OPEN LETTER TO LABOUR COMMISSIONER
Dear Commissioner,
Re: Proposed Voting Arrangements by Jumby Bay Island Company
I write to bring to your attention a situation developing at Jumby Bay Island Company, which conflicts with the legal protections afforded to employees on polling day.
Employees scheduled to report at 9:00 a.m. are being instructed to go and vote at 6:00 a.m and catch the 10:45 a.m. ferry to be at work. On the other hand, staff whose duty ends at 5:30 p.m are instructed that they cannot leave work before 2:00 p.m.
This arrangement raises significant concerns about whether employees are being afforded their lawful entitlement to a reasonable and uninterrupted period to vote, free from employer control or pressure.
I believe the law is clear that employees must be given 4 consecutive hours on polling day to vote, without any loss of pay, penalty, or interference.
This could only mean 4 hours during work time. What staff is being told does not appear to reflect that intention.
Instead, it places employees on a rigid schedule that prioritizes operational demands over their right to freely participate in the electoral process.
Of particular concern is that this structure denies employees the time to vote at their own pace; creates indirect pressure on employees to comply with employer-imposed timing requirements; and exposes employees to potential loss of earnings or workplace consequences if they are unable to meet the imposed deadline.
These issues raise the real possibility of unlawful deductions and improper interference with employees’ voting rights.
Given the urgency and the proximity to polling day, I respectfully call on your office to investigate the arrangements being put in place by Jumby Bay Island Company; clarify and enforce employers’ obligations regarding time off for voting; and intervene proactively to prevent any breach.
I trust that your office will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance.
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