Jamaica Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act explained

 

Written by Damalio Powell

Labour Relation and Industrial Dispute Act is an act that was established in 1975 to provide a system for the stabilization of industrial relations in Jamaica.

The act provides for, a permanent Tribunal;  the Labour Relations Code; Representational Claims; Settlement of Industrial Disputes; Rights to Trade Union Membership, the Rights to the Workman; Establishment of a Board of Enquiry; Access by Non-Unionized Employees.

Permanent Tribunal

The Jamaican Labour Relation and Industrial Dispute Act provides for a permanent tribunal that settles industrial disputes that would not be otherwise settled through the collective bargaining process. The tribunal is called the Industrial Disputes Tribunal otherwise, known as the IDT.

Representational Claims  

Representational Claims is a system under the IDT that involves the settlement of claims for bargaining rights, by secret ballot.

Settlement of Industrial Disputes

The method for settling industrial disputes is to 1st aim to settle disputes by negotiation. If that is unsuccessful then the next step which either one or all the parties involved may take is to request through writing to the Minister to assist them by way of Conciliation. If the conciliation process is unsuccessful then the next stage would be for the matter to be taken to the IDT. 

Access by Non-Unionized Employees

On March 23, 2010, Labour Relation and Industrial Dispute Act was amended to allow for Industrial Disputes Tribunal to handle disputes involving non-Unionized employees. The act aids non-unionised employees in worker rights such as physical conditions, and termination or suspension of employment but not in worker pay. 

The Jamaican Labour Relations Code

The Jamaican Labour Relations Code was established under section 3 of the Labour Relation and Industrial Dispute Act. The Labour Relations Code are guidelines that are useful in promoting good Industrial Relations practice at the workplace.