The Ministry of Labour has sought to clear the air on what it said have been untruths perpetrated by a leading trade unionist on the island.
Labour Commissioner, Matthew Leblanc is shooting down claims that it is dragging its feet on decisions regarding industrial disputes between unions and employees.
Secretary Treasurer of the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union Kertiste Augustus had accused the labour division of being reluctant to take the required action on certain matters.
But Labour Commissioner Mathew Leblance said nothing is further from the truth.
“On May 6, 2013 Augustus made a statement in which he alleged that complaints made to the Ministry of Labour have not been dealt with for more than a year and that there seems to be a reluctant on the part of the ministry to take the required action, which has, according to him, led to a certain employer making an application for desertification of WAWU as their bargaining against…,” he said.
Leblanc said, however, a review of the records relating to this matter indicate that the Ministry of Labour continues to make every effort to try to bring the parties to a dispute together in an effort to assist and facilitate a resolution of the dispute.
“Despite these efforts, from time to time an employer or his representative refuse to attend conciliation meetings arranged by the ministry,” he pointed out.
According to Leblanc, since conciliation or mediation is voluntary and would require the presence of both parties, the constant absence of one party impeded any advancement in resolving the dispute.
“When such situations arise or when the parties are unable to arrive at a settlement through the mediation effort of the labour department, the minister is advised of the failure to resolve the manner through conciliation, and a recommendation is made that the unresolved matters-be referred to the Tribunal for Arbitration,” he said.
Meantime Leblanc said a matter between WAWU and an employee was referred to the Ministry of Labour in 2009 and repeated efforts at conciliation by the labour department proved to be fruitless.
“That matter was referred to the minister in June 2009 with recommendation by the Labour Commissioner that it be referred to the tribunal for arbitration. There have been delays in hearing that mater for several reasons beyond the jurisdiction of the Labour Ministry…” he added.
Leblanc said “so to say that the ministry has not acted with regards to the dispute declared, is in fact untrue”.
Crush them Min of Labour.
What happen, Augustus lose his position as chairman of the Social Security Board ?
Do people understand what that is ? More conflict of interest.
The trade unions have been bought out. Every now and then when they want a new something the leaders make a lil noise.
Soon Augustus will be quiet again.
The trade unions have not mobilized for ONE THING in DA. Let the opposition take power and they will be striking every week.
Most of the laybar powder ppl will not demonstrate against their party even if they eating stones. The beauty of politics in a poor country.
Who you think you fooling ?
Citizens of Dominica,
Stop demonstrating such high level of Ignorance. The Labour Ministries action is guided by Law. The Trade Unions cannot dictate the functions of Labour their right is that of worker’s representation. You people don’t get it. The Labour Division is not the Industrial Relations Tribunal. The CID is not the High Court. You all respond out of ignorance. The Labour Commissioner is correct and has explained thoroughly the processes. Unions cannot strike and shut down the country and industries as before so they are looking for empathy and sympathy from ignorant people who looking for vent for their frustration. Labour Officers are not Policemen, they wont always do what you all expect most of you are at fault and want them to resolve disputes where you all are wrong. That will never happen because they must follow the Law. we have hundreds of Police but only Four Labour officers. So where has your senses gone??? stop being led by the blind and have some tolerance for the truth and those people who defend it. Never has so much progress been made in Labour. We have the Most qualified Labour Commissioner in the OECS. and I have seen and heard of the Commissioner’s work. We are lucky to have him. I speak as a lawyer and citizen. lets be more prudent and wise in our assessment please.
You are so right,
Dominicans like all lies and hate the truth. If the man has dispelled with evidence the statement why are some people still trying to condemn him. the unions must realize that the days for making revolution is over. Labour Commissioner keep up the good work. one day Dominicans will learn to appreciate and respect their own. WAWU want to see all Unions dead. that will never happen.
Boss, chill out! These general statements you making amount to naught. Speak to the people who bring complaints to the Labour Division and I am certain that if you are an honest jurist, you will wheel and come again. The Division is extremely hopeless when dealing with matters brought by employees. In most instances, I do not agree with the things said by WAWU but in the matter of the functioning of the Labour Division, WAWU is correct. Even employers agree with WAWU on this matter.
when WILL WE EVER LEARN???
So the accusation was made the man brought out all the facts to prov the accuser wrong and you all still blaming him. You know what?? Dominican get to used to gossip and Mepwi and any body who speaks any sense upsets you guys. Trade Unions losing power and they expect to get popular on the poor man’s head. he is speaking the Truth Kertist lied whether you all are too blind to see that the Labour Division is not responsible is up to your all. since 2009 the man do his work and the matter before the Tribunal . all you talking all that crap over a blatant lie. WAWU should find real reason to criticize cause the man facts are clear and can be proven true. his took enough before he spoke. now all of you shut up.
All you too like to believe lies and neglect truth even if it is clear like night and day.
DOMINICAN,
The case has been rolling between the Labor Commissioner’s Office and the Ministry of Labor for approximately three years and he has the audacity to put on record that his department is not dragging its feet,Sir your department’s feet has been stuck in mud.
matthew leblanc doh lie dere, is true self
ross common na man
Rosdie garçon you put your foot in your mouth. What the heck did you say to impute the claim that you guys have even dragging your feet.
Come on LeBlanc. You know damn well there is collusion in that case (since 2009?????) and denying it is uncivilized and immature.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
This is so true some of them are friends with the big bosses and wen u com and get help from them they turn u around until u give up if u don’t hv money to take a laywer ur right passin for ur wrong this labour division needs to be investigated there,s no justice there they are not for poor workin under pay ppl
This is one of the most ridiculous things that I have read. So, basically Mr. LeBlanc is saying that his position is a waste of time position. Employers have the option of coming to the initial meeting (an important first step) and matters can languish for years before the tribunal hears it? No wonder you are only now responding to the May 9th comment. Wow! Seems like we are in need of some serious labour laws!
Boss, I can tell you with all certainty that the Ministry of Labour is a total waste of time. The officers there are not empowered to pursue industrial peace. They are lazy and generally incompetent. The Commissioner is a perpetual state of inactivity and almost everything he started remain incomplete. He is the Chairman of a Cabinet-appointed Industrial Relations Advisory Committee and this body in inactive because of the inactivity of the Commissioner. Generally, employers and workers do not have confidence in the Ministry of Labour. Every matter which goes there remain for ages. I heard of a woman who was fired from a hotel in Trafalgar and she went to the Ministry of Labour for redress. It is now over a year and the Ministry is yet to cause a meeting to take place. All she gets from them are excuses and excuses. I empathise with Mr. Augustus.
Mr.Leblanc, I must say that the justification for the four year delay is lame, blind and cripple. Shame on you. You can do better than that. You are only endorsing Kertiste Augustus’ point.
”There have been delays in hearing that mater for several reasons beyond the jurisdiction of the Labour Ministry…” he added.
Come on, Mr. Labour Commissioner. Out with it! Tell us the specific reasons for the delay! Is it inefficiency on the part of the Minister? Is someone deliberately trying to prevent closure on this matter?