Hon. Fraser Discusses Labour Issues Re: Beef Island Bridge And Airport
Minister of Natural Resources and Labour the Honourable Julian Fraser has reiterated government's position that BVIslanders must be given first preference for employment on the Beef Island Airport and Bridge projects.
Since the beginning of the new airport construction and the Beef Island bridge project, there have been a lot of issues or concerns raised as to whether BV Islanders will benefit in terms of employment from these two major projects. However, according to Hon. Fraser, it has been clear to all the contractors, particularly the general contractors, that local persons must be given first preferences for hire. "This government and this Minister of Labour will not tolerate major works occurring on those two projects without belongers being involved." On 29th June, he held a meeting with the general contractors and their sub-contractors on the Beef Island Airport project. The ground work contractor is McArdle, the terminal contractor is Norde France and there are several contractors - Sandwise, James Frett Construction, Ward Electrical and Island Construction. A similar meeting was held with those for the Beef Island Bridge project on July 26th. This project is being executed by Samuel S. CondŽ or CondŽ BVI. Mirsand is the associate contractor. Trucking is being provided by Mr. Loring George. "Let me say again without reservations: on the Beef Island Bridge and the new T.B. Lettsome International Airport, British Virgin Islanders must be given the first preference to work. No work permit will be approved for outside labour on those two projects unless the contractors can prove that the skills needed do not exist locally, or it exist but is unavailable for use." The Minister pointed out that this also pertains to services. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, he said government expects that the contractors on these two projects would use the services of our local electricians, plumbers, concrete services etc. and will continue to fight for the people of the BVI. "Not only do I expect general contractors and sub-contractors to be using a local workforce, but I expect that they will be treated in accordance with the BVI Labour Code and the ILO standards of safety," he added. He said during public holidays, workers who are called out to work must be paid time and half for each hour worked. This is in addition to the normal pay for that day. "If the public holiday falls for example during the week and the person is not required to work, he or she must still be paid for that day under our Labour Code." Hon. Fraser assured the people of the British Virgin Islands that this government will not sit around and allow locals to be deprived of the benefits from these two major projects. He said these two projects are costing taxpayers over $60 million dollars and it is only fair that we benefit, so that this money can circulate back into the local economy.
"I am keeping a watchful eye on all labour related issues on these two projects. The general contractors and sub-contractors are well aware of my position. This position is consistent with the position of my government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal," he stated. Addressing the issue of permit holding, where employees work for contractors other than who sponsor them, Mr. Fraser emphasized that this is illegal under the Immigration Act and the Labour Code. He said in the coming weeks, he will be ordering a joint surveillance between the Labour and Immigration Departments on those two projects, primarily the Airport project. According to the Minister, it must be made abundantly clear that this government will not be held responsible for any delays on those projects due to infractions in the hiring practice. While he could provide no figures in terms of the number of "illegal" workers on the bridge and airport projects, he categorically stated that there were in fact such workers. He said the government is giving the contractors "ample time to straighten out their act". The Labour Minister said local skills are available, whether the workers are on or off island.
"We just have to make it known to people that the projects are there and their skills are needed in the work force." Mr. Fraser observed that contractors will go all out to bid low to win a project and once they have won the contract, they seek every means possible to make a saving. "It now becomes our responsibility to make sure that that does not result in the disenfranchisement of Belongers". On the bridge project, there are no local sub-contractors. There are about four on the airport project.
Labour Commissioner Wendell Potter accompanied the Minister of Labour at the press conference. He confirmed that there are some labour irregularities taking place on these projects. He said the tendency would be for some contractors, if they find that they are short, to go out and pick up workers and some of that is going on without reference to the Labour Department.