The Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) marked its 35th anniversary under the theme “35 Years of Strength, Dignity and Solidarity” with a week of dynamic and heartfelt activities attended by IDWF General Secretary Adriana Paz, IDWF Vice President June Barrett, government representatives, allies, and friends. They were deeply emotional days, during which the JHWU reaffirmed its leadership in advancing the rights, recognition, and development of household workers in Jamaica and beyond. One of the defining moments was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the JHWU and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to further improve the working conditions, protections, and opportunities for domestic workers across the country. A powerful and memorable celebration.
The activities marking the JHWU’s 35th anniversary began on March 15 with a thanksgiving service held at Eastwood Park New Testament Church of God in Kingston, attended by Sharon Coburn Robinson, Principal Director at the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA). “The union is one of the most successful groups in Jamaica and the Caribbean region. Its leadership has positively impacted countless individuals locally and across the diaspora, and its advocacy model has influenced similar movements internationally. JHWU’s achievements stand as a testament to the power of collective action and sustained advocacy in driving social change,” the official said.
The gala and awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on March 16 was both a moving celebration and an opportunity to reflect on the JHWU’s remarkable journey of struggle and achievements. The union has played a key role in securing Jamaica’s ratification of ILO Convention 189 in 2016 and the passage of the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act in 2021, which provides specific protections for household workers. It has also been instrumental in improving wages and working conditions, promoting skills development, and empowering domestic workers across Jamaica.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Lifetime Legacy Award for Advocacy and Empowerment” to JHWU General Secretary and historic leader Shirley Pryce. The award was presented by Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. “That was our recognition of the respect that is required for domestic workers and also our recognition of the need now to join the global community in affirming decent and safe working conditions and making sure that there are fair wages and the fundamental labor protections for our domestic workers. The JHWU was built on a powerful and enduring principle that domestic work is work and that domestic workers deserve fairness, dignity and legal protection,” the Minister stated.
On March 19, JHWU and IDWF leaders took part in the launch of the book Gender-Based Violence in the Caribbean: Historical Roots, Contemporary Continuities, published by The University of the West Indies Press. The volume traces the historical roots of gender-based violence, showing how enslavement, colonial domination, and systemic inequalities became embedded in cultural norms and everyday life. It brings together pioneering feminist scholars and new voices to examine gender-based violence through intersecting frameworks of race, class, religion, sexuality, and nationhood. While unsparing in confronting injustice, the collection also highlights resilience, activism, and movements for change, including the domestic workers movement.
One of the book’s editors, Verene Shepherd, was once the employer of Elaine Duncan, JHWU President and the Caribbean representative on the IDWF Executive Committee, who was invited to address the audience at the launch. Elaine used the opportunity to call on the government to implement Convention 189 and ratify Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work. “Convention 190 protects all workers regardless of their contractual status and covers all sectors in both the formal and informal economy. It leaves no one behind,” she said.
From Words to Action: New MOU to Improve Domestic Workers’ Lives
Amid its 35th anniversary celebrations, the JHWU secured an unprecedented commitment from the government: on March 17, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the union aimed at improving the working conditions, protections, and opportunities for domestic workers across Jamaica. It addresses several priority areas for which the JHWU has long advocated, including labor rights training, occupational safety and health awareness, employment services, public education initiatives, and the ratification of ILO Convention 190.
On Convention 190, the Ministry announced the start of a legislative compatibility review of existing laws and committed to providing the union with a written update within 90 days. In response to the union’s concerns about reduced access for domestic workers to overseas employment programs, the Ministry also committed to reviewing pathways through the Overseas Employment Division. Engagement with Canadian and United States counterparts will be explored, including opportunities in the hospitality and caregiving sectors.
A major highlight of the MOU is the 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, and convening a working group within 30 days to advance planning.
“Domestic workers help families to function effectively and contribute meaningfully to national development. Despite their invaluable contribution, they have historically been among the most undervalued groups in the labor force, often facing low wages, limited professional opportunities, and inadequate labor protection. It is against this backdrop that the JHWU emerged as a powerful voice advocating for unity, rights and improved conditions for domestic workers across Jamaica. This agreement represents a renewed commitment to ensuring that domestic workers are recognized, protected and given the opportunities they deserve.”
Elaine Duncan, JHWU President
Celebrating Solidarity
The presence of IDWF leaders in Jamaica was not only meant to celebrate the JHWU’s 35th anniversary, but also to support the union and domestic workers in the difficult time they continue to face after the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in October last year. Among the union’s members, 1,443 were severely affected by the worst climate disaster in the country’s history: 310 lost all or part of their homes, many were displaced, and many others lost their jobs and income, pushing entire families into hunger and deep hardship.
Adriana Paz and June Barrett joined the JHWU’s tireless solidarity efforts, visiting affected communities to provide emergency relief—food, medicine, and personal hygiene supplies—as well as emotional support. They also participated in a rally against gender-based violence and harassment and took part in a workshop to help domestic workers cope with post-traumatic stress disorder after the hurricane. The activities concluded with a talent show in which domestic workers shared multiple artistic gifts, once again showing their optimism and their ability to rise above any challenge.
“It’s been incredibly stimulating and inspiring to witness the beauty, the power, the resilience, the unity, the solidarity, the creativity, the activism, and the resistance of Jamaican domestic workers on the ground”
Adriana Paz, IDWF General Secretary
With limited resources but extraordinary determination, the JHWU has supported domestic workers affected by the hurricane from the earliest days. Still, their needs far exceed what the union can cover alone. That is why the IDWF is supporting the JHWU’s fundraising drive to help domestic workers in Jamaica meet urgent needs, rebuild their homes, and recover their livelihoods. It’s time for global solidarity!
“This is not only a natural disaster — it is a reminder of the unequal realities climate change creates. Domestic workers live on the frontlines of climate injustice. As we face a future where storms grow more severe, we must ensure that care workers are never left behind. In these difficult hours, let us remember: we rise by lifting each other.”
Shirley Pryce, JHWU General Secretary
