UNC: Government exploiting women

The UNC has accused the PNM Government of “taking a backward step by exploiting women in both the CEPEP and URP.” In a release, the UNC stated that during its time in office, it put legislation in place, as well as amended existing laws, to protect women from exploitation in the workplace and general society.

The UNC cited the Maternity Protection Benefits Act, which provided job security for pregnant employees who take maternity leave; the domestic violence legislation to protect women in abusive relationships; the amendment of the national minimum wage laws that prevented exploitation of women with low-paying jobs; the second chance programme and changing URP to provide training for more than 15,000 women. According to the release, “The PNM has reversed these benefits by refusing to monitor the implementation of the existing laws.” The UNC stated that CEPEP and URP exploit women through low wages and an absence of benefits. This is an affront to the decent work policy of the International Labour Organisation.”