Guyana is moving to overhaul its labour laws as the government seeks to modernise the legislative framework governing the country’s workforce in response to rapid economic growth, new industries and changing workplace realities.
During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) last Thursday, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith identified the commencement of the Labour Law Review as one of the ministry’s major achievements.
Minister Griffith told DPI that Guyana’s economic expansion, growing labour force, and the emergence of new sectors have made it necessary to update legislation developed for a significantly different economic environment.
“The fact that we have been able to start that process, I consider a major, major achievement,” Griffith said, noting that the review is already underway.
The minister said that consultations with stakeholders have commenced, with workers, employers and other relevant groups expected to contribute to the process.
“We are counting on everybody to have a role and have a say in this process, because this will guide how our labour force, how it functions moving ahead,” he told DPI.
He said modern legislation is therefore necessary to ensure that the country’s labour framework remains responsive to the realities of a growing economy and provides an appropriate foundation for the relationship between workers and employers.
The minister also linked the Labour Law Review to the government’s wider efforts to strengthen occupational health and safety, particularly as new high-risk sectors continue to emerge.
According to Minister Griffith, the ministry is collaborating with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to review Guyana’s national occupational health and safety policy, programme and system.
“We are at the point of also starting the initial work for review of our occupational health and safety legislation to complement all that is taking place,” the minister said.
The minister said the broader objective is to ensure that Guyana’s labour legislation and regulatory systems keep pace with the country’s economic transformation while strengthening protections for workers.
With stakeholder consultations already underway, he urged continued participation in the review as the ministry works towards a modern labour framework suited to Guyana’s evolving economy.