RE: INVESTIGATION OF ONGOING CONCERNS OF FARM WORKERS
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.