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Jamaica: Prime Minister Pledges to Speed up Ratification of Domestic Workers Convention

Jamaica: Prime Minister Pledges to Speed up Ratification of Domestic Workers Convention

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by IDWFED published Jul 01, 2016 12:00 AM
Contributors: Jamaica Information Service
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government will be moving quickly to ratify the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention on Domestic Workers. It is aimed at guaranteeing fundamental labour rights to an estimated 53 million domestic workers worldwide. The Prime Minister, in the meanwhile, lauded GraceKennedy for implementing the Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year Award, noting that it is a good demonstration of corporate social responsibility by the company.

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To Prime Minister Andrew Holness: Yes! We look forward to Jamaica becoming the 23rd country to ratify C189!

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Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government will be moving quickly to ratify the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention on Domestic Workers.

Giving the keynote address at the GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year Award luncheon at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston today (June 30), Mr. Holness said he recognises the value of Jamaica signing on to the Convention.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (2nd right), along with Group Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy, Senator Don Wehby (2nd left),
congratulate winners of the GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year Award, Michael Lawson (left) and Millicent Clunis.
The award luncheon was held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston on June 30. The Prime Minister gave the keynote address.
Photo: Michael Sloley

“I am going to go back to my office and send a note to Minister (of Labour and Social Security) Hon. Shahine Robinson, for her to bring that Convention to us so that we can very quickly do the appropriate thing,” he said.

President of the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union and the Caribbean Domestic Workers’ Network, Shirley Pryce, in her remarks at the ceremony, urged the Prime Minister to make the signing of the Convention a priority.

The Convention on Domestic Workers, formally the Convention concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers, was adopted during the 100th session of the ILO held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2011, and entered into force in September 2013.

It is aimed at guaranteeing fundamental labour rights to an estimated 53 million domestic workers worldwide.

Ratifying the Convention could mean better working conditions for Jamaican household workers and ensure adequate compensation. There is an estimated 100,000 household workers in Jamaica.

“It doesn’t matter your station or your position, what is important is your commitment, your honesty and your integrity… In modern-day Jamaica, we must recognise the work of household workers as a profession,” Mr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister, in the meanwhile, lauded GraceKennedy for implementing the Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year Award, noting that it is a good demonstration of corporate social responsibility by the company.

He commended the winners and nominees. “Your employers recommended you to this championship because of your service to them and I want you to maintain that and to pass on the value of service to your friends and your colleagues,” the Prime Minister said.

Millicent Clunis and Michael Lawson took the top awards, each receiving $300,000 from GraceKennedy; $25,000 gift vouchers from Hi-Lo Food Stores; $30,000 savings accounts from First Global Bank Limited; and trophies.

The runners-up were Elizabeth Watson Warren and Denham Coke, who were presented with $200,000, $20,000 savings accounts from First Global Bank, and trophies.

Source: Jamaica Information Service

Story Type: News

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