Minister Charles Engages ILO in Discussions on Transitioning Jamaica’s Labour Market
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Saturday, June 17, 2023
Minister Charles Engages ILO in Discussions on Transitioning Jamaica’s Labour Market
On Wednesday June 14, Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. held discussions with the Assistant Director General and Director of the Office of the Director General of the International Labour Organization, Mr. Andre Bogui regarding ongoing work focused on transitioning from informality to formality in the Jamaican labour market. The discussions were held during Minister Charles’ participation in the International Labour Conference in Geneva.
The Minister and Mr. Bogui also engaged in constructive dialogue regarding the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill in order to bring it into compliance with international norms, particularly Conventions 155 and 187. The platform economy and the future of labour were also topics of discussion for Jamaica, as well as the rest of the Caribbean.
Minister Charles emphasized the need to address informality in the workforce, while admitting that supporting equitable economic growth, maintaining social safety, and promoting decent employment, all depend on the shift from informality to formality. The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to creating all-encompassing plans and tactics that support the formalization of employment while addressing the unique difficulties faced by informal employees.
Both parties concurred that coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels were required to properly handle these complex issues, and that it is necessary to critical
stakeholders, such as civil society, employers’ and workers’ organizations, in the creation and execution of policies and programmes. They also agreed that, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation would be vital to the promotion of best practices and the development of labour markets in Jamaica and the larger Caribbean area.
Following the discussion, the parties agreed to keep collaborating to improve the formalization of informal behaviour, update the OSH Bill in accordance with international norms, and address the platform economy and the future of employment. The Director General’s office and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will work closely together to develop comprehensive plans, advance policy consistency, and guarantee the protection of employees’ rights and well-being.
Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, (right) pictured with Assistant Director General and Director of the Office of the Director General of the International Labour Organization, Mr. Andre Bogui, (left) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Social Security, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, (c) following their discussions.
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