Ministry of Labour and Social Security Press Release
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From L-R: 3rd left, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr, MP,JP and 4th left Elaine Duncan, President, Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) shake hands after the signing of the MLSS/JHWU MOU signing. They are joined by 2nd left Acting Permanent Secretary, MLSS, Mrs Dione Jennings, and 1st right Chief Technical Director, Acting, Ms Gillian Corrodus and Shirley Pryce OD, JP, General Secretary, JHWU.
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The Ministry of Labour and Social
Security (MLSS) today formalised a strengthened partnership with the Jamaica
Household Workers’ Union (JHWU) through the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone during the Union’s 35th
anniversary. The courtesy call and signing ceremony underscored both the
ceremonial importance of the occasion and the Government’s continued commitment
to improving the working conditions, protections, and opportunities for
domestic workers across Jamaica.
The new MOU expands collaboration across key areas
including labour rights training, occupational safety and health awareness,
employment services, and public education campaigns. It also facilitates joint
initiatives such as job fairs, data sharing, and the development of an annual
work plan to support domestic workers. Speaking at the signing, the Honourable
Minister reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of domestic workers as a vital
pillar of Jamaica’s labour force and family support system.
“Domestic workers play an
essential role in sustaining our households and our economy. This partnership
represents a meaningful step in strengthening protections, expanding
opportunities, and ensuring dignity in work for this critical sector,” the
Minister stated.
The engagement addressed several
priority issues raised by the JHWU, including:
•
The ratification of International Labour Organization
(ILO) Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work
•
Expansion of overseas employment opportunities for
domestic workers
•
Establishment of a Household Workers Training Institute
•
Formalisation of collaboration through the MLSS–JHWU
MOU
On Convention 190, the Minister
confirmed that the Ministry will initiate a legislative compatibility review of
existing laws and provide the Union with a written update within 90 days. The
Ministry also acknowledged concerns regarding reduced access for domestic
workers to overseas employment programmes and committed to reviewing pathways
through the Overseas Employment Division.
Engagements with Canadian and
United States counterparts will be explored, including opportunities within
hospitality and caregiving sectors.
A major highlight of the
discussions was the proposed establishment of a Household Workers Training
Institute, an initiative long championed by the JHWU. The institute is expected
to provide flexible, targeted training aligned with domestic workers’ schedules
and could become the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The Government has
committed to supporting the initiative through a multi-stakeholder approach,
including identifying suitable property, exploring partnerships with HEART/NSTA
Trust, and convening a working group within 30 days to advance planning.
Established in 1991, the JHWU has
spent 35 years advocating for fair wages, improved working conditions, skills
development, and the empowerment of domestic workers—primarily women—across
Jamaica. The Union has also played a key role in advancing international labour
standards, including Jamaica’s earlier ratification of ILO Convention 189 on
Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
JHWU President Elaine Duncan
welcomed the strengthened partnership, noting that the agreement represents “a
renewed commitment to ensuring that domestic workers are recognised, protected,
and given the opportunities they deserve.”
Immediate actions include the
execution of the MOU and the initiation of implementation planning across
relevant MLSS departments. Within the next 30 to 90 days, the Ministry will
advance key deliverables, including:
•
Establishment of a working group for the Training
Institute
•
Review of overseas employment participation for
domestic workers
•
Legislative review process for Convention 190
The MOU will remain in effect for
one year, with provisions for renewal.
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From L-R: centre Hon Pearnel Charles JR MP, JP peruses the MOU being signed with the JHWU before signing.
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