The Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating 60 years since its establishment.
President Christine Kangaloo, Prime Minister Stuart Young, Attorney General Camille Robinson-Regis, and the Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Keith Scotland SC, were present at the Anniversary Mass on Thursday.
President of the Industrial Court, Heather Seale, said the court continues to drive efforts towards social and economic growth, just as it has been doing for the past 60 years.
“This cannot be underscored, and I dare say it has been recognised by all of the court’s stakeholders. Such an achievement would not have been possible without the sterling service of dedicated and independent judges, six of whom have been with the court for over 20 years.”
Speaking on just wages, which is defined as a fair and reasonable amount of money paid to a worker for their labour, Archbishop of Port of Spain, Charles Jason Gordon, urged the Industrial Court to always consider the common good.
“Labour policies and Industrial Courts must strive to maintain a fair balance between the employer and the employer’s sustainability and the workers’ security at the same time. This requires a nuanced understanding of the common good.”
Archbishop Gordon further emphasised the importance of critically evaluating the actions and their impact on the overall well-being of society in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Each judge and each judgment, I believe, must be scrutinised as either serving or not serving the common good. Justice is a delicate balance, and you hold the power to shape that balance and harmony in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Established in 1965 following Section 5(1) of the Industrial Stabilisation Act, the Industrial Court, aiming to continue delivering social justice, will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of its first sitting in April 2025.