Labour Ministers adopt key themes for this region’s growth

Ministers of Labour and other high-level representatives of the Ministries and Departments of Labour of the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, have adopted their key themes for this region’s growth, development and labour rights challenges.

Following the two days of deliberations at the 10th International Labour Organisation (ILO) Meeting of Caribbean Ministers of Labour on “Realising Decent Work under the 2030 Agenda” themes adopted included: Elevating Decent Work to the national and regional policy level and the role of social partnership; Non-standard forms of employment; Harmonisation of labour laws; Skilled Workforce for Sustainable Growth and Development; Improving productivity and competitiveness: the role of the labour management relations and transitioning to formality; and Labour co-operation in the region.

The Meeting, held every two years, provides participants with the opportunity to discuss labour issues that are of mutual concern to the Caribbean region.
Delegates also recognised that successful implementation would depend on policy coherence of economic and social policies aimed at sustained and inclusive growth with productive employment and decent work, which requires an integrated and co-ordinated approach at both the national and regional levels.
ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, expressed to the delegation that the objectives have been realised.

“You have defined a clear set of priorities and we have a much clearer understanding of the challenges, how to address them and what your expectations are,” he stated.

He also said that he was encouraged by the assets constituents brought to the process and the “strength of the determination of Governments, Employers and Workers to come together to deal with the challenges. This is not a given in many parts of the world”.