ILO discussions with tripartite partners in Jamaica identify opportunities for cooperation
Meetings were a platform to determine pathways to expand ILO footprint in the country.
2 April 2024
Recent engagements between the ILO Decent Work Team and tripartite constituents and other partners in Jamaica has resulted in a renewed commitment to deepen joint approaches to labour market solutions.
Led by Director Dr Joni Musabayana and members of the Decent Work Team, the discussions included the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Labour and Social Security (MLSS); the Honourable Norman Dunn, Minister of State; Colette Roberts Risden, Permanent Secretary of (MLSS); Wayne Chen, President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation; St Patrice Ennis, President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions; and Elaine Duncan, President of the Jamaica Household Workers' Union.
Meetings with national partners involved Dr Wayne Henry, Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ); Sandrea Maynard, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of the West Indies; Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator; and Kishan Khoday, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative.
Held during a four-day mission (18 to 21 March 2024) the meetings were a platform to determine pathways where the ILO can expand its footprint in Jamaica. Current support includes policy development to address HIV and AIDS; formalization; child labour; green jobs and the just transition.
Discussions during this recent mission identified additional areas for ILO technical cooperation such as strategies to increase ratification of ILO Conventions, reform labour laws, develop an employment policy; close skills gaps, reduce youth unemployment, and mainstream employment in comprehensive national and sectoral plans.
Another key topic was a possible Decent Work Country Programme for Jamaica, which would serve as a comprehensive framework to develop targeted solutions to these and emerging challenges.
“The ILO thanks our constituents and national partners in Jamaica for these meaningful and insightful discussions. We are committed to accelerating and increasing technical support that strengthens the labour landscape and anticipates future shifts so that all workers, employers and policymakers can continuously benefit from opportunities based on decent work and social justice,” said Director Musabayana.
Jamaica