Gov’t Committed to Safeguarding the Interests of Jamaica’s Workers

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the Government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Jamaican workers and creating an environment in which they can thrive.

He was responding to concerns raised by trade union leaders during Tuesday’s (February 11) signing ceremony for the 2025-2027 Joint Industrial Council (JIC) Labour Management Agreement for the building and construction industry.

Concerns voiced by Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) Vice President, Alden Brown, and National Workers Union (NWU) Island Supervisor, Khurt Fletcher, included reports of alleged underpayment of skilled construction workers, particularly by non-Jamaican companies, and labour migration.

Mr. Brown lamented that “it hurts me that, after we negotiate long and hard for an agreement for the workers who are doing the work, companies are coming here to pay them half or less than half of what we negotiate”.

“It is wrong. Minister; the Ministry of Labour needs to step in; you need to have your workers visit the sites and make a report to you,” he pleaded.

Mr. Fletcher cited the issue of skilled workers migrating to countries such as the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands.

He expressed concern that there is “a situation where the industry is not recognising this very sacred document (the JIC Labour Management Agreement) so that the workers can feel that there’s a minimum standard for their work, and so they go and seek it elsewhere”.

Consequently, Mr. Fletcher underscored the need for the terms under the labour agreement to be enforced to ensure all employers adhere to minimum standards in the sector.

Minister Charles, in acknowledging the concerns, said the Government is keen on protecting the interests of the people who are required to develop the country in a sustainable way.

He indicated that the Administration, “will do what is necessary to ensure that the environment it creates is enabling enough that workers who have the skills feel safe, they feel empowered and that they’re energised to work, here in Jamaica.”

The Labour Minister said another issue often arising is the manner in which the Government handles work permits and how it treats with the importation of labour.

He noted that people often query why labour is being imported when there are so many Jamaicans in need of jobs.

“We don’t have the intention of taking away not even half a job from any Jamaican. But we have a responsibility to ensure that we are providing the tools for industries to thrive and not just survive. So it means that where there are gaps, we have to do what we have to do to make sure we provide the skilled labour. Unfortunately, sometimes that means that we have to get it elsewhere,” he said.

Mr. Charles, in this regard, emphasised the importance of forging partnerships with other nations and their nationals to develop Jamaica.

“If Jamaica is going to grow, to be sustainable and to unlock its full potential, we are going to have to welcome persons for partnership. But that partnership must be one that is mutually beneficial… and that’s something that we’re going to have to look at,” he added.

He explained that the Ministry must ensure it is not creating a barrier to the introduction of skills that Jamaica may not have, but rather that it welcomes those persons and ensures that the skills are transferred to competent and capable Jamaicans.

Meanwhile, Mr. Charles said the Government is working to address the issue of skilled Jamaicans migrating.

“These are things that we do not run away from at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. We are acquiring this data, we are analysing this data… and we are working assiduously to develop the structures that will help you [Jamaicans] to be your best,” he said.

Mr. Charles said while the Government may be forced to import labour, it is also focused on ensuring that Jamaicans acquire skills in areas where gaps are identified.

He advised that the Ministry has “been working with HEART/NSTA Trust to ramp up the availability of opportunities for youngsters to become skilled”.

“It is now free up to Level Four, but there is still a lot of room for improvement,” Mr. Charles pointed out, while reaffirming the Government’s unwavering support for and commitment to working-class Jamaicans.