We need to start following the rule of law in this country; that’s why things are so haywrire in the country at times because everyone just wants to do as they please. Not even the PM should be given the chance to just do as he pleases because he should lead by example. The issue is not that a ‘no work’ day was called, but the office which called for this ‘no work’ day.

  25. August 27, 2012

    PM should declare free tax day for employers. that should solve the matter.

    • August 27, 2012

      Or the PM shpuld encourage employees to come to the Red Clinic for their missing days pay and that would close the matter once and for all so stop trying to find blame Mr. Joseph he’s going according to what’s in the LAW.

  26. Dorival John
    August 27, 2012

    I don’t see the reasons for bashing Achille Joseph. He did’t say the PM did the wrong thing.

    All he is saying that there are no provisions in law dealing with ‘no-work days’ when they pop up like the one recently.

    I think he is right in saying the gov’t should look into that and make sure there is something etched in stone for when these situations occur.

    • Viewpoint
      August 27, 2012

      and his timing for constitutional amendment is soooo perfect right??!! (me being verry sarcastic)

  27. ROSEAU VALLEY
    August 27, 2012

    Thank you so very much Mr. Achille Chris Joseph for this. Thank you.

    I wish the Prime Minister had contacted you and/or his Labour Department for quality professional advice before the public pronouncement of his decree on a narrow, political, partisan private radio station. This wish has nothing to do with the lack of class, professionalism and appropriate protocol with which the decree was handed down and which it should have deserved.

    Archille is correct that the “no-work day” the decree by the King was not a legal statutory public holiday, which only the President of Dominica (Oh! poor our President!!!) can proclaim, and therefore (private sector) employees do not have a legal right to claim wages.

    With regard to public servants, I would strongly advise Mr. Letang of the DPSU to fight that notion in favour of for public sector workers, who I believe have a “legitimate expectation” of payment as the decree was made by the Head of Government and the Minister of Finance of the state – the employer, with which public workers are contracted.

    Between Mr. Joseph and Mr. Lennox Linton, the real impact of the repeated conduct of Mr. Skerrit has been exposed-never mind the aimless attack of the journalist Kamala. What Mr. Joseph is now advising the nation is what the many workers at the Call-in-Center in Canefield were already advised by their management. In fact, the unlawful proclamation of his almighty Prime Minister was not applicable to the poor workers, who had to report to work at Clear Harbour.

    You see, we now exist in a lawless state. There is no respect for our Constitution and our laws. Our lawyers have all donned the mask of professional silence and those who are in a position to know better have chosen to look the other way.

    The country is being governed by decree of the King. He visits the elderly and decides on the spot that this person will get a house paid for by the government. This one will get a street light next to her home. This one will get a monthly stipend and this one will not. He who supports the government will get a scholarship and he who does not will not. He who scores a century in a test match at our stadium will get instant Dominica Citizenship etc. etc. It is all about what king Skerrit thinks and says whenever he says it and wherever he thinks of it. That is how we have come. This is how we like our governance in Dominica.

    Whereas most workers have the right to a minimum amount of paid holiday, this must be contractual or based on lawfully declared statutory holidays. This includes all workers- full-time, part-time, salaried (monthly) or waged (non monthly) workers and excludes self-employed workers who are not entitled to statutory paid holiday.

    One’s employment contract may give him a contractual right to be paid over and above a lawfully declared amount of statutory holidays. No Constitution- No Law can limit one’s right to negotiate additional paid contractual holidays beyond the lawfully declared statutory holidays. But this was not what the Prime Minister decreed nor does he posses the lawful authority to so decree.

    What is clear is that workers in Dominica are not legally entitled to receive pay for the “no-work day” advised by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit As the Prime Minister of Dominica, the Head of government and Minister of Finance, Mr. Skerrit’s may only exercised his discretionary authority as an employer over public servants to the extent that the law and the bargaining rights with the public sector union allows him.

