Jamaica has taken another important step towards strengthening its labour market, with Government, employers and workers completing a national validation exercise for the proposed Decent Work country programme (DWCP) 2027-2031.
The validation process, held from September 21-24, was facilitated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), with participation from the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF) and other local and international stakeholders. The exercise allowed relevant stakeholders to review and refine the proposed priorities and expected results of the programme, ensuring that it responds to the realities of the country's labour market before moving towards finalization and approval.
The Decent Work country programme will serve as a strategic framework to guide action over the next five years in key areas affecting workers, employers and the wider economy. These include employment creation, productive and sustainable enterprises, labour and social protection, and stronger social dialogue.
© Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Jamaica
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dione Jennings, said the programme is particularly significant given the Ministry's responsibility for both labour and social protection.
"The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has a critical role in advancing the Decent Work agenda, particularly because our mandate brings together both labour and social protection. Through collaboration among Government, employers and workers' organizations, we are working to build a labour market that is inclusive, productive and responsive to the needs of Jamaicans," Ms. Jennings said.
© Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Jamaica
Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Country Office for the Caribbean, described the validation process as productive, noting that stakeholders were able to reach consensus around four key areas for advancing decent work in Jamaica.
"This has been a very productive process, bringing together diverse stakeholders across Jamaica's labour market to agree on a common roadmap for the way forward. We have crystallized around four key priorities: creating a sustainable and inclusive labour market; improving enterprise performance, because without strong enterprises we cannot have decent work; strengthening labour and social protection; and, importantly, strengthening the platform for social dialogue. These priorities will help shape the programme of work to advance decent work in Jamaica over the next four to five years." Joni Musabayana, Director, ILO Caribbean office.
The draft programme was informed by Jamaica's 2026 Decent Work country diagnostic and builds on consultations among the country's tripartite partners. It seeks to establish a clear roadmap for addressing labour-market challenges while supporting opportunities for decent and productive employment. The four broad areas proposed for action are creating a more inclusive and efficient labour market; supporting productive, formalized and environmentally sustainable enterprises; strengthening labour and social protections; and improving social dialogue and the capacity of employers' and workers' organizations.
The programme also recognizes the importance of a just transition as Jamaica responds to changes associated with climate resilience, technology and evolving forms of work. This includes consideration of their impact on jobs, skills development, enterprises, occupational safety and health, social protection and worker participation.
Practical areas considered during the validation exercise included improved employment services and labour-market information, apprenticeships and skills development, enterprise productivity and formalization, occupational safety and health, social protection, labour inspection and stronger cooperation at the national, sectoral and workplace levels.
Dennis Townsend, Executive Member of the Jamaica Employers' Federation said the programme should support an environment in which businesses can grow, become more competitive and create quality employment.
"For employers, the test is whether the programme helps create the conditions for productive, competitive and sustainable enterprises that can generate decent jobs. That means matching skills to real needs, making formalization practical, supporting enterprise growth and using social dialogue to solve problems that affect businesses and employment," Mr. Townsend said.
Shamir Brown, Vice President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, underscored the importance of ensuring that workers see tangible improvements in their working lives.
"Workers need to see this programme reflected in the quality of jobs people actually have - in fair treatment, safe workplaces, social protection, representation and opportunities to build skills and move forward. As technology, climate pressures and new forms of work reshape the labour market, working people must have a voice in that change and share in its benefits," Mr. Brown said.
Following the validation exercise, the proposed Decent Work Country Programme 2027-2031 will move towards finalization and implementation. Once approved, it will provide a shared framework for Government, employers and workers to advance decent employment, productive enterprises, stronger worker protection and sustainable development in Jamaica.
