KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union (JHWU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further improve the working conditions, protections and opportunities for domestic workers across Jamaica.

The MOU will expand collaboration across key areas, including labour rights training, occupational safety and health awareness, employment services, and public education campaigns. It will also facilitate joint initiatives such as job fairs, data sharing and the development of an annual work plan to support domestic workers.

Speaking at the signing on Tuesday, which also marked the JHWU’s 35th anniversary, Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr 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,” he said.

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, the expansion of overseas employment opportunities for domestic workers and the establishment of a household workers training institute.

On Convention 190, the minister said 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. It said engagements with Canadian and United States (US) 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.

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”.

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.