Employment Law is generally covered by contracts which govern the relationships between employers and their employees and supplemented by the common law and legislation aimed at protecting employees on a host of areas. This area of law is particularly important to an economy which is heavily dependent on a labour force.
Under legislation, employees receive protection under the Occupational Health and Safety Act Chap 88:08 (“OSHA”). The Act provides a wide definition for the term “employee” in order to ensure the safety, welfare and health of person during the course of their employment.
Additionally, another important legislation is the Workmen’s Compensation Act Chap. 88:05 which entitles the “workman” as defined by the Act, to compensation for injuries suffered during the course of his employment.
Further, the Industrial Court which was established under the Industrial Relations Act Chap 88:01 has jurisdiction to hear these matters which give aggrieved parties who have suffered unfair wages, who have been wrongfully dismissed or who were inadequately compensated among other things, an opportunity to obtain relief.
Both Employers and Employees alike, need to become cognizant of the legislation and the rights and obligations that flow from it.