A consultation process has been launched to strengthen labour protections and advance fairness in the labour market, the Upper House heard today.

Lauren Bell, the Junior Minister of Economy and Labour, told the Senate that the Pay Transparency Policy proposal recognises that longstanding wage disparities linked to race, gender, ethnicity and immigration status continue to affect income and employment outcomes in Bermuda.

A policy document is available for public review and feedback at www.forum.gov.bm. The deadline for feedback is June 30.

Ms Bell said the proposed legislation is practical, balanced and reflective of Bermuda’s unique labour market.

She said: “This Government believes that fair pay is fundamental to building a modern, inclusive and competitive labour market.”

Ms Bell said the consultation framework “is intended to encourage meaningful participation from employers, employees, trade unions, industry groups, advocacy organisations and members of the public”.

She said it has been structured to gather practical feedback on how the proposed measures can be implemented effectively within the island’s labour market while balancing fairness, accountability and operational realities for employers.

The policy is grounded on the principle of equal pay for work of equal value, she said, adding that the proposal is informed by international best practices and guidance from the International Labour Organisation, which identifies pay transparency as an important mechanism for reducing unjustified pay disparities and promoting equitable workplaces.

Ms Bell said: “The aim of the proposed policy is to promote fairness, accountability and openness in how compensation decisions are made.

“It would move Bermuda from a largely reactive complaints-based system, under the Human Rights Act 1981, towards a more proactive framework that prevents unfair pay practices before they arise.

“At present, Bermuda’s legal framework largely relies on individuals to bring forward complaints after unfair treatment has already occurred.

“In many cases, this can be difficult, time-consuming and challenging to prove, especially where pay practices lack transparency.”

She urged stakeholders to participate in the consultation process and share their views on the proposed policy.