Workers’ Probation Not Covered Under Employment Law
The Employment Relations Law does not cover the probationary period of employment.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate after receiving queries on the three months’ probationary period for workers from Qamea Hotel. It was during the public consultation in Naiviivi Village last Friday.
Mr Usamate added that workers must engage in employment for more than three months to qualify for other entitlements stipulated under the labour law.
“The first three months of employment is a qualifier for a worker to receive other employment entitlements such as sick leave, three days bereavement leave, five days paternity and family care leave, which will be effective from January 1, 2019.
“The three months qualifying period is inclusive in any employment contract period and should not be distinctive,” Mr Usamate said.
“Additionally, the Act only covers two types of employment and these are casual and permanent employment.
“The law does not cover probationary work, part-time work or temporary work under the law,” Mr Usamate said.
He strongly emphasised that workers and employers must clearly understand this and seek clarifications from the ministry if they are unsure about any employment terms and conditions.
The first public consultation was a success because the ministerial team received a lot of queries on the terms and conditions of employment for Hotel and Catering industries and also queries relating to other Government ministries and departments.
The consultation is part of Mr Usamate’s two-day consultations there.
Prior to the team’s first public consultation on the Garden Island, the Employment Ministry ministerial team and other government officials presented their ‘isevusevu’ to the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
In receiving the ‘isevusevu’, Ratu Naiqama offered blessings of the vanua and acknowledged the team’s intention on the island and was very appreciative of Government’s commitment and dedication in bringing its services closer to the people of Cakaudrove.
“Cakaudrove opens its doors to all government services and I thank you for the assistance and support rendered to our people,” Ratu Naiqama said.
Source: DEPTFO News
