The government is reviewing existing labor laws to address obstacles that make it difficult for new unions to access workplaces and compete with established organizations, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne highlighted concerns that current regulations heavily favor existing unions, limiting the ability of workers to seek alternative representation.
He indicated that the government is considering legislative changes to ensure a fairer and more competitive union landscape.
“We have to make the playing field level for all unions. The existing laws protect established unions while making it extremely difficult for new ones to gain access to workers. That has to change,” Browne said.
Browne outlined several potential changes aimed at removing barriers for new unions, including:
- Lowering the threshold for worker support to trigger a vote on union representation from 30% to 20%.
- Granting reasonable workplace access to new unions once they reach a minimum level of employee interest.
- Reviewing legal loopholes that prevent workers from seeking alternative representation.
Under the current system, new unions often struggle to engage directly with employees because employers are not required to grant access, creating a major disadvantage compared to long-established labor organizations.
Browne argued that reforms are necessary to promote worker choice and accountability among unions.
He noted that existing unions must be held to higher standards, ensuring they provide effective representation and financial management rather than operating as exclusive entities with little competition.
The government is expected to engage stakeholders in consultations before finalizing any legislative changes. Browne reaffirmed that the aim is to empower workers by giving them real options for representation while maintaining a fair and structured labor environment.
