News Categories: Statement

Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Clarity on the Farmwork Programme

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) reiterates its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights, interests, and well-being of all Jamaican workers, participating in the Farmwork programme. In doing so, the Ministry acknowledges the concerns and criticisms that have been raised regarding the Farmwork Programme. We understand the importance of open dialogue and constructive feedback in shaping policies and programme that benefit all stakeholders involved.

At the heart of our commitment to the Farmwork Programme is the well-being and welfare of Jamaican workers who participate, the farmers who host them, and the reputation of our nation and partners.

Protecting farmworkers who are injured on the job

The welfare of Jamaican farmworkers is safeguarded by instituted frameworks and other systems established by both governments of Jamaica and Canada.

Once a farmworker sustains an injury on the job, a report is submitted to the Workers Compensation Board by the treating physician, the worker, and the employer. This report initiates a series of processes to assess the severity of the injury and to determine the level and type of support needed by the worker.

In the case of workers who are permanently injured the medical report is submitted to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). This report assists them in making a decision on the amount, if any, that is to be paid to the worker.

There is an appeal process that is available to workers who are dissatisfied with the decision of the WSIB. The Liaison Service assists in filing appeals and attends the Board Appeals Tribunal hearings with the workers.

Legal Representation and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

As part of our ongoing thrust to improve the protection of our workers, free legal representation is provided to bring their concerns before the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Notwithstanding, workers also have the option to secure their own legal representation.

The WSIB makes awards based on the loss of function and/or the degree of impairment sustained by a worker injured on the job.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security welcomes the recent ruling by Canada’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal in September 2023, which now enables migrant farmworkers who have been permanently injured because of the job, to be provided with compensation beyond the twelve (12) weeks which had been the precedent by the WSIB.

Additionally in cases where an injured farmworker is repatriated to Jamaica, the following services are provided by the MLSS:

1. The transfer of all the required medical reports and other relevant documents to the local medical service provider so that the transition to medical care at home is seamless.
2. Continued contact with the MLSS Welfare Unit who liaises with the local medical service provider and the injured worker to ensure that all appointments are kept. Further the unit ensures that reports are sent back to the Liaison Service so that costs incurred by the worker to access medical services can be reimbursed.
3. The welfare unit also submits claims for payment by the medical service provider on behalf of the injured worker, and follow-up to ensure that payments are affected in a timely manner.

If farmworkers have concerns, complaints, or questions about their medical care they are encouraged to share these with the welfare unit to be addressed in collaboration with the Liaison Service.

While we acknowledge that no program is without its challenges, we are dedicated to addressing concerns and ensuring that accurate information is presented to the public.

To this end:

1. We commit to enhancing the transparency of the Farmwork Programme, providing clear information about the rights and responsibilities of both workers and host employers.

2. We will continue to engage in open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including Jamaican workers, host farmers, and our international partners, to identify areas for improvement.

3. We are actively working to strengthen the support systems available to Farmwork Programme participants, ensuring their well-being, safety, and access to essential services.

4. We will collaborate with relevant agencies and organizations to offer training and education to empower workers with the skills needed to thrive in their host countries.

5. We will investigate and address any reports of exploitation, unfair treatment, or inadequate working conditions promptly and decisively.

The Farmwork Programme remains a valuable avenue for employment and economic growth, and the Ministry is committed to its continued success.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Communication Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, July 28, 2023

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Confirms Conduct of Ongoing Case Management Visit

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security is reminding beneficiaries of its Social Protection programmes that, as part of its normal Case Management process, Social Workers routinely conduct home welfare visits.

The purpose of these welfare (home) visits is, primarily to:

1. confirm the well-being of vulnerable beneficiary groups, particularly young children and the elderly,
2. validate the continued eligibility for benefits under the various programme
3. confirm the Life Status of benefit recipients and
4. to provide technical assistance and oversight of micro-enterprise projects for beneficiaries of entrepreneurship grants

As a precautionary measure to protect the safety of its beneficiaries and staff, the Ministry does not announce routine home visits.

The Ministry is assuring members of the public that all its Social Workers and other agents are provided with Identification Cards, which they are required to have visibly displayed at all times while conducting their duties, and that all employees of the Ministry are required to discharge their duties in strict adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and care.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is further assuring the public that it takes the concerns of all its clients and stakeholders very seriously. As an organization of the Government of Jamaica, the Ministry maintains a zero-tolerance to professional misconduct in any form.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any breaches of conduct to the Ministry’s offices by calling 876-676-5694-96 or 876-922-9500-17.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.

STATEMENT BY THE HON. PEARNEL CHARLES JR.

