Labour Minister Says Workers Must Know That They are Valued and Empowered

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says that in every legislation, policy and action taken in the country, workers must know that they are valued and empowered.

He noted that Workers’ Week is an important period for the Ministry, as it continues the advancement of the protection of rights for the island’s workers, and to ensure that workers are in an environment where they can feel safe.

The Minister was speaking at the Frome Workers’ Park Reflection, held on May 17 to kick-start National Workers’ Week, which is being observed from May 17 to May 23.

The event is held annually at Workers’ Park in Frome, Westmoreland, to commemorate the 1938 uprising of sugar workers from the Frome Sugar Factory who staged a historic protest over low wages and other unacceptable working conditions.

This protest is believed to have served as one of the driving forces behind the start of the island’s trade union movement.

Mr. Charles Jr. said that during Workers’ Week, the Ministry will be reflecting on “all that we have gone through as a people, so that we do not ever make those mistakes again”.

“That is why at the Ministry we are advancing the legislation, we are advancing the policies, we are the ones in charge of resolving disputes. We are the ones in charge of making sure that our labourers feel comfortable coming to us for support. We take our job seriously,” he underscored.

Mr. Charles Jr. added that the Ministry will continue to ensure that throughout Workers’ Week, Jamaicans are reminded about the importance of “our labour”.

The Minister also acknowledged the island’s trade unions and noted that the Ministry “respects and acknowledges the tripartite relationship that we have with employers, employees and the Government”.

Also participating in the event were Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Colette Roberts Risden.

Workers’ Week is being observed under the theme, ‘Recognising abilities; fostering greater inclusion for our workers’.