LABOUR and Social Security Minister Derrick Kellier says that while there might still be some amount of “disquiet” about the decision to amend legislation to facilitate the introduction of flexi-week arrangements, they are not “convincing enough” to hamper the Government from moving forward with those plans.

“It is time for us to have those pieces of legislation adjusted so that, legally, those arrangements can be put in place,” Kellier told journalists at Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston.

“Discussions have taken place, world without end, and it’s time for us to have those pieces of legislation adjusted so these arrangements can take place,” he said, noting that dialogue about flexi-work week arrangements have been ongoing for some 18 years. Both Houses of Parliament have already agreed on the policy for implementation.

“There are some organisations that put up a strong resistance, but I think for the greater good the country will realise the benefits,” Kellier said, while pointing out that care had been taken to subject the proposal to rigourous and widespread consultations before signing off.

“There may still be some level of disquiet out there but I don’t think it is convincing enough to really hamper us going forward,” the labour minister added.

Flexi-time allows the worker and employer to arrange the traditional 40-hour work week as best suits their needs. Among the decisions reached is that the work day should be capped at a maximum 12 hours and that overtime should be earned after the worker has completed 40 hours.

Amendments to legislation to facilitate the introduction of flexi-week arrangements will be realised by the end of this calendar year. Among the statutes to be amended are the Holidays With Pay Act, The Shops Regulations, The Women (Employment of) Act, the Post Office Regulation, the National Minimum Wage Act and Orders, the Towns and Communities Act and the Apprenticeship (Motor Mechanic Trade) Order.