Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy

The Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division (CAAD) is responsible for managing the resolution of labour conflict in the society, including the private sector, state enterprises sector and specific public sector entities. It is also responsible for carrying out key provisions of the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 88:01 (IRA), under the delegated authority of the Minister of Labour and for advising the Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the state of industrial relations in the country. The Industrial Relations Act (IRA) provides the legislative framework governing industrial relations practice in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division (CAAD) is responsible for:

• Managing the resolutions of labour conflict in the society, including the private sector, state enterprises sector and specific public sector entities.
  
  
• Carrying out key provisions of the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 88:01 (IRA), under the delegated authority of the Ministry of Labour; and
  
  
• The National Workplace Policy on Sexual Harassment in Trinidad and Tobago (2019).
  
  
• Recommendations for amendments to the legislative framework governing industrial relations practice in Trinidad and Tobago.

Functions of the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division (CAAD):

• Acknowledgement of and Conciliation in TRADE DISPUTES within fourteen (14) day statutory period.
  
  
• Processing of requests for EXTENSIONS OF TIME for the reporting of trade disputes under the IRA.
  
  
• Drafting and preparation of MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT of matters settled in conciliation.
  
  
• Submission of MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT to the Industrial Court for registration.
  
  
• Processing of CERTIFICATES OF UNRESOLVED DISPUTES AND REFERRALS in essential services matters and special tribunal matters to the Industrial Court.
  
  
• Processing of PROPOSALS for Collective Agreements.
  
  
• Vetting of COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS prior to submission to the Industrial Court for registration.
  
  
• Maintaining the Ministry's records in respect of Certification and Recognition of Trade Unions by the Registration, Recognition and Certification Board (RRCB)
  
  
• Submission to the Registration, Recognition and Certification Board of queries of MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING [SECTION 51(6)] AND WORKER WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 2(3) (e) THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT.
  
  
• Processing of RETRENCHMENT NOTICES.
  
  
• Processing of CLAIMS FOR SEVERANCE BENEFITS prior to the referral to the Industrial Court.

The Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division (CAAD) provides a suite of services which include, but are not limited to:

• Dispute Resolution
  
  Conducting conciliation proceedings between employers and unions in rights disputes (e.g. dismissals, suspensions, warning letters etc.) and interest disputes – mainly breakdown in negotiations for collective agreements.
  
  
• Walk-in Client/Call-in Services
  
  Providing advice and assistance to non-unionized workers and employers in respect of matters arising from individual employment relationships. Officers will also respond to simple queries on various workplace issues.
  
  
• Advisory Services
  
  Providing information and advice to unions, workers and employers on the principles and practice of good industrial relations, including the fundamental rights to natural justice.
  
  
• Outreach
  
  Conducting workshops/ seminars on Industrial Relations issues for unions, employers, non-governmental organizations, senior public officers and small and micro enterprises.
  
  
• Customized Training
  
  The Ministry of Labour offers customized training to employers, trade unions and educational facilities aimed at addressing their organization's specific needs. Requests can be made concerning the items or it can be customized to address the needs of the organization. Training can be done face to face and/or online.

Important Facts:
Employees who are not members of Trade Unions may seek the advice and assistance of the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division for any work related issue. 

The services provided by the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division are available to employees, employers, unions and the general public.

Asesoramiento para casos de Conciliación y Defensa

Download the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division Brochures

          

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