NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Minister of Labour and the Public Service the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle said in the near future, people entering the workforce will meet a labour environment with modern protections against discrimination and harassment and clearly defined rights aligned with international standards.
“They will encounter defined paths for career advancement, opening doors of opportunity in our economy,” Minister Glover-Rolle said during the Labour Legislative Reform Stakeholders Meeting held at the National Training Agency on Monday, May 19, 2025.
She explained that when work disputes arise, as they inevitably will, both workers and employers will benefit from streamlined resolution processes, making fair and equitable outcomes more accessible.
The Minister noted that casual workers, whose issues have often fallen through regulatory cracks, will have comprehensive protections. “These essential contributors to our economy will no longer operate at the margins of our labour framework.
“Enhanced freedom of association provisions will empower workers to organise effectively in today's workplace environment, ensuring accountability for agreements made through collective bargaining.”
She said workers will benefit from expanded definitions of workplace injuries and illness that include mental health, recognising that occupational safety extends beyond physical wellbeing.
The Labour Minister explained that amendments to the laws for mental health leave, paternity leave, extended maternity leave, and remote work will acknowledge and respect the whole person – the holistic needs of workers, as well as their duties of care to self and to their families.
She said businesses competing globally will operate amid consistent standards across sectors, creating a level playing field that rewards innovation, and local organisations will be empowered to capitalise on emerging opportunities as the country adapts its laws to accommodate climate change, digital transformation, and social advancement.
“This is what we are striving for: a labour framework built from the ground up in response to the realities on the ground and the pressing need for change.
“Our workers deserve better than a regime of outdated laws that should have been modernised ages ago.”
The Minister said, “Fortunately, we are finally expediting these much-needed changes.
“As we move forward from today's discussions, let us remain focused on our fundamental purpose, which is the empowerment and protection of the workers of this nation.”
She noted that the road ahead will present moments of principled disagreement and spirited advocacy. “This kind of tension is not only natural, it is valuable. The constructive engagement of diverse perspectives will create stronger, more durable solutions.”
The Labour Minister added, “Yet, amid our debates, let us stay anchored in our shared vision: a Bahamas where work brings dignity as well as income, where businesses thrive through innovation, and where prosperity flows through broad channels impacting Bahamians at all levels of our society.”
