Frequently Asked Questions

A factory inspection is a site visit conducted by Labour Inspectors who make observations in line with the Labour Act, Factories Act and Factories Regulations.

Factory inspection is necessary to provide license certification. Inspectors pay special attention to health and safety, child labour, and general terms of reference.

Part II section 6 of the Factories Act, Chapter 296 of the Laws of Belize Revised Edition 2011 highlights that : “Every existing and every new factory shall be registered as provided for by this Act.” 

This is an authenticated document issued annually by the Labour Department after an inspection is done and all applicable requirements of the Factories Act are satisfied.

This certification is indicative that the establishment is in compliance with the relevant sections of the Act.  Ensuring that your factory establishment meets compliance standards as it relates to health, safety, and labour is the right thing to do.

Christmas Day will fall on and be observed on Saturday, 25th December, 2021 (Belize Press Office, Press Release #328 dated 10th June, 2021).

Boxing Day will fall on Sunday, 26th December, 2021 and be observed on Monday, 27th December, 2021 (Belize Press Office, Press Release #328 dated 10th June, 2021).

New Year’s Day will fall on and be observed on Saturday, 1st January, 2022 (Belize Press Office, Press Release #535 dated 3rd November, 2021).

In accordance with section 119 (1) of the Labour Act, Chapter 297, Revised Edition 2011, persons holding positions of supervision or management are exempted from being compensated extra for work done on public and bank holidays. However, if an agreement exists between an employer and an employee (manager) for extra compensation for work done on a public and bank holiday, then the employee (manager) is entitled to compensation or a day in lieu.

In this case, the employee will not be paid for Saturday, 25th December, 2021

because Saturdays are the employee’s days off. Section 117 (1) of the Labour Act, states that workers will be paid their regular wages for a normal working day for a public holiday which FALLS on a SCHEDULED WORKDAY. That is to say, in order for an employee to be paid, the public and bank holiday must fall on the employee’s work day.

In accordance with section 117 (4) of the Labour Act, an employee will be paid

at double his/her regular rate of pay. Please note, if a Collective Bargaining Agreement or an employment contract governs your employment and the Agreement or the contract provides better benefits than what are provided for in the Labour Act, the Agreement or contract should be followed.

In accordance with section 117 (3) of the Labour Act, an employee will be paid

at one and one-half his/her regular rate of pay. Please note, if a Collective Bargaining Agreement or employment contract governs your employment and the Agreement or the contract provides better benefits than what are provided for in the Labour Act, the Agreement or the contract should be followed.

In accordance with section 117 (3) of the Labour Act, an employee will be paid

at one and one-half his/her regular rate of pay. Please note, if a Collective Bargaining Agreement or employment contract governs your employment and the Agreement or the contract provides better benefits than what are provided for in the Labour Act, the Agreement or the contract should be followed.

An employee will not be paid at the public and bank holiday overtime rate for

work done on Sunday, 26thDecember, 2021 because Boxing Day is being observed on MONDAY, 27th December, 2021. However, if the employer and the employee agreed for the employee to work on Monday, 27th December, 2021, the employee is to be paid the overtime rate for the public and bank holiday.

In accordance with section 127 (8) of the Labour Act, where any public holiday occurs during your annual vacation leave, the period of the annual vacation leave shall be increased by one day in respect of each public and bank holiday.

The Ministry of Health has advised that persons who suspect that they have been exposed to the Coronavirus should immediately contact the Ministry of Health or its agencies. Only the Ministry of Health has the competent authority to advise on matters of quarantine. Ministry of Health: 0800-MOH-CARE/MOH Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Belizehealth/

The employee should make sure that he or she discusses the matter immediately with his or her employer. It should be made clear that the employee should seek medical advice from his or her physician. Once the employee is not certified sick and fit to work, but is still concerned about their feelings, then both the employer and employee should discuss work arrangements. Any decision reached should factor the following:

• If the employee will work from home - for how long and what arrangements will be in place for work?
• Will the employee remain at work in an isolated space with limited interaction and for how long?

Did the employee’s physician certify the employee to be sick and (i) advise self-isolation and (ii) approve sick leave? If yes, it is very likely that the employee’s physician would have recommended the employee to visit again for another medical consultation and examination. It is the employee’s physician and/or the Ministry of Health who will determine if further self quarantine and additional sick leave are required.

Employers and employees should be guided by Section 131 of the Labour Act, which addresses the issue of sick leave.

If an employee appears to be unwell or ill, that employee should inform his or her employer of the health situation and also seek medical advice and/or medical attention immediately and report the matter to Ministry of Health.

