Workplace guidelines on the closure of schools in Trinidad and Tobago

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — In keeping with the policy of the government of Trinidad and Tobago, and in particular the well-established determination of the prime minister, Dr Keith Rowley to lead by example, we are here once again, this time to provide Guidelines to the Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago as the Country continues to grapple with the unusual and unfortunate circumstances forced upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guidelines which we are about to share with the population at large are designed to mitigate the obvious personal and family logistical inconveniences and the consequential significant workplace adjustments which are expected to be faced as a result of the inevitable decision which had to be taken to have our schools and universities closed for one week in the first instance.

Further to the statement of the prime minister on March 13, 2020, that all schools will be closed for one week, in the first instance, starting on Saturday, March 14, 2020, it is recognized that there are parents who are also workers who on Monday, March 16, 2020, will be faced with the question of what to do with respect to their children who will be out of school, and there are employers who will be faced with requests from employees to bring their children to work or stay at home.

In dealing with this situation at the workplace, employers and employees in the public service, state enterprises/private sector are advised to utilize the following guidelines:

1. At this time it is not advised that children be allowed onto workplaces/facilities, inclusive of company vehicles or compounds as they too need to be protected;
2. All parents are encouraged to use their support systems in the first instance to take care of their children to allow them to report for duty;
3. Employers are encouraged to implement remote work policies, where possible, to minimize the need for employees with children to physically attend work;
4. Where it is not possible for employees with children to work from home, recognized majority unions/employees and employers are required to explore options of shift work, staggered hours of work and/or rostering;
5. Where there are both parents in a family, one parent is encouraged to stay at home with the children whilst the other reports for duty;
6. Where alternative work arrangements cannot be made the employee is to be allowed to stay at home with his/her children without being penalized by either disciplinary action or by non-payment of salary;
7. Where discussions between the recognized majority unions/employees and employers have failed to resolve the issue either the employer or recognized majority unions/employees can contact the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division at conciliation.mol@gov.tt or call 299-0300 ext. 2043 or 2124;
8. Employees are advised that if you are not sick do not stay at home. For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic employers are required to implement pandemic leave provisions within their organizations in a compassionate manner which ensures business continuity whilst securing the national interest.

In light of the pandemic facing Trinidad and Tobago officers who will be eligible for pandemic leave within the public service are as follows:

1. Public Officers – permanent, temporary, monthly paid and daily rated;
2. Fixed Term Contract Employees;
3. Short Term Contract Employees;
4. On the Job Trainees (OJTS);
5. Officeholders within the purview of the Salaries Review Commission (SRC) – (whose office falls in the public service such as top managers, judiciary and legal services).

Employers are encouraged to develop appropriate arrangements to ensure business continuity during this pandemic. Let’s face reality. We are all in this together. The perils of COVID – 19 and the attendant dislocations brought upon our country demand that we, the government and the citizenry, join forces with one another to combat the menace. Together, we must grapple with the unprecedented peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of this unusual virus which is sweeping the world as we speak.

And so, with an abiding spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and commitment on the part of all citizens whatever our personal persuasions, let us lift our hearts and double our efforts as we journey through these turbulent waters together.

On the bright side, with the Grace of Almighty God, and with that relentless spirit of togetherness, we will emerge out of this pandemic, a Nation excessively stronger in purposefulness and more abundantly enlightened and enriched from the experience.