Peter Earle's WorkPlace Conflicts Blog

 Introduction In a series of recent developments, the Fraud Squad in Trinidad and Tobago has made significant strides in the battle against white-collar crime. Three individuals were arrested and charged between October 10 and 12, facing various allegations, including larceny, money laundering, and submission of fraudulent academic certificates. These cases shed light on the ongoing efforts to tackle financial wrongdoing and maintain the integrity of institutions and applications. Let's delve into each of these cases and explore the implications of these arrests. The Accounts Clerk's Ordeal Randell Dillon Sahadeo, an accounts clerk at the Law Association of TT, found himself at the center of a legal storm. Initially arrested on October 10, Sahadeo was subsequently charged on October 12 with one count of larceny and a staggering 12 charges of money laundering. These charges stem from a concerning report involving several returned cheques amounting to $385,295.32. These cheques w...

Normalcy is gradually returning to two of Jamaica's primary public agencies, the Petrojam Oil Refinery and the National Water Commission (NWC), following disruptive worker protests involving six trade unions. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) reports that the issues leading to work stoppages at both agencies are under scrutiny, with follow-up meetings aimed at a full resumption of services. However, some labor leaders remain cautious about the prospects of a prompt settlement. Vincent Morrison, President of the Union of Clerical, Administrative, and Supervisory (UCASE), expressed disappointment with the ongoing developments in negotiations, describing them as "rocky." The union and technical personnel at the Petrojam refinery were still unable to resolve wage issues as of 6:00 PM on Thursday 12 October 2023. These issues arose during a meeting at the MLSS, North Street, Kingston. Technical service workers at Petrojam had staged a sick-out earlier in the we...

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified diesel engine exhaust as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) on June 12, 2012. This classification was based on sufficient evidence that exposure to diesel engine exhaust is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. It's important to note that this classification is primarily related to the carcinogenic effects of diesel exhaust and its impact on human health. Diesel exhaust fumes therefore pose significant dangers to businesses and their employees. Exposure to these fumes, often produced by vehicles and machinery powered by diesel engines, can lead to serious health risks. Prolonged inhalation of diesel exhaust can result in respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung function, which can lead to increased sick leave and decreased productivity among employees. Moreover, diesel exhaust contains harmful chemicals such as benzene and form...

  Introduction When an employee is discovered to be in possession of their employer's property without authorization, it raises questions about the appropriate course of action for the employer. This situation can be tricky to navigate, as it may not always be easy to prove that the employee had the intention to steal. This article explores the legal considerations and options available to employers when faced with this issue. Understanding Employee Theft Employee theft or being in possession of unauthorized company property typically occurs when an employee takes goods, money, equipment, or other assets belonging to the employer without lawful rights and with the intention to keep or use them for personal gain. The critical element in such cases is proving the employee's intent to retain the goods, thereby depriving the employer of them permanently. Employer's Choices When Faced with Employee Theft Employers have two primary options when an employee is suspected of theft: ...

 In February 2023, Thailand reported a remarkable achievement: an unemployment rate of just 1.05%. This figure marked the lowest unemployment rate the country had seen since the first quarter of 2020, before the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic had hit the economy. Such a low unemployment rate raises questions about what factors are driving this impressive trend. Tourism Sector Recovery One of the key drivers behind Thailand's low unemployment rate in early 2023 is the remarkable recovery of its tourism sector. Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities, making it a top tourist destination. However, the pandemic severely affected tourism, leading to job losses in the sector. As COVID-19 restrictions eased and the country reopened to international tourists, the tourism industry rebounded significantly. This resurgence created a surge in job opportunities, especially in sectors related to tourism, such as hospitality, transportation, a...

The global job market is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, influenced by a multitude of factors, including economic conditions, government policies, and societal shifts. As we move through 2023, it is crucial to understand the diverse unemployment forecasts across countries and regions. In this article, we will explore the unemployment projections for 2023 and comment on the various factors impacting these figures. The G7 and the U.S.: Strong Labor Markets Amid Uncertainty The G7 nations, including the United States, have witnessed an impressive performance in their labor markets. The U.S., in particular, boasts an unemployment rate of just 3.4% in 2023, a figure not seen since 1969. This low rate is a testament to the country's robust economic growth and job creation. However, amidst this optimism, there are clouds of uncertainty. High inflation rates and hawkish monetary policies are concerns that could impact these strong labor markets. For instance, the Conference Board...

In recent years, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) deductions and workers' rights have come under scrutiny in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Barbados. These countries, like many others, grapple with issues related to NIS contributions, compliance, and the overall welfare of their workforce. Trinidad and Tobago: The Missing 200,000 Trinidad and Tobago faces a puzzling discrepancy in its labor force and NIS contributions. Finance Minister Colm Imbert highlighted a staggering statistic: the country's labor force comprises around 600,000 individuals, but only 400,000 are registered with the NIS. This discrepancy raises questions about the unaccounted 200,000 people. One of the major concerns in Trinidad and Tobago is that approximately 4,000 employers are reportedly not making their NIS contributions. These fraudulent activities put additional strain on the NIS and hinder its ability to provide adequate support to retirees. Government Minister Brian Manning acknowledges this issue ...