MANCHESTER, Jamaica – Labour and Social Security Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr, has highlighted the importance of the Social Protection for Increased Resilience and Opportunity (SPIRO) Project, which was launched last November.

The project, funded by the World Bank at a cost of US$20 million, will bolster the ministry’s commitment to its mission of promoting a vibrant labour market, while ensuring that the population is provided with a robust social protection framework.

Delivering the main address at the third in a series of islandwide Labour Talk Roadshows, held at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville on February 26, the minister said the project will drive significant protection programmes in the country.

“It (SPIRO) is important because it has a direct and massive impact on our capacity to have the robust labour force that we require. A project steering committee has been set up, a working group has been set up and have laid the foundation for this project. SPIRO is going to serve as the catalyst towards us having, in Jamaica, a programme for social security and labour that will make us the envy of this region,” he said.

He said, further, that unemployment insurance benefit was also part of the discussion within SPIRO, adding that Cabinet’s approval has already been received for the new unemployment insurance benefit and it will be another critical element in the resilience of the labour force.

“This is a vital safety net for workers and their families in times of crises. We have had these discussions for decades, so now the Government is focused on getting things done. The unemployment benefit will be one of the most critical features, where being able to help people transitioning between jobs or staying afloat in a crisis is critical. It will be welcomed by Jamaicans,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation, Wayne Chen, reminded that although, technically, Jamaica is at full employment, there is still a massive dilemma.

“The massive dilemma is sustainability; we want better wages, good economic opportunities and jobs, but we are not there yet. Today’s event is an important step in that road. How we get better jobs, more earnings and lift productivity are key,” he said.
“The only way to sustainability, improved economic performance and earnings is greater and continuous productivity,” Chen addded.

For his part,  President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), St Patrice Ennis, said as the country focuses on building resilience for the future, it is essential that productivity strategies move hand in hand with policies that safeguard workers’ rights.

“The JCTU believes in the power of partnerships among government, trade unions, private, current and future employment opportunities. A resilient workforce is one that leaves no one behind. We must ensure that opportunities for leaving no one behind exist, especially in underserved areas,” he said, adding that self-employed people should also have access to opportunities.

–         JIS