    As Mr. Joseph has advised, the Prime Minister does not have the legal authority to declare a statutory public holiday that would impact private workers. Therefore, private sector employers are NOT obligated pay those workers who stayed home and it really depends on the generosity of employers if they are to get paid.. ..because the “no-work day” was not a lawfully declared, statutory public holiday, which can ONLY be proclaimed by the President of Dominica, if there is one.

    I cannot but agree with Mr. Joseph that it is time that our Labour Laws are revised and brought up-to-date not just to Caribbean standards under the Caribbean Harmonization of Labour Laws initiative but in accordance with the standards of the ILO and other international human rights instruments.

    Our many trade unions must work together with the government and the private sector to put in place a proper regime or understanding on “no-work days” which are not public holidays in Dominica. This is not a matter to be governed by an impromptu and ill-advised decree from King Skerrit.

    A simple internet search reveals, for example, that in the Phillipines, a “Memorandum Circular NO. 01,” was issued pursuant to the provisions of the Labor Code, as amended in relation to the observance of declared holidays in response to queries received from the public every time a Presidential Proclamation or a law is enacted by the Congress, which declares certain days either as a regular holiday, a special day or a special working holiday. The government has issued guideline, which governs all employers in the private sector.

    I suspect that the Skerrit lead Labour administration will soon self-destruct and their demise will have nothing to do with the UWP but their own ignorance, arrogance, foolish advice and their collective stupidity. I have no fear that we shall reclaim Dominica and set it on the right path of progress beyond the Next Level.

    We have already been advised by the Secretary-Treasurer of WAWU that holidays such as Merchant Holiday is not a public holiday and workers are not entitled to extra pay for those who work on that day. This matter is clear. I look forward to hearing from Mr. Letang and Mr. Arundale Thomas, others from the DPSU and the representative of the DAIC on the matter.

    • ?????????????
      August 27, 2012

      Shut your mouth and stop trying to politicise this thing. Are you one of those who do not care for the safety of your workers and all you want is you rwork done at whatever cost. This is not something to talk about. What are your comments on paid sick days which persons here do not want to pay. Do you know that Women can get periodical pain that can render them sick and may not require them to spend to go to the doctor or may have a flu which it is better to stay home because of the high and Cold incidence of the Air condition and just stay home in the warmer air can cure this for the day. So wehn your donkey sick just for one day, you would not pay them? Love less people and cantankerous people!

    • kee
      August 27, 2012

      Roseau valley no one is going to read your novel…

      • Anonymous
        August 27, 2012

        How can you say nobody will read the man novel?

        You see wrong people can be, the got twelve thumbs up and twelve down, and I have read him, making at least twenty-six people including you his novel.

        Always remember one mans meat is another mans poison; and the more some of us read it’s the more open minded we become, and learning something in the process.

        I read him all the time, though this time I do not completely agree that the laws must be changed to make it mandatory for people to get paid on occasions they did not work.

        Pay comes through productivity, if one produced anything for his/her employer that day or days, why should that person be paid for the day the person was not on the job?

        Only in the Caribbean people look forward for that sort of thing. As I said it is a cultural thing where we believe we must get something for nothing all the time at someone else expense!

        Where it pertains to work, the arrangements are simple as a, b, c: we exchange labor for money, when someone work they give labor to themselves, or an employer for money.

        If I did not labor for an employer for one day, why should I be paid for doing nothing?

        I once operated an electronic business on the island of Antigua, if I stayed home everyday with the doors of the business closed, for a for a week or a month, and not a single bit of electronic equipment sold nor any repairs conducted:

        Where was I going to get the money from to pay myself and the three others who were in my employment.

        That is how business works, I do not agree that anybody should write a cheque to someone just for the hell of it.

        Now in some large countries, one may be able to collect from some labor Unions, they pay into a fund for that purpose. Remember also people contribute to unemployment.

        However, in the event one walks off the job, and decides to file for unemployment, they are not paid one dime, however if they are fired from the job, they will be in a position to collect unemployment for at leas one year granted, after that perhaps an extension for six month!

        Other than that you’ve have to stand in the welfare line; and that also is not a free lunch, it does not last forver.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • heehee
        August 27, 2012

        Is true I just pass de novel straight wee!

