OPEN LETTER: To The Labour Commissioner

5
time off to vote

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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5 COMMENTS

  1. This is what happens when you call a snap election out of the blue..many people are disenfranchised and treated unfairly because of the haphazardness of the entire electorial process.

    But I bet this is what the bastard GB wanted, chaos and strife so that people get frustrated and do not show up at the polls.

    This snap election wasn’t called for at all, period.

    If GB had believe in his product that he has been touting for years now, that Antigua is an economic powerhouse, then why the sudden rush and creating this chaos?

    He might win this election, but Antiguan’s will continue to further lose isi democratic status under this so-called ruler. The US, Canada and the EU are already watching.

    The man is not a leader of men, he is a ruler of weak men and women. He rules with fear and intimidation because of the dirt he has on many of these Candidates in his cabinet.

    Why you think none of them spoke out about the vehicle gate, then he crowns his wife with the golden label of whistle blower, setting up his wife as the only one with integrity in his party.

    Can’t y’all see the conniving destructive nature of this man?
    Please open your eyes people. A narcissist is not a leader, that person is a dictator.

    Stop being dictated to and be lead for once. God give us free choice, and that’s the greatest mark of humans, even the angel envy that gift, do not give it up to this false God who elevate himself as God Almighty in Antigua who cannot do anything wrong.

    Be warned. Allen Sanford walk the very streets of Antigua thinking he was God Almighty. Be warned. “Oh how the wicked falls”.

  4. Guys..I totally understand your situation, but please vote is very important..make your time and do it. That will not take you long, please go an vote, elections have consequences in our life. One vote can make a difference.

  5. @ Smith …..
    I AGREE WITH Smith … Jumby Bay WORKERS …… Just THIS ONE TIME …. Take WHAT Jumby Bay is giving you NOW … Foe the SAKE OF CHANGE!!!!
    …… And Go Vote For the PEOPLE Who ARE ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE …..
    ….. You KNOW Your PRESENT WORK SITUATION WILL BE ADDRESSED Once We Have A NEW ADMINISTRATION IN GOVERNMENT …..

    ….. Please DO NOT Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face … OK??? Like our Ancestors (Old People) Say: “Tek Yah Time A Walk FASS” ….. 🤭😁😄😁

    Blessings!!! Peace!!!! 🌻😇💞🙏🏿🇦🇬🇦🇬🇦🇬

Comments are closed.