KINGSTON, Jamaica —The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has signed what is being described as a “landmark memorandum of understanding” with the Jamaica Household Workers Union to support collaboration in training, occupational safety, health awareness and public education.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr made the announcement on Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

Noting that the union celebrates 35 years of advocacy and representation this year, Charles Jr also announced that “Jamaica will establish the first dedicated training institution for domestic workers in the entire Caribbean”.

“Further, we remain committed to advancing the framework to honour the obligations under the ILO (International Labour Organisation) Domestic Workers Convention C189 – a global convention adopted to protect the rights of domestic workers,” the minister added.

“These transformational steps will professionalise domestic work, strengthen employability and provide pathways for advancement,” he said.

Charles Jr told the Parliament that the contribution of domestic workers far too often remains undervalued.

“We want to salute them. They care for our children, they support our elderly, they maintain our homes and help to sustain the wider economy yet, for far too long, many have remained outside formal recognition and protection,” said the labour minister.