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        August 27, 2012

        Thanks for taking the time to comment. I shall not confuse nor construe “Kee” as “everybody.”

        You see Kee, I do understand that no every one will read my lengthy comments, which are not targeted at people like you. I am well aware that my contributions are excessively long and I apologize for that. But when I submit comments, my only hope is that at least one person will read it and understand it. I know that many DNO readers will be turned off but I take the risk that 1 out of 5 people will read and understand the point that I am trying to make.

        I appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to make a brief comment, even if you did not read my contribution. That’s okay. I thank you. You are so kind.

    • love
      August 27, 2012

      That is too lengthy.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        August 27, 2012

        I actually agree with you. Accept my apology. However, please do read when and if you have the time. Thanks for your feedback

    • August 27, 2012

      Amen to that! The Honourable Prime Minister continues to make a mockery of the established systems of government, including the Constitution; case in point…the proposed resignation of His Excelleny the President.

    • "O" STRESS!
      August 27, 2012

      Sorry they will all cave in like little chicken to find favor or tax free for their future imports. Much to do about nothing to be frank. In the land of the blind the one eye giant is big time. When I grow up I want to be just like him.

    • chaaaa
      August 28, 2012

      i seriously have to read all that… alu mad man??? i doh have time for that nah, but any way here goes…. and just so alu know, i didt get paid for that day, and the day after my work place stayed closed, didt get paid for that day either… HMMM..

  28. Sum Fing Not Wong
    August 27, 2012

    This guy always seem to say things that others are afraid to say, or bring out discussions which we often overlook. Isn’t he right about the pay issue? Is there a law which says he is wrong? Can the Unions come forward and prove him wrong? As a matter of fact, I think he is so right that the “no-work day” affected the DAIC’s Shop Dominica weekend. Businesses which were forced to close on Wednesday just could not give better bargains on the weekend.

    • ?????????????
      August 27, 2012

      What DAIC Shop Dominica Weekend? A Weekend when persons are not paid and when Mothers are buying expensive books and school material for school reopening in September. Put your priorities right. That planned DAIC Dominica Shop Weekend was out of place – time was not the correct timing.

    • CONCERNED
      August 28, 2012

      Oh please! Mr Achille Chris Joseph needs to find work to do. Secondly, my friend what affected the DAIC Shop Dominica is the fact that some people like myself only got paid today while there are some who are still not paid.

  29. Francisco Telemaque
    August 27, 2012

    Here we go again talking crazy, making a mountain out of nothing!

    This is simply a matter of politicizing the issue.

    Assuming that Skerrit had not advised the people to remain at home, thus making it a no work day, and the private sector employees, and civil servants went out to work; and a hurricane eventually struck; people may be killed, or disappeared in the storm.

    I suppose Achille would be singing a different tune.

    No need to be reminded that has happened in Dominica: i.e., Marigot , and I believe elsewhere on the island.

    If Skerrit said nothing he and his subordinates would be blamed; I personally would have plenty to say about Ian Douglas, and that boy Timothy until East collide with West, make no mistake about it I like to pick them mercilessly!

    They are my banging post, I like to beat up on them!

    The decision to declare the day a no work day in anticipation for the expected bad weather which could have caused people their very life was indeed a very good one.

    Achille is simply making an political issue out of this because a few employees may not be receiving a days pay.

    What is more important, a few measly dollars for a days pay, or the human life?

    Look at it this way, in North America, an individual gets sick cannot go to work for one or two days, civil servant, or from the private sector, their employer doses not pay them one dime!

    They had better have some sort of insurance to submit a claim to in order to receive pay for that day. In Dominica and the rest of the Caribbean, during the colonial days when school break for the summer, and Christmas holidays, teachers were paid, I do not know if this practice continued after independence.

    In the United States, when school breaks for summer holidays, that teacher, university, or collage professors, if they want to be paid for the time they will be on holidays, they may have to find a job outside of teaching!