1. Once the employer’s business remains in operation and the employee’s contract, oral or written, is still in force, the employee must be paid in accordance with the Labour Act and the terms and conditions of his or her employment contract. Refer to Section 32 of the Labour Act
   
   
2. Once an employer makes the decision to cease all operations, the employer should ensure full compliance with Section 45 of the Labour Act. Note: Section 45 (3) of the Labour Act mandates employers to inform the recognized Trade Union or if none exists, the workers’ representative, and in any case the Labour Commissioner of closure of business no later than a month in advance as it relates to termination of employees or redundancy.

At all times and without any exceptions, employees should be paid for past work performed. This is with reference to Section 96 (2) of the Labour Act, which addresses payment of wages.

If the terms and conditions of work are to be changed, the employer has a responsibility to first discuss these changes before they are made effective with the employees, Trade Unions or Employees’ Representative – in accordance with the Labour Act and any existing Collective Bargaining Agreement or HR Policy.

Also, employers need to be guided on the matter by Section 37 of the Labour Act - Notice Period For Voluntary Termination of Contract.

If the employer has decided on a redundancy strategy, they have a responsibility to give notice to their employees. Section 45 of the Labour Act sets out the mandatory requirements. Specifically, Section 45(3) of the Labour Act clearly sets out the process that is to be followed by the employer.

Termination benefits should be paid in accordance with the Labour Act and include adequate Notice Pay, Vacation Pay, Wages, and Severance Pay. These benefits vary depending on the period of employment.

• Section 37 of the Labour Act refers to Notice period of terminate
• Section 128 of the Labour Act refers to Payment for Holiday (Vacation Leave)
• Section 96 of the Labour Act refers to Payment of wages
• Section 183 of the Labour Act refers to Severance Pay

All employers should plan for business and operational risks and make provisions for them - in the context of contingency planning and business continuity. An employer may decide to re-organize its businesses, which is its prerogative. However, the provisions outlined in Section 45 of the Labour Act must be followed. Also, please note: that once the employee contract, oral or written, is in force, the employer is obligated to pay salary and benefits in accordance with the terms and conditions of the existing employment contract.

Once the employee has accrued vacation, such vacation may be granted as per Section 127 of the Labour Act.

For any time-off that is to be given voluntarily by the employer, both the employer and the employee should be very clear about the arrangement and ensure that the agreed arrangement is documented. If the employer decides to voluntarily give time-off to his or her employees, whatever is agreed upon between the employer and employees should be in adherence with the Labour Act.

If the Government of Belize makes an Order or a Proclamation for the closure of businesses and/or institutions, employers should be guided by the information provided in the Order/Proclamation.

Once employers make the decision to close their businesses and cease operations, Section 45 of the Labour Act applies. Please note: it is a mandatory requirement for employers to inform the recognized Trade Union or if none exists, the workers’ representative and in any case the Labour Commissioner of such a decision.

Firstly, it would require an agreement between employers and employees to work from home, and the terms and conditions of such an arrangement should be compliant with the Labour Act.

Please note that Section 45 (3) of the Labour Act makes it mandatory for employers to inform the recognized Trade Union or if none exists, the workers’ representative, and in any case the Labour Commissioner of closure of business and provide notice.

Termination benefits may include adequate Notice Pay, Vacation Pay, Wages, and Severance Pay.

• Section 37 of the Labour Act speaks about Notice period of terminate
• Section 128 of the Labour Act speaks about Payment for Holiday (Vacation Leave)
• Section 96 of the Labour Act speaks about Payment of wages
• Section 183 of the Labour Act speaks about Severance Pay.

Under normal circumstances it is expected that employees receive permission or approval from their employers before deciding to take their children to work. Under the current circumstances, it is in the interest of everyone not to expose themselves or their children to any health risks that may also be present at the workplace.

In accordance to Section 100 (e) of the Labour Act, commission on sales shall be paid not less than once a month and in keeping with the terms and conditions that both employers and employees would have agreed to. Also, if the employee’s contract is still in force while he or she has been sent home for a temporary period by his or her employer, the employee is still entitled to be paid for his or her services under the terms and conditions of the existing employment contract.

It is also recommended that these employees consult their School Boards and Management Authorities to review their employment arrangements.

Belize being a member of the International Labour Organization and having signed on to Convention 155 in reference to Occupational Safety and Health, it is a requirement for employers provide adequate protective clothing and protective equipment to prevent risks of accidents or of adverse effects on health and these measures should not be at the cost of workers.