Legislated maternity leave and paternity leave will be enshrined in Bermuda’s labour laws, according to Lovitta Foggo.

Ms Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Culture, said the Employment (Maternity Leave Extension and Paternity Leave) Amendment Act 2019 will be tabled in the House of Assembly today.

She also announced a range of other proposed amendments, including a reduction in the number of tribunals, provisions for “zero tolerance” for workplace violence and harassment and the streamlining of union certification.

Other matters being considered are employment protections for temporary and part-time workers, policies for tips and gratuities and policies to protect employees pressured to work overtime for straight pay.

Ms Foggo told the House of Assembly: “As many of these changes have been agreed by the social partners including unions and employers, we look forward to this House taking a bipartisan approach similar to the Wage Commission Bill when we return for the debate following the summer recess.”

• To read Lovitta Foggo’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”