The Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act, usually called LRIDA, is the cornerstone of Jamaica's labour framework. It governs the relationship between employers, employees and trade unions, and sets out how disputes get resolved.
What LRIDA does
It provides the machinery for handling industrial disputes, including conciliation through the Ministry of Labour and, where that fails, referral to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal.
Unfair dismissal
Where a dismissal is challenged as unjustifiable, the matter can be taken through this machinery. The Tribunal can order remedies including reinstatement or compensation.
Trade unions
LRIDA protects the right to organise and to bargain collectively. If your workplace is unionised, the collective agreement may give you more than the statutory minimum on leave, notice and probation.
Health and safety
Separate legislation provides the framework for a habitable working environment, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security investigates incidents where health and safety has been compromised.
Worth knowing: the "workplace" is not limited to four walls. It can be a vehicle, a vessel, an aircraft, a mobile structure, or land and waters — anywhere you need to be by reason of your work and which is under the direct or indirect control of the person conducting the business.
Before you complain
Gather what you have: contract or letter of employment, payslips, written communications, any disciplinary correspondence. Disputes are decided on evidence, and the person with the records is in a stronger position.
Where to go
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is the first port of call for most complaints. Its services are free and you do not need a lawyer to start.