Philipsburg:--- Minister of Labour Cornelius de Weever announced on Wednesday during the Council of Minister's press briefing that an internal investigation will be launched at the Department of Labour Affairs to determine who exactly messed up with the dismissal request submitted by the Pelican Resort Club/Simpson Bay Management Company BV. Minister de Weever and the Department Head Peggy-Ann Dros met the Pelican saga when they entered office and the only person who should have known the details of the case is the Secretary General of the Department Joireen Wuite. Minister De Weever said based on the documents he saw, the company (SBRMC) provided all the relevant information that was requested. Minister de Weever said at some point in the correspondence a decision was made and it was up to the Secretary General to inform parties of the decision that was taken. The Minister's statements on Wednesday are contrary to those made by the Department Head Peggy- Ann Dros on Monday when she met with the workers to update them on the dismissal process. The hold up at the Labour Department is frustrating the 47 workers who are waiting on an official letter from the company and the labour department to access their cessentia benefits.Minister de Weever told SMN News that he is not responsible for dismissals and that Wuite is the one who has to take the decision based on the advice she receives from the dismissal committee. The investigation he said will determine if an advice was submitted and if anyone failed to take a decision. Minister de Weever also explained that the law is very clear when it comes to the dismissal of workers and the allotted time government has to respond. He said if a decision was not taken during the period of time government has to do so then government normally has to ask for an extension of time. "The internal investigation will also determine if the person responsible for these matters followed the law."
Furthermore, Minister de Weever said the only thing he has is his word and he has asked the Attorney for SBRMC and the Workers Institute for Organized Labour not to divulge any information to the media as he tries to resolve the gridlock between the company and the union. His intention he said was pure because he wanted to avoid further damage to both the company and the workers. Minister De Weever said his vision was to get the workers back to work even if it meant going back to the first deal that was on the table over a year ago. He said thus far, he maintained his word and a meeting which was supposed to be an informative meeting for the workers turned into a media spectacle and grand standing which in his opinion will not help them to achieve their goals. Minister De Weever said he understands the role of the unions but he also understands that the workers have their bills to pay which includes mortgages, school fees, and putting food on their tables.
He said his role is to maintain a stable environment while making sure that the workers are not abused. The Minister further stated that he is thankful for the letter he received from SBRMC informing him that they are willing to re-hire 91 of the workers. He said the President of the WIFOL Theophillus Thompson assured him that he was willing to entertain such an offer. Therefore, he is looking forward to see that the Pelican labour dispute is resolved in a timely manner.
