The country's biggest business groups, the American Chamber of Commerce of T&T (AmchamTT), Energy Chamber, T&T Chamber of Industry of Commerce, T&T Coalition of Services Industries and T&T Manufacturers' Association (TTMA) have joined forces to call for parliamentary debate on the Industrial Relations Amendment BIll to be stopped.
In a joint statement yesterday, the groups warned that legislation will significantly impact the business sector and the wider national community."A preliminary review of the amendments has led us to conclude that it will negatively alter the industrial relations environment and hence the operating environment for our members," they said.
"The aforementioned organisations were individually assured by various ministers and other officials of government that the bill would not progress without due consultation with the business community. To date, no formal approach has been made, nor has any consultation taken place prior to the commencement of the debate in Parliament.
"A presentation on some aspects of the proposed Bill was earlier made to the Social Dialogue Task Force on which some of the organisations are represented, and opposition to aspects of what was proposed was made clear at that meeting. However, there was no follow-up communication or request for comment. While most stakeholders will agree that the Industrial Relations Act is in need of amendment, such amendment should only be undertaken after deep and mature consideration of all stakeholders' views and recommendations."
The chambers want further debate be deferred until there is meaningful review, input by and consultation with the business community and other key stakeholders. They said the "effectiveness of any legislation is enhanced and assured where there is "buy in" from the people it is intended to serve."