File Photo: Opposition Spokesperson on Labour Wavell Hinds.
KINGSTON, Jamaica-Wavell Hinds, Opposition Spokesperson on Labour, has raised concerns surrounding discussions about removing redundancy payment protections from Jamaica’s labour laws.
Hinds in a statement on Friday emphasised the critical role redundancy payments play in providing financial security for workers in the absence of a mandatory pension system.
“These payments offer relief and stability for workers as they navigate the uncertain period between jobs. They also acknowledge the years of service employees dedicate to their organisations and provide a vital safeguard against arbitrary dismissals,” Hinds said.
According to Hinds, redundancy payments, which are calculated based on the duration of an employee’s service, serve as one of the few protections available to Jamaican workers in a labour market with limited safety nets.
“It also acts as a deterrent to companies that might otherwise resort to redundancy as a means to summarily terminate employees,” Hinds explained. “Removing these protections would erode workers’ rights and leave them more vulnerable to exploitation.”
Hinds urged policymakers to consider alternatives that balance the needs of both employers and employees. “If redundancy payments are to be removed, they must be replaced with a robust unemployment insurance system. This would ensure that workers are protected financially while giving employers greater flexibility in managing their workforce,” he suggested.
In this regard, Hinds said unemployment insurance system, funded through contributions made during the salary payment cycle, would create a sustainable safety net for workers and offer employers the flexibility to right-size their workforce without undermining employee security.
Hinds reaffirmed the People’s National Party’s unwavering commitment to defending workers’ rights and called for constructive dialogue among all stakeholders.
“The dignity and security of our workers must be central to any legislative decisions. We stand ready to collaborate with unions, employers, and policymakers to ensure that our labour laws remain fair and reflective of the needs of the Jamaican people,” he concluded.