St. George’s, May 2, 2010 (GIS) – It is one of the boldest industrial proposals to be made in Grenada in decades. Minister of Labour, Hon. Karl Hood, has announced plans to meet with labour leaders, as well as business managers and owners, to discuss greater use of a shift system to allow for extended hours of operations.

Hon. Hood, who is also Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs, told the Government Information Service that the successful implementation of his suggestion would generate more employment opportunities for Grenadian workers.

“I’m exploring the possibility of my idea and looking at our labour laws to see how they are going to impact upon weekend work, for example.  You see tourists come in sometimes on a Sunday,’’ said Mr. Hood, “and everything is closed, except maybe for the mall; and you wonder if this is the best thing for the country, from a business standpoint.’’

Hon. Hood, MP for St. George South-East and former Health Minister, joined thousands of workers and government colleagues for his first celebration of May Day as Minister of Labour on Saturday, May 1. The May Day event, which was attended by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, was held in St. Patrick. The Prime Minister is also Member of Parliament for St. Patrick East.