Gov’t Committed to Advancing Rights of Domestic Workers

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the Government is committed to advancing the rights and protection of domestic workers in Jamaica.

He made the declaration while addressing the Jamaica Household Workers Union’s (JHWU) 35th anniversary gala & awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on March 16.

He cited the country’s ratification of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Domestic Workers Convention (C189), at a clear recognition by the Government of the significant contribution of domestic workers to Jamaica’s economy and society.

The Convention is a call for action to empower women economically and ensure the welfare and rights of domestic workers, aligning national laws with international standards for decent work.

“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 labour protections for our domestic workers,” the Minister said.

“I know that we are now moving towards Convention 190. We had that discussion and there’s a lot more work to be done,” he pointed out.

Minister Charles commended the JHWU on 35 years of resilience and contribution to shaping and strengthening Jamaica’s labour force.

“The union was built on a powerful and enduring principle that domestic work is work and that domestic workers deserve fairness, dignity and legal protection,” he said.

He noted that the Ministry continues to work with the organisation to identify and explore opportunities for domestic workers in Jamaica to unlock their full potential.

For her part, JHWU President, Elaine Duncan, noted the critical role of domestic workers in supporting households and the broader community through childcare, elder care, housekeeping and other essential domestic duties.

“They help families to function effectively and contribute meaningfully to national development. Despite their invaluable contribution, domestic workers have historically been among the most undervalued group in the labour force, often facing low wages, limited professional opportunities and inadequate labour protection,” she pointed out.

“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,” she said.

Also present at the JHWU’s 35th anniversary event was Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Hon. Olivia Grange.