MINISTER OF LABOUR & SOCIAL SECURITY

RE: INVESTIGATION OF ONGOING CONCERNS OF FARM WORKERS 

I have received a fulsome brief regarding the concerns raised by some farmworkers in Ontario, Canada. We continue to closely monitor the situation and I have instructed that the following be instituted:

1. I have requested a comprehensive report from the Chief Liaison Officer regarding the current issue and an update of general activities of the Jamaica Central Labour Organization (JCLO).

2. The Management Committee, chaired by Permanent Secretary Roberts Risden, will review protocols, guidelines and activities relating to delivery of service to our Farmworkers and provide recommendations for improvements at the Committee’s next meeting at the end of June.

3. Meetings will be held with stakeholders (employers, Liaison Officers, and Farmworkers), starting with our Canadian Liaison Officers tomorrow morning.

4. A meeting and review session will be held with the Fact-Finding team.

5. The Ministry will highlight previously established communication channels for farmworkers and identify additional platforms for them to freely communicate issues and complaints without fear of victimization.

Following meetings with all stakeholders, and based on the input received, we will make further determinations to implement additional protocols and guidelines to protect the integrity of the programme.

Finally, we would like to remind our Farmworkers of the established channels available to them and we encourage them to contact the Ministry directly on any matters of concern or the Liaison Service. Farmworkers are also encouraged to report employment breaches to Employment and Social Development Canada.

The Ministry of Labour & Social Security is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that the rights of our Farmworkers are not infringed, and that they are provided with the living environments and working conditions that meet or exceed the standards as established by the Canadian authorities.

Communications Advisor to the Minister of Labour & Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr.
1F North Street, Kingston, Jamaica Email: rochelle.mitchell@mlss.gov.jm.

Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Hon. Karl Samuda, OJ, CD, MP

Minister of Labour & Social Security

Friday, December 10, 2021

Government Pays out Billions to Country’s Most Vulnerable Citizens in Time for Christmas

The devastating impact of the Covid19 Pandemic on the economy and lives of all Jamaicans, has been arguably one of the worst disasters the Government of Jamaica has faced in recent times.

As a country, we have been severely tested. We have had to maneuver a difficult balancing act, as we balance the lives and livelihoods of every Jamaican. Special attention had to be given to the people in our society, who are most vulnerable to economic shocks. In this regard, this caring Government will, under the SERVE Programme pay $1.9B in one off grants of $10,000 each, to beneficiaries of PATH and the Social Pension Programme as well as to some pensioners under the and National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The payments which are being made through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security started on November 15, 2021 when over 6,000 elderly persons who are seventy-five (75) years and older received their grant along with their social pension payment.

During December, One Hundred and Thirty Six Thousand Three Hundred and Forty (136,340) families on PATH and 41,000 NIS pensioners, who receive less than $10,000.00 per month for pension, will also receive their grant. This totals well over Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand (360,000) beneficiaries.

The grants are in addition to the normal payments due to recipients during the period.

As a Ministry we are proud to contribute to national resilience during this difficult time by allowing the most vulnerable among us to be able to purchase much needed food and other supplies to sustain themselves, especially at Christmas, which for many is their favourite time of the year, when families get together.

As Minister, I am proud to be the Steward of these benefits to the poor people of Jamaica and I can assure you that we will account for every dollar to be disbursed.

This government does not only say ‘We care. We show We Care’.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, June 8, 2020

Powers of Entry of Labour Officers into Establishments

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security commends all employers and business operators who have developed infection prevention and control measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In particular, we encourage employers to continuously monitor the protocols and guidelines established by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in crafting and implementing their internal COVID-19 symptom screening.

It has been brought to our attention that there are instances where Labour Officers of the Ministry are being asked by employers to complete symptom screening forms day(s) in advance of conducting inspections. These forms are then used to determine if the Labour Officer will be granted access to a facility. Please note that this constitutes a breach of Section 3 of the Labour Officer’s (Powers Act) which states:

“A Labour Officer may at all reasonable times enter upon any premises, other than a dwelling-house, for the purpose of carrying out any inspection or inquiry which he may consider desirable for ensuring the proper observance of any enactment which is, or hereafter may be included in the Schedule.”

The Ministry has been proactive in developing and implementing its internal infection and prevention control measures to reduce the risk of our Labour Officers being potential agents of COVID-19 transmission. You are therefore encouraged to ensure that the measures implemented are not in contravention of the powers conferred to Labour Officers.

Contact: MLSS Public Relations Unit Straight Line: (876) 967-5484 |Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm Like and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlssjamaica/?ref=bookmarks; Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamaicaMlss and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlssjamaica Visit our website: www.mlss.gov.jm for more.