Jamaica Committed to Ratifying Domestic Workers Convention

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says he will continue to work assiduously to ensure the passage of relevant legislation to enable the ratification and implementation of the Domestic Workers Convention at the earliest possible date.

The treaty in question is Article 189 of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention, which requires Governments to take steps to provide decent working conditions for all domestic workers.

The regulations are slated to come into full force across the globe in September 2014.

Speaking at the World Day Against Child Labour 2013 forum held at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston on June 12, Minister Kellier assured that the Government is committed to providing a respectable and fair working environment for all domestic workers, and as such, pledged to sanction and implement all recommendations under the Convention.

“We have not abandoned the ratification process, and in truth, it is very high on the Government’s agenda,” he stated.

Head of Delegation, European Union, Paola Amadei, also called on all Ministers of Labour around the globe, including all member states of the EU, to ratify the ILO’s Convention 189.

Ms. Amadei further commended Jamaica and the Minister of Labour, for the stated commitment to ratifying the Convention.

Almost a decade ago, Jamaica ratified ILO Conventions 138 and 182, which seek to eradicate the worse forms of child labour on a global scale.

Contact: Athaliah Reynolds-Baker