Labour Minister says Decent and Safe Work a Priority
By: , May 20, 2016The Key Point:
Photo: Mark Bell
Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson (2nd right), peruses the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 2015 Human Development Report on Work with UNDP Resident Representative, Bruno Pouezat (2nd left). The occasion was a Workers Week panel discussion at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston on May 18. Others (from left) are: Executive Director of the HEART Trust/NTA, Dr. Wayne Wesley (left); and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Colette Roberts Risden.The Facts
- Opportunities presented by flexible working arrangements to balance work and domestic lives, and the link between occupational and public health, were also discussed.
- The publication examines the link between work and human development. It seeks to analyse the implications of the changing world of work and, among other things, focuses on sustainable work and makes policy recommendations.
The Full Story
Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says workplace safety and wellness contribute significantly to productivity and efficiency and are key factors in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.
She noted that the Government is placing priority on securing and maintaining decent and safe work for all Jamaicans through the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill.
The Government is looking to pass the legislation during the current fiscal year.
“We are optimistic about the progress to date and will continue to dialogue with our partners,” Minister Robinson said.
She was addressing a Workers’ Week panel discussion at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston on May 18.
The panel discussion, under the theme: ‘Rethinking Work for Human Development’, examined the 2015 Human Development Report (HDR) on work.
Among areas addressed were the importance of equal work for equal pay, gender equity and the under-representation of women in certain spheres.
Opportunities presented by flexible working arrangements to balance work and domestic lives, and the link between occupational and public health, were also discussed.
For his part, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Jamaica, Bruno Pouezat, said positive work provides benefits beyond material wealth.
It supports a sense of community, fosters knowledge and strengthens dignity and inclusion.
“Policy interventions are required to ensure that work does enhance human development,” he informed.
During the event, the UNDP’s 2015 Human Development Report on work was handed over to Mrs. Robinson and Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Alison McLean.
The publication examines the link between work and human development. It seeks to analyse the implications of the changing world of work and, among other things, focuses on sustainable work and makes policy recommendations.
Panelists participating in the discussion on work included representatives from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and the Hugh Lawson Shearer Trade Union Education Institute.