A number of Chinese business owners were yesterday briefed on Guyana’s labour laws, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
DPI said that the seminar focused on the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, Leave with Pay Act, Minimum Wage Order and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The rise of Chinese businesses – particularly in the trading sector – has seen complaints being raised by some employees of poor working conditions.
The exercise hosted at the Chinese Association, Brickdam was led by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott, Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle and other labour officers
With the establishment of several large and small Chinese owned-businesses countrywide, DPI said that Scott noted the timeliness and importance of the seminar in ensuring these business owners are complying with the local labour laws.
Chief Labour Officer Ogle told the business owners the labour department focuses on protecting the right of workers. He explained this includes ensuring payment of the minimum wage and above, ensuring workers’ contributions are made to the National Insurance Scheme and employees receive their annual leave.
Ogle also said that employees should only work eight hours a day and five days per week. If there is a need for an employee to work beyond that, he noted that the employee is entitled to be paid overtime.
