Labour Commissioner – By Deslyn A Joseph
Labour Commissioner Clarifies Four
Labour Commissioner Eltonia David has issued a detailed clarification regarding the legal obligations of employers on Election Day, following questions from the public and business owners.
With polling stations set to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30th, the Labour Department is reminding the workforce that the mandated four hours of time off for voting applies specifically to those whose shifts overlap with polling hours.
David said that the scheduling of these four hours rests in the hands of the employer.
“Employers are the ones who will schedule the workers to exercise their franchise in order to maintain operational efficiencies,” she stated.
While some businesses may consult employees on their preferences, the final decision on the timeframe is a management right, ensuring that essential services and business operations remain steady throughout the day.
The Commissioner stressed that wages are protected and there must be no loss of pay, since employers are legally required to grant the time off without any deduction from the employee’s pay. However, David was clear that this time is intended solely for the purpose of voting.
“If a person gets through before the four hours, they are required to return to work,” David clarified, noting that the expectation is for employees to report back to their stations if their shift has not yet ended.
On the other hand, the commissioner spoke of the option for establishment closures for different business models, where some employers might choose to close their doors entirely for a period to allow all staff to vote simultaneously. She confirmed this is entirely within their rights, provided the four-hour obligation is met for every eligible worker.
David added that the Labour Department continues to monitor the lead-up to the General Elections to ensure that the rights of the workers and the needs of the national economy are balanced on the upcoming polling day.
