Authorities at the Department of Labour are directing a special apology to a local businessman who allegedly claimed that he had experienced a negative encounter with an employee in their office.
The complainant had expressed his discontent with the government office in an article in The Freeport News published Saturday, August 26.
The disgruntled restaurant owner described the incident in the article, stating concern over the ‘callous attitude’ of Labour Board employees with regard to him hiring a cook.
“I went to the Labour Board Wednesday in search of a cook, I was told by a lady at the front desk that I would have to come back next week Wednesday.” the businessman had stated.
“I asked her why, she said to me that the person who deals with that part of the job is off and will not be back in until next week Wednesday.”
He stated in the article that after questioning the female receptionist for assistance from another employee, the woman responded by shrugging her shoulders saying that she doesn’t know.
“I guess that’s how it works in the Government offices,” he had charged.
After reading the detailed content of the distressed businessman’s experience with the Department of Labour, Senior Labour Officer Morgan Graham said that he was appalled by what was indicated.
“I was shocked and disappointed by the article that I read in the newspaper with reference to an individual who came to the newspaper,” he said.
“If what he was saying was accurate, then I must extend a sincere apology on behalf of our department.”
Graham said that the labour board is taking steps to look into the matter and decipher how such service could have occurred.
“We have had some summer students with us working over the course of the last few weeks and I am not certain if he had encountered one of them who might not be too familiar with our policies and procedures,” he explained.
“In essence, how our department functions is when someone goes on vacation, we have someone else who is capable of winging in for that individual.
“Now our students may not be aware of that and so they may have took it upon themselves to answer the way they did.”
Standing in place of Labour Board Executive Tyrone Gibson, who is on three weeks vacation, Graham said that he takes the words of the unsatisfied customer earnestly.
“As is evident with my presence being here, we do take it seriously when there exists a complaint,” he explained.
“We want to ensure the public and this particular individual that this is an isolated incident and is not the norm.”
With no previously recorded complaints in the past, the senior officer said that he wants to ensure that such problems never occur again with the board.
Graham revealed that the article came as an incentive for the government office οΎ– allowing them to see problems that they may have overlooked.
“I see this as a positive thing because while that customer has brought such things to our attention, it allows us the opportunity to fix whatever problem that exists.
“We have to be sensitive to such matters so that we can take the corrective measures,” he said.
Graham said that he favours those persons who are dissatisfied with a service to step forth because it can cause a positive shift for both business and customer.
“I would encourage persons who have not gotten any services that they are entitled to, to please get in service with the relevant department heads and bring it to attention because in order to effect change the authorities need to be confronted,” he urged.
“If the heads are not aware, it would be very difficult to make things happen.”
The official of the Labour board requests a meeting with the businessman to extend a solemn apology.
By TAMARA DELANEY, Freeport News Reporter
