Caribbean labour leaders join global discussions at ILC2023 to advance social justice for all

Over 100 tripartite constituents from across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean recently attended for the 111th International Labour Conference (ILC) and added their voices to the ILO’s global call for greater integration of social justice into policies and actions to reduce growing economic disparities.



Held in Geneva between 5 and 16 June 2023, the global event included Caribbean representatives from governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations of eight member States and four non-metropolitan territories. Participating delegations included Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.



Caribbean participants discussed several ongoing global crises such as COVID-19, the Russian aggression in Ukraine and climate change and the impacts on their countries. Ministers of Labour addressed the effects of the polycrisis on the slowdown of economic growth, limited fiscal space and high levels of inflation which are adding to an already prolonged regional labour market recovery that is highly complex and uncertain.

“Multiple global crises continue to have far-reaching implications for the world of work. It is without a doubt that moving forward will mean leaning on the valuable lessons learned over the last three years if we want to realise a human-centred recovery from the pandemic. For Trinidad and Tobago, we must take full advantage of opportunities for growth, embracing social justice, and ensuring human dignity. Advancing social justice, during this period of recovery, should remain a top priority if we do seek to safeguard the wellbeing and rights of not only our people today, but for future generations,” said the Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie, Minister of Labour of Trinidad and Tobago.

During the 10-day conference, the Ministers expressed their support for the ILO’s proposed Global Coalition for Social Justice, which was featured in the Director-General’s report “Advancing Social Justice ”. The Coalition seeks to elevate social justice as a global policy imperative requiring greater multilateral cooperation and policy coherence to tackle the multiple challenges facing the world of work.

 

“We are very gratified that in your initial report, you have set your vision for advancing social justice and promoting decent work by examining some of the stark realities facing the world of work today, including the persistent injustices, inequalities and insecurities on which we, as Member States must now act,” said the Honourable Keith Bell, Minister of Labour and Immigration of The Bahamas.

“Barbados stands in full support of the Director-General’s call for a Global Coalition for Social Justice. This is essential for Small Island Developing States like mine, especially as Barbados promotes the Bridgetown Initiative. The ILO can and must continue to bring the human-centred approach to the table, including on matters of the climate crisis and a just transition, as well as access to development resources for small states,” said the Honourable Colin E. Jordan, Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector of