Barbadian workers are being reminded that the COVID-19 vaccine is freely available to them and it is administered in keeping with the guidelines given by Ministry of Health and Wellness.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, it is not mandatory for an employee to take the vaccine.
The Ministry said the employee determines whether he/she wants to be vaccinated and is not to be treated unfairly nor discriminated against by the employer, if he/she chooses not to take the vaccine.
The statement emphasised that the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees continue to apply in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and all existing contracts of employment also remain in force and must be respected.
For further advice or guidance, persons should contact the Industrial Relations Section of the Labour Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations at labour@labour.gov.bb, or at telephone numbers 535-1506 to 535-1512, 535-1526, 535-1533 and 535-1566.