Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Colin Jordan, is
calling on the nation’s workers to join in the fight against COVID-19.
With more businesses reopening after several weeks of inactivity due
to the Government’s response to the initial arrival of the pandemic on
our shores, Minister Jordan is asking workers to aid in the process of
a safe return to economic activity.
Speaking during a media briefing yesterday evening, Jordan said that
the cost of getting the island back on track as it related to health,
was vigilance. When asked if he was satisfied that businesses were
following the necessary protocols since being given the go-ahead to
reopen, he asked workers to help with the policing of the situation.
“While I am generally happy, that is not to say that we don’t have to
be out there and checking, we are asking workers if you feel
uncomfortable about your workplace, please call the Labour Department
so that if deemed necessary, an inspection can be done. The
Occupational Safety and Health section of the Labour Department, as
well as the Environmental Protection Agency in the Ministry of Health
and Wellness are the two agencies that would respond. One or the other
or both.”
Noting that government agencies were already on the ground, Minister
Jordan enlisted the help of workers in a bid to ensure that things
were safe for all.
“We have done some inspections already in relation to persons who
raised concerns. Generally speaking, we believe that it is going
relatively well, but we remain focused and vigilant. We are asking
workers to remain focused and vigilant as well and to inform us if
there is a situation that puts them at risk and puts others at risk,”
he said. (MP)