In other labor news, they surely didn't "RUSH THE OSH" and the new Occupational Safety and Health bill was finally introduced in the House of Representatives today after a decade of development. It was presented by the Minister of Labor, who explained that now, the protection goes beyond factories and includes all workplaces. After the House Meeting, he told us more about it.
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Labor
"The ministry conducted dialogue with everyone, but that is one of the reasons that the ministry gave the advice when we took it finally to cabinet after the Attorney General's ministry reviewed the bill."
"When we took it to cabinet, we recommended so as for perhaps one last review by the effected parties, we put it at committee so when there's a hearing on it, then people can bring their issues if need be."
"But we're very excited. I mean, we're truly hopeful that we can bring this bill to fruition, bake it into law as quick as possible. I think it will be beneficial for Belize, for everyone involved, for our stakeholders involved."
"One of the issues that was brought about was is that if it should become a statutory body, well in dialogue with the ILO and advice that we got, and as well looking at the situation of our country, we felt right now keep it in the ministry of labor, but also it's flexible."
"You know, with growth, with more complex labor issues in the future, then it can reach that stage. But right now, it's in the ministry of labor, and we do have the budget to start, start that when it comes to law."
