Minister of Labour, Public Service and National Insurance the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle said one of this administration’s most significant undertakings has been modernizing Bahamian labour legislation.

“For decades, governments spoke about labour reform. This administration is delivering it,” the Labour Minister said during her Contribution to the 2026/2027 Budget Debate on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

She said the drafting of the new Employment Act and Industrial Relations Act is nearing completion, and work also continues on the new Public Service Bill and revised General Orders, which are expected before year’s end.

The Minister explained that once completed, these drafts will once again be circulated among labour stakeholders to ensure that unions, employers, and government representatives have the opportunity to review and provide feedback.

“This reform process has been built on consultation.  It has been built on dialogue.  It has been built on consensus.”

The Labour Minister said the International Labour Organization has taken notice because of that approach.

“The Bahamas is increasingly being recognized internationally as an example of how social dialogue can successfully produce meaningful labour reform.”

She noted that these reforms will bring the country’s labour laws firmly into the modern era.

“They will introduce stronger occupational safety and health protections.

“They will establish modern maternity and paternity protections.

“They will address workplace violence, abuse, and harassment.

“They will support remote work arrangements.

“They will introduce important new provisions relating to mental health and worker wellbeing.”

The Minister added, “Most importantly, they will ensure that our labour laws reflect the realities of today’s workforce rather than those of decades past.”

She said the Government is not reforming for the sake of reform, but because workers deserve laws that reflect the realities they face every day.

The Labour Minister commended the employers who have already begun implementing progressive workplace policies ahead of legislative changes.

She said, “Several employers have already introduced paternity leave benefits, while others — such as the Central Bank — have begun the provisions to enhance support for nursing mothers.

“These efforts demonstrate leadership and a recognition that investing in workers ultimately strengthens organizations as well.”

The Minister said, “As our Labour Reform process nears implementation, I want to acknowledge the efforts of newly appointed Senator Keenan Johnson, who led the effort, as well as our HR Taskforce Members and the Registrar of Trade Unions Yolantha Yallop for key contributions to this process.”

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