Labour Matters

Labour Matters 13: Victimisation in the workplace

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 16 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

What should you do if you think you are being victimised at your workplace?

Labour relations attorney Michelle Russell breaks down what classifies as victimisation and the legal protections against it.

Labour Matters 12: Of Safe Zones

Sherrylyn Toppin — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 06:06:00 +0000

Barbados’ Chief Medical Officer, The Most Honourable Dr Kenneth George, recently announced Government was abandoning the idea of COVID-19 safe zones.

He said they were not applicable in an Omicron environment.

Labour attorney Michelle M. Russell discusses this and the implications for vaccine mandates in the workplace.

She also shares her perspective on the backlash teachers are facing in calling for a safe environment in which to work.

Labour Matters 11: The Election Edition

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 13:45:00 +0000

How did the Barbados Labour Party administration rate on labour issues over the course of this current term in office?

Labour relations attorney Michelle M. Russell puts all of this under the microscope in this week’s Labour Matters.

She dissects the BOSS, BERT and BEST programmes, vaccine mandates, strikes, severance payments, pensions, the National Insurance Scheme as it relates to labour and so much more.

Labour Matters 10: Work without pay

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 18:07:00 +0000

The crux of the employment contract is payment in exchange for services.

What do you do if you are working and not being paid or being paid late?

Employment rights attorney Michelle M. Russell discusses this and more on this week’s Labour Matters podcast.

Labour Matters Episode 9: Nurses' rights

Sherrylyn Toppin — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:58:00 +0000

Labour Matters Episode 8: Do I have to do a PCR test?

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:55:00 +0000

A colleague tested positive for COVID-19.

Your employer says you must produce a negative PCR test to return to work. What should you do?

Labour attorney Michelle Russell explores this topic this on Labour Matters.

Labour Matters Episode 7: My employer mandates vaccination

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:55:00 +0000

What steps should you take if your employer mandates a COVID-19 vaccine as a requirement for work?

Labour attorney Michelle Russell explains this and more, this week on Labour Matters.

Labour Matters Episode 6: Caveats on mandatory vaccinations

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:03:00 +0000

This week on Labour Matters, attorney Michelle Russell looks at why it might be premature for Government to be considering mandatory vaccinations.

From the start, the Government of Barbados says it is following the mandate of the World Health Organisation, but that body lists certain caveats on use of the COVID-19 vaccines and these are also examined in this episode.

Labour Matters Episode 5: Vaccine Coercion?

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:38:00 +0000

This week on Labour Matters, attorney Michelle Russell looks at the legality of employers requiring workers who are unvaccinated or choose not to reveal their status, should submit negative PCR Tests on a regular basis.

This amounts to a change in the terms of employment and also goes against some sections of the Employment Rights Act.

Who is responsible for paying for PCR tests?

Who is liable for adverse effects on the worker?

What about those who are vaccinated?

Labour Matters Episode 4: Toxic workplace practices

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 12:55:00 +0000

Is your workplace engaging in toxic practices?

Are employers infringing on your rights or using emotional blackmail?

In this week’s episode of Labour Matters, attorney and social activist Michelle M. Russell discusses how to set healthy boundaries in the workplace, what your rights are as an employee under the Shops Act or Common Law and how to recognise toxic workplace practices.

Labour Matters Episode 3: Teachers deserve holiday too

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:55:00 +0000

Teachers and their unions rejected a proposal from the Ministry of Education to teach vacation school.

In the episode of Labour Matters, attorney and social activist Michelle M. Russell discusses the legal issues around vacation, burn out on the job and the importance of rest.

She also spoke with a long-time teacher to get an idea of how they coped with the challenges of teaching online, COVID restrictions, the ashfall and managing their own lives.

Coverage brought to you by eWallet by MassyCard @massycardbb

Labour Matters Episode 2: Covid-19 vaccines and employees 2

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 12:54:00 +0000

In the second episode of Labour Matters, attorney and social activist Michelle M. Russell makes the distinction between vaccines for herd immunity and their usefulness for workplace safety,

She also discusses:

Whether it is reasonable for an employer to demand that all or the majority of workers be vaccinated at this time.
Whether an employer can require vaccination for new employees.

And she answers questions submitted by listeners.

Coverage brought to you by eWallet by MassyCard.

Labour Matters Episode 1: Covid-19 vaccines and employees

Sherrylyn Toppin — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 17:46:00 +0000

Find out about your right as an employee under the labour laws of Barbados regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Welcome to the first episode of a brand new podcast called Labour Matters with attorney and social activist Michelle M. Russell. It discusses COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine incentives and more.