    When I worked for Wyle Laboratories, I was working a straight twenty-four hours conducting a test on a bit of equipment now in use in space; I became exhausted and fell down a stairs, I almost died they took me to the hospital, I stayed home for seven days, when I went to collect my pay cheque, I found out they paid me to the minute the paramedics picked me up and took me to the hospital, I went to human resources to find out why.

    I was told the only way I can recover pay for the days I spent in the hospital, I would have to file a workman’s comp clam for worker compensation, from the company’s workers compensation insurance.

    All our behavior, and expectations in our country are simply cultural, however, to me it is unfair for an employer to pay someone a day pay when that person has not done a single stroke of work on that day.

    There should be no discussion since there is nothing to be discussed except if it is about getting another free lunch!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • DA Massive
      August 27, 2012

      Francisco, i don’t know where you getting your fact.I live in north America and as a worker i am entitle to 15 sick days, 4 float days. The few time our office was close a decision made by management and i got paid for my day.
      You said teacher don’t get paid for summer holiday again my sister in law is a teacher and i happen to know that she get paid for 2 months of the summer plus public holiday and she get sicks day also.. so don’t mislead persons

      • Francisco Telemaque
        August 27, 2012

        State the mane of the company you worked for: I named Wyle Laboratories situated in the city of El Segundo; take the street El Segundo head due West going towards the ocean, its an Environmental Testing Lab, where we tested all types of electronics use on aircrafts, and parts exposed to the elements in Space, that is why some of the equipments I worked on are presently in operation on the Space Station.

        Perhaps you can call Wyle’s and find out if I ever worked for their company, and what was my employment category, and what was my functional duties!

        I do not talk BS only to be heard, if where you work people got together and decide to pay you for whatever reason, that does mean it is mandatory all over America!

        And by the way my brother Watts, is in the State of New Jersey, he employs people, Dominicans also in the construction business, he deals with plenty of jobs for the city of Jersey, if you wish I can hook you up with him, and let him tell you if he pays people when they do not show up for work, Snow or Sunshine, or on a sick day.

        And what you talking about accumulative sick days very few company’s has that!

        I have a sister in New Jersey working there for many years, she had to have surgery: while she was off work, she was not paid one single dime okay, so you can come with another theory, I stand by my words.

        And perhaps you crawl and beg for them to pay you, like the usual Dominica kid want something for free so they felt sorry for you and gave you a handout.

        Hahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahha!

        Anyway in my situation here are my case numbers VNO 256928 Case #256923, that is a matter of public records, call the:

        State Of California
        Department Of Industrial Relations
        Division Of Workers’ Compensation
        Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board

        Give them the case numbers above, and you can research my case, when you are through you will discover where I get my information.

        VNO identify’s the city where the case was heard.

        You can call the company who thought they could screw me also:

        Wyle Labs
        128 Maryland Street,
        El Segundo, Ca 90245

        Anything you read from me I have something to substantiate my argument, because I do not have the time nor the courage to lie, and talk nonsense!

        He who dealt with it knows it.

        And do not ask me how my case was resolved and how much money I got out of it, I cannot tell you due to confidentiality documents I signed, but just be certain it was a considerable amount, I always win you see!

        I will bet you anything you cannot state which company you work for if any. I do not know what state you reside into, but I am talking about California you see, it’s a different ball game on this side of the world.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • Justice and Truth
        August 28, 2012

        @ DA MASSIVE

        Have you forgotten that those who work part-time and get paid hourly in the U.S. or Canada, will not get paid for a day off or if they are late, be it for a snow storm.
        Dominican employers should not look so closely. They should just pay their employees. God will bless them for it. What goes around comes around and two-fold.

    • USA RESIDENT
      August 27, 2012

      @Francisco Telemaque…”‘Look at it this way, in North America, an individual gets sick cannot go to work for one or two days, civil servant, or from the private sector, their employer doses not pay them one dime!They had better have some sort of insurance to submit a claim to in order to receive pay for that day.”

      REALLY Mr Telemacque? WOW!!! Papamet!! where in the US is that happening? anyways you are an authority on everything and when people caution you, you turn around and hurl insults so carry on.

