Lettersto the Editor
Fair LabourPractices for the Cayman Islands
Dear Sir,
There has been a great deal of discussionin the media concerning job opportunities for Caymanians. ManyCaymanians feel they are qualified for jobs and are not beinggiven an opportunity to get them.
The business community denies this and saysthat everyone who applies is fairly considered for job opportunities.I would like to suggest a solution to this dilemma.
The government issues work permits and knowsexactly when they will need to be renewed, from their computerrecords. A monthly publication from the Government, which listswork permits, job descriptions, salary, and qualifications, forall job expiring during the next three months and new jobs beingcreated, would inform the public about jobs which will soon beavailable to qualified Caymanians.
Qualified persons could submit applicationsfor these jobs to the Human Resources Department . If the HumanResources Department agrees that the applicant is truly qualified,they would refer the applicant to the employer who is seekingan employee. If the employer does not agree with the Human ResourcesDepartment assessment of the applicants qualifications, a replyin writing giving their reasons would be required.
To enable this system to be effective itwould be necessary to require all employers to register theiremployment needs with the Human Resources Department so that employerscan be matched up with available qualified employees.
This system would allow persons seekingemployment and/or advancement, as well as employers, an opportunityto be matched up well in advance of the time when permit renewalsare required.
At present employers are required to publishads in the newspaper. If a person seeking a job inadvertentlymisses the newspaper ads he will not have a chance to apply forthe position.
With this proposal a person seeking employmentwill have ample time to apply for any job, which is, or is goingto be, available and the employer can be certain that he has notoverlooked anyone locally, who is qualified. By having the HumanResources Department evaluate all applicants, Caymanians can beassured that they will be treated fairly.
This plan would make the newspaper advertisementsunnecessary.
The question now is what will happen whenthe Human Resources Department feels a person is qualified butthe employer disagrees. At this point binding arbitration by anall Caymanian arbitration board will settle the issue.
If the employer still does not wish to hirethe employee, a Work Permit will not be issued for the periodof time that the work permit was being sought.
Arthur & HeleneSchindler