Reference is made to the story that was entitled ‘Employers urged to block union verification process: new system one of main reasons for disputes on recognition –source” (March 14).
The Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties would like to clarify the following facts.
The ministry reiterates that it had to respond quickly to a situation which could have given rise to industrial disputes considering that a number of recognition exercises which were scheduled to take place had been suspended due to the affiliation and recognition of the officers of the Department of Labour who used to carry out such exercises.
The government cannot deny workers their right of association within a trade union.
The ministry is now waiting for proposals on the subject from social partners. These suggestions will then be forwarded to the Employment Relations Board to be discussed further.