New Online Complaints Management System for Labor Issues

The Ministry of Labour today launched its Labour Complaints Management System for workers. One of the primary functions of the Labour Department is labour complaints management which entails the mediation and settlement of labour disputes. The newly launched online system now makes it easier for employees to file a complaint. The manual system of recordkeeping is also now digitized. It is a huge step into the digital age for the ministry. We spoke with Oscar Requeña, the Minister of Labour, following a launch ceremony in Belize City.

Oscar Requeña

Oscar Requeña, Minister of Labor

“When we came on board we found a manual system where people would go into the Labour Department offices across the country and make their labor complaints in person. What I would say is that we found a system that was very lacking. To be honest, people would go in and make their complaints and it would take months, and sometimes even a year before they would ever get any kind of feedback. In many instances they spent a lot of money back and forth visiting the labor offices and in many instances they could not get a positive outcome out of their complaints. It is a system that lacked a lot of efficiency and adequate and timely feedback to the complainant.”

Paul Lopez

“Now with the new system what guarantee is there that there will be a timely feedback?”

Oscar Requeña

“Well, we need to ensure that we continue our public education to sensitize the public on the new portal system, how they can access it, and certainly ensure that they can upload their information. Once that is done they are going to be getting acknowledgement that their information has been uploaded, they will be able to follow through and track the progress of their complaints and if they do not get satisfactory responses, they will certainly be able to follow through.”