      DNO readers that is NOT TRUE all you I talking to. That is just not a factual statement not one single piece of it

    • HATE
      August 27, 2012

      Man,
      You need to stop it. Gone are the days when people living in the first world would tell us anything and we would believe. There are good labor laws in the USA.
      Yes people get sick days, Vacation days, personal days, holiday pay (there is a qualifying period usually 6mths on the job)

      Your information is false. I work in USA too. I manage Human Resource. Stop this this. You may have personal experience, but it is not gospel. Yes, companies have workman compensation insurance for illness that last over a pre-determined period.

      In dominica, if employees must be given the option by there employer to use a personal day, vacation day or simply make up the hours lost on that day.

      It is something that can and should be dealt with by employees and policies should have been in place for these types of situation.

      People, when you agree to a job, these are things you must know. Don’t wait until a cituation arise to find out if you will receive payment of not.

      Mr. Telemaque if it s rest will you!

  30. Anonymous
    August 27, 2012

    I understand that due to the nature of some companies, especially where shift work is involved, the employees will recieve no pay. I understand the need for appropriate protocols to be followed. However, it is very rare that the type of advanced warnings that businesses would require is even possible where weather conditions are concerned – leaving little time for necessary protocol to be followed. Additionally, employees did not stay home of their own volition; this was a national order – maybe I’m thinking about this is the wrong way but I think that trumps any need that companies have to fulfill their quota for profit and productivity in a situation like this. I am open to an alternative view…

    • Yam Babawolais
      August 27, 2012

      Yes you are thinking with a partisan hat on your head. You may want to ask DNO to remove your comment because it makes no sense at all.

  31. Observer
    August 27, 2012

    My pay was not affected by the decision of the PM to taek action to lessen/minimize on the potential for danger that was lurking around wit the impending storm. Those who had nothing to lose if people were caught stranded away from home and loved ones are the ones complaining the most.They blame the PM for the storm not blasting Dominica. They blame the PM for preparing the nation in the event of a catastrophe. They blame the PM for preparing for the worst but at the same time wishing for the best. They blame the PM and they continue to blame the PM. But who are the people who have been blaming the PM sinmce he came on the scene? We all know them. They do no even have a ‘Zaypinar” tree to wory about. their wife and children were safe and thus they cared least about the masses who experienced the wrath of Ophelia last year, even when Ophelia did nopt even come close to Dominica. Did we expect the kind of collateral impact that Ophelia rained on us last year? I did not hear any of today’s nay sayers complain of being impacted? The ordinary man in Mahaut, Massacre, canefield, layou, grand Fond, petitte Soufriere, Good Hope etc were the ones at risk. not htose who occupied the security of a studio at the time the storm was pouring rain on us.

    PM Skerrit you acted rightly and properly in the interest of the people. We are happy that the storm veered away form us and did not impact us in th emanner we were told. If the National Hurricane centre issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Dominica and all indicatiosn were that Dominica was going to be impacted, shouldn’t he authorities take note.

    Remember when the PM was away on a private trip and the Hurricane devastated the cuntry? Can we remember the outcry from the same people about how the Pm left Dominicva at a time when there was not “watch” or “Warning” for Dominica.

    Those who oppose Skerrit befoe will continue to do so especially as they now realize their campaign of removing Skerrit by any means is not going anywhere. They are very desperate. Those employers (Brisbane, Burton, Dupigny, Issa etc)who claim to love people more than Skerrit and knows whow to do thinhs to develop people better than Skerrit, should just pay the folks. This is good employer/employee relations.The company wil benefit from that gesture.

    I not too that thePm did not declare a holiday contrary to the existing legislation. He took action in a situation of near emergency to safeguard life and limb. The people of Dominica will judge him for that.

