Forty Berbice business representatives were brought up to speed about minimum wage, severance, leave and NIS benefits at a labour seminar aimed at helping employers and workers understand their rights and obligations.
Participants from New Amsterdam and East Canje attended the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry's Conditions of Employment Labour Seminar at the Regional Health Services Boardroom. Other topics included termination of employment, labour inspections and record keeping, Occupational Safety and Health, and Central Recruitment.
Participant Preeti Rampersaud said the sessions helped her understand labour laws, NIS benefits and occupational safety practices.
"Yes, it was very, very useful because some of the labour laws I wasn't aware of," she said. Rampersaud added that she will share what she learned with her colleagues and employer, and called for more such seminars.
Juanita Burrows, who also participated, praised the focus on occupational health and safety and NIS benefits.
"It's a really, really good session. We can say we learned a lot," she said.
Burrows urged greater participation among young people.
"We need to get more young people involved in this, because things are happening for each and every one of us, but we fail to access," she said.
The seminar series, part of the Ministry's outreach to promote compliance with labour legislation, is expected to continue across Guyana.

Preeti Rampersaud