Tough new sanctions, including a $10 000 fine and a year’s imprisonment, are on the way for employers who deny workers annual vacation or refuse to pay them during that period.
These penalties are part of proposed new legislation to repeal the 1952 Holidays With Pay Act that is on the Order Paper for debate when the House of Assembly meets today at 10 a.m.
Minister of Labour Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo is expected to pilot the measure, which is designed to make better provision for the granting and calculation of the annual holiday due to an employee; increase the penalties (up from $100 and three months’ jail) for offences under the act; and make better provision for the Chief?Labour Officer to initiate proceedings for offences.
These penalties will be imposed on any employer who refuses to allow an employee to take an annual holiday to which he is entitled under the act; fails to pay any employee the average pay or part thereof to which he is entitled; fails to keep records; knowingly enters or causes to be entered in the records any false particular; and wilfully delays or obstructs the Chief Labour Officer or any person duly authorised by him in the exercise of any power under the act.
Read the full story in today’s DAILY NATION.