    Achille the law has a face. The face of the law is we the people. It is people who are called to enforce the laws and who respond to developments which the law may or may not have addressed when it was passed. Not every situation which confronts us can be dealt with using existing laws. The PM should take note and prepare a whole regime of legislation that speaks to forecasting storms, what action must be taken,when, by whom etc. etc. One search provisionhas to be that the Chief executive of the land, acting on the advice of the weather experts and disaster management professionals shall take action to protect the people including ordering a total shut down of the country. The cost of such an action shall be borne by the tax payers in th eform of tax rebates to the employers – as though tax rebate claim for wages and salary is not already a reality.

    • ?????????????
      August 27, 2012

      Yes I agree with you. The war is against the PM. They just cannot live the man alone. Everything that happens, they look at ways to blame the man. If he had not called a No pay day and people died or got stranded or whatever, they would still blame him.

  32. AD
    August 27, 2012

    I am a bit tired of this whole debate actually. The PM doesn’t have the authority to call a public holiday, etc. Fine and fair enough. In that case, perhaps the Office of the President should hold more power and responsibility? Because last I checked, the Met. Office reports to the Prime Minister’s office and not to the President.

    Given that, the PM “advised” the country to stay home due to the potential danger of the storm. This ends up meaning legally, employers are not obligated to pay their employees for the lost day as it was not technically a public holiday.

    This is the part where we remove all moral and safety obligations from an employer: would it not be economically sound to keep your trained employees alive, rather than have them battle a storm to come in to work when most likely there are going to be no customers anyway? A storm was coming, I doubt people were casually strolling through Roseau and stopping for a bite of pizza or a cone full of ice cream.

    The employer who refuses to pay their employees, even if partially, for the lost day of work due to safety reasons is foolish and callous. Further, in the long run you have given your employee reason to believe that their safety and well being is not as important as productivity – why should they be loyal to someone who sees them as a mere slave who has to work in order to eat?

    Let us all be reminded that even pack mules and donkeys who can’t til the soil of the farm on a rainy day get supper in the evening.

    • trolol
      August 27, 2012

      You would be surprised the amount of people that was in roseau that day buying crix and flashlight. Ask for chinese they doh worry with all you they open and make their money selling safety supplies. So at least there is a winner out of this, oh and Save-Alot to. :lol:

    • kingamn
      August 27, 2012

      thats ok they can hold back thier pay, just remember who was crying about sick leave a little while back. Employees who did not get paid will hurt them with sick leave in the coming weeks.

      playing politics

    • ?????????????
      August 27, 2012

      Well said AD!

  33. speaking logic
    August 27, 2012

    So why doesn’t the P.M get advise from the President? Don’t they talk about these matters? what is going on…

    • August 27, 2012

      That a great question, but it seem like the other way around. The predident gets his advise from the PM. Is anyone hearing from the President? The PM tells him when to talk.

      Mr. President I dear you SAY SOMETHING.

    • Query
      August 27, 2012

      Wasn’t there some letter of resignation from the President around that same time? Or circumstances surrounding his resignation? If that’s the case, who then is in line to declare ‘national safety’?

  34. watch dog
    August 27, 2012

    This too easy, the way in wish wages or salaries are being paid is not on a clock system but rather on a monthly basis. Therefore, individuals should be paid. If on the other hand it was that of a clocking in and out system then there would off course be some concern, but it is not. There are employees that go to work and do absolutely nothing for the entire year but just being there.

  35. evenhanded
    August 27, 2012

    When their is legislation(the Constitution or laws passed by Parliament) governing the exercise of the powers of the Executive it MUST be complied with by the Executive–President,PM, Cabinet, Ministers and Public Officers etc!The applicable written laws governing this situation include :Public Holidays Act and the Emergency Powers Act.

  36. >>>>???
    August 27, 2012

    Labour Power!!! I’m not faulting PM Skerrit for giving a day off using prevention is better than cure guide, however he needs to learn to follow the rule of law and protocol. Where all his defendants? More footsteps going up red clinic

  37. V2
    August 27, 2012

    I recall a similar experience when I was working in St. Vincent when a storm developed with little warning. The PM asked employers to considering giving employees the day off in light of the coming storm, as a company (like almost all other companies) we felt we had no choice to allow staff to stay home and paid them for the day. But the employers made the decision, not the PM. The only challenge was that we had to communicate that to over 400 employees overnight. In the end it was not as challenging as we through.

    Having made the recommendation, the PM demonstrated his concern for his people at the same time respect for law and businesses. The same result was achieved as basically everyone stayed home and got paid.

    • Shameless
      August 27, 2012

      I heard you loud and clear, but in the land OF SKERRO, where he is King, President, Judge, Jury and Messiah all shall bow when he speaks regardless of the consequences. Who the hell are the business owners or President to to question his authority anyway? Those who have eyes will see, those with ears will hear and those with shall be moomoo no more. Time will tell…

      Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  38. Anonymous
    August 27, 2012

    skorrow give us another holiday eh,the sun a little too hot

    • Anonymous
      August 27, 2012

      I love that response.

  39. PORSSIE
    August 27, 2012

    Mr Joseph before a decision is made to declare a no work day the PM and his advisors should put all the cards on the table and dot the I and Tee s. Did they even think about using the president to declare a no work day.
    So Archille is saying that some people never learn. They were so quick to run to the animal program on Kairi to ay politics that they ignore fundamentals.
    What a mess we have as government. Never have we been ruled by such an incompetent bunch of men and women.
    Our national anthem should now be the calypso “don’t everything is upside down inside out” until we have a capable and straight government administration.

  40. Buisnessman
    August 27, 2012

    While I have no problem with workers getting paid for that day, who is taking up the case for the businessman who was forced to close down thus losing buisness from his customers and so not make any money. Workers get paid for that day but how do buisnesses get paid for lost sales.

    • Buisnessman
      August 27, 2012

      How comes no one is interested in the losses suffered by the private sector. Is it only employees who are affected. DNO, can you please address if possible. Thank you

  41. him
    August 27, 2012

    Remember Skerrit said “NO law no constitution” can prevent him from violating the law. So he did what he wanted.

  42. Love
    August 27, 2012

    We had reason to stay home,you all just make things hard for workers without us business is unproductive.

    • trolol
      August 27, 2012

      Means company is losing money, and your making money. NO EMPLOYEE IS BIGGER THAN COMPANY! Unless you heard that a category 3 storm is coming go DO YOUR work! Saying economic times hard and for a tropical depression you all staying home for.

  43. observant
    August 27, 2012

    Some thing should be put in place in the event that employees are kept at work and get affected by a storm then the employers can be held responsible. In that way some people will shut up when a goo will like that attempted by the Prime Minister is done. Let us remember Hurricane Lenny and what happened to some students and a teacher when people were asked to remain at their post. Then they were sent home when things were really bad. Remember this is weather we are playing with. If we rejoice that the prime minister acted wrongly, instead of praising God for his mercies – we will get burnt! Badly!

    • Anonymous
      August 27, 2012

      Agreed 200% If something had truly happened while these people were at work, would their employers be willing to pay their medical bills ??? It would have been worse for their employers financially if we have to think of it having to pay medical bills for so many employees if the storm had passed and injured people while at work. They wouldn’t have mouth to talk if the storm had really hit us and caused damaged to their businesses. People God is in control and stop the fussing and fighting!!! The PM did a good thing.. Haven’t you heard that 10 persons lost their lives in Haiti because of the storm .. PRECAUTION IS BETTER THAN CURE AND THIS IS WHAT THE PM DID. I would take all those business men to court for not paying worker’s salary on that day .. They are too selfish and not giving thanks to God for his everlasting mercies towards us.. Things could have been different but He saw it fit to spare us so stop fighting and prolonging this issue and pray that God will continue to protect us..

  44. god child
    August 27, 2012

    hope i get paid loooooooooooooool but if i dont then it wont be such a issue i got a free day .

  45. A
    August 27, 2012

    My employers are not paying for that day

    • Shameless
      August 27, 2012

      HINT……Dont worry, go to the red clinic because if you can prove you are red inside they will pay you. If you are not then crapaud smoke your pipe.. :(

      Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  46. mouth of the south
    August 27, 2012

    hhmmmm i want my pay eh… cause i’ll turn like latrell sprewell on my boss… the tie may end up being a lil tighter after i’m done lol :-P

  47. BiGmE
    August 27, 2012

    Total…B.S!… You all would have preferred people went to work and got into some serious trouble then say why the disaster team didn’t do their job? I really cannot understand what is the big force about the PM calling the day off to safe guard the people of the country yes nothing happened but did you all listen to what happen to countries that was further away from the storm? We was covered by God that why we didn’t have any damage.

    • August 27, 2012

      The PM need to stop acting as if DA is his toy..

    • Meme Bet Mem Pwell!
      August 27, 2012

      This is what I cannot understand with Dominicans; I was looking at the t.v. yesterday on the Florida News. Bus system shut down, schools shut down, business places well boarded up, and that is long before they knew it was going to hit the Gulf Coast.

      Mr. Achille Joseph, you like too much ro-ro tan. You never heard of the saying, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure?”

      STOP TRYING TO CHOOGONAY THE EMPLOYERS!!!

      • Justice and Truth
        August 28, 2012

        Tonight on the Toronto News broadcast, it was stated that Florida did not get the full brunt of the hurricane. They somewhat escaped. I am certain that no one in Florida are complaining about it and having taken the day off. Safety first which some Dominicans, those who made the fuss over the day off cannot comprehend.

    • Shameless
      August 27, 2012

      Its ok to call a day off in the interest of safety. However, we all know Dcans like their days off but also want to get paid when that “DAY OFF” is officially sanctioned by the PM. And I agree with them because while a lost day of wages mean nothing to the ministers and a lucky few, the majority of Dcans are barely breaking even at the end of the month. So every penny counts. Now some poor baby have to go without enough pampers because of the PM’s gaffe.

      The PM erred in that he should have cautioned /advised his “subjects” on being vigilant and exercise extra precautions while asking employers to “KINDLY CONSIDER” all related absences as excused absences taking into consideration the existing circumstances. “IF” he had done that, we would not be having this discussion now. But Skerro as usual like too much VOGUE and BRAVODO and as such we the people are always left to suck salt which his handlers scramble to clean up after him. Dcans never envisioned that they would actually be lead to the slaughter and pay the butcher’s fee as part of the NEXT LEVEL. How disappointing!

      Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  48. Kubuli Kountry
    August 27, 2012

    Achille you start again??!! :twisted: :twisted:

    • Anonymous
      August 27, 2012

      yes wee, that’s the same thing I there saying, he start again, seems like he have a season when a thing does take him, he better be careful. It was also to the employer’s benefit that he closed down his business place

    • duchess
      August 27, 2012

      What’s so wrong with Achille’s opinion? Aren’t we free to express our opinions? At least, Achille is able to spur on a healthy debate. DA is not a communist country, so grow up and stop being childish about an individual’s opinion.

  49. Shameless
    August 27, 2012

    Hmmmmmmmmm! Do your thing Skerro, do your thing..

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  50. nature Girl
    August 27, 2012

    That is so funny! This is really funny, everyone, is given the day off and now no pay!! :) This is why it is far better to be self employed, you make your own decisions, when to work and when not to work!!

  51. Nkrumah Kwame
    August 27, 2012

    Mr. Joseph, i do not always agree with you, but on this occasion I could not concur more. It is time that we learn to do things CORRECTLY in this little paradise that we call home.I am sure the PM knew he does NOT have the authority to so do, yet he did. Similar occurencies took place when Mamo, Edison and Roosie (Douglas) and their parties won the general elections and this must END now. We have to do things according to law or we will slowly yet surely destroy all that our ancestors worked for. It’s like the PM not wanting to provide members of Parliament with the resignation letter of the President.
    I really hope that we can do things PROPERLY.

    • Reader
      August 27, 2012

      Amen! Let all things be done decently and in order.

    • Tenderloin
      August 27, 2012

      So why the President couldn’t come on the air and announce it???

      Answer, he not even in D.A.

      • Eyes wide open
        August 27, 2012

        Yes that’s why an acting president should have been put in place.

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