Ahead of Labour Day celebrations on Friday, government is reaffirming its commitment to protecting workers’ rights.

Speaking during debate on legislation aimed at preserving collective bargaining protections for former Petrotrin workers, Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development Leroy Baptiste said sustainable economic development must be built on respect for workers, the rule of law and industrial relations institutions.

Linking his contribution to social justice, Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development Leroy Baptiste said the ‘Miscellaneous Provisions (Heritage Petroleum, Paria Fuel Trading and Guaracara Refining Vesting) (Amendment) Bill’ addresses a fundamental industrial relations issue.