ECA: Carnival 2021

February 16th, 2021    |   Related To: Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA)

On 28th September 2020, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago announced that the usual observance of Carnival in Trinidad &Tobago will not take place in 2021 if the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic continued into October 2020. As we are aware, the pandemic is still here.

In this regard, the Employers’ Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) issues the following advisory pending any further proclamations made by the appropriate authorities.

In 2021, the usual observance of Carnival would have occurred on the following days:

Carnival Monday – February 15th

Carnival Tuesday – February 16th

Employers are reminded that Carnival Monday and Tuesday are not included as official public holidays under the Holidays and Festivals Act, Chapter 19:05, though Carnival is a recognised festival in Trinidad and Tobago. This being the case, many employers usually enter into special work and leave arrangements with their employees in treating with the two (2) days of festivities.

There being no ‘carnival days’ this year, in determining work arrangements for February 15th and 16th, employers may act in accordance with the substantive employment terms and conditions in effect for employees at their respective organizations, or at their discretion, enter into some other arrangement with their employees.

Where Recognised Majority Unions (RMUs) exist, employers are advised to engage the respective Union Representatives in confirming the interpretation and application of relevant terms within agreed CLAs or in arriving at alternative arrangements.

As applicable, normal leave provisions and procedures would apply for employees who do not wish to report to work on February 15th and 16th 2021 where those days are scheduled workdays.

It should also be noted that where the employer makes the decision to close operations on February 15th and 16th 2021, though normal workdays, employees ought not to suffer any disadvantage on account of such a decision.

The ECA advises that should there be any uncertainty regarding specific company situations, employers should seek guidance from our competent team of advisors before making a decision.

Please continue to stay safe and remember to wear a mask, sanitise and maintain physical distancing, as far as possible.

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