Is it fear? Is it desperation or is it simply the need to survive?
We often hear the cries of hardworking, dedicated, struggling employees, who are forced to sign multiple 6 month or 1 year contracts, depriving them of any opportunities to upgrade their living conditions, while being employed with the same employer for years. How long will this form abuse be allowed to continue or accepted?
While we continue to look towards Government for solutions we fail to realize that we, as a people, hold the keys to open many doors, unleashing opportunities and solutions locked within. When will we build determination to say: no more, NOT in SXM.
Entering into a Labor contract or agreement should not be a negative thing. To the contrary it should be looked upon as a positive means to mutually establish what is expected by/of both parties based on the conditions set in such a contract. Many persons, not understanding the true meaning of this process, accept terms and conditions which results in the famous statement: "abuse" of the 6 month/1 year contract.
The true abuse of these contracts starts and ends with our Department of Labor failing to fulfill their duties in the best interest of parties concerned. Labor contracts should be approved by the Dept. of Labor but are they? They are often times vague and misleading but the fear of being dismissed forces many to sign such contracts over and over again and these cases comes to light only when the bomb explodes or not even then.
We continue to tolerate situations where persons who are/were tasked with upholding the "Labor Laws" contributes to such abuses, making the many perceived rumors facts. There is little trust remaining in the impartial judgment of the Labor Department. So what could or should be done to remedy conditions of abuse and or unlawful dismissals while bringing awareness of the Labor Laws to both the employers, employees and general public? Despite having Labor Mediators, Unions and a dismissal committee, the abuse of workers continues.
Serious consideration should be given to the establishing of a Labor "Task Force/Watch Dog" unit, tasked with (but not limited to) the revision, reporting and monitoring of all Labor matters, independent of but in close collaboration with the Labor Department. Too long have these tears fallen on "def man's ear" as with the exploitation of, especially, the lower income workers. Our objectives, as a people, must be to create a society where all is treated in a respectful and humane manner. #sxmmovement.
Soualiga Social Movement