Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr is in Geneva for the 112th session of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the conference bringing together ILO tripartite constituents, international organisations, and other relevant stakeholders from around the world.

The agenda for this year’s conference includes standard-setting discussion on protection against biological hazards in the workplace, a recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of fundamental principles and rights at work and a general discussion on decent work and the care economy, a release from the labour ministry stated.

Charles Jr on Monday morning attended the Caricom Ministerial Caucus, where the various member states in attendance shared their collective concerns to be presented to the ILO. These concerns include:

• Requesting additional support for advancing the decent work agenda in the region
• Boosting the capacity of the regional ILO Regional Office
• Requesting assistance in comprehensive reform of Labour Laws and boosting data collection capacity in this regard
• Guidance from member stated on the adherence to global labour standards, particularly in reference to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
• Upskilling of the workforce to address the skills deficit and the current shortage of labour and ensure labour market resilience
• Global Coalition for Social Justice
• Opportunities for advancing green jobs and the decent work agenda in the Caribbean

Giving his contribution to the meeting, Charles Jr shared Jamaica’s commitment to advancing the areas relevant to the Caribbean and meeting with other member states for information to assist in bolstering the labour systems including OSH, the Accessibility Checklist, the decent work agenda and labour migration issues that affect the region collectively.

According to the release, the minister’s contributions were well received by the Caricom Ministerial Caucus, and he looks forward to continuing to engage with international partners during the conference to advance Jamaica’s and the region’s labour priorities.

The 112th session of the International Labour Organization conference runs from June 10- 21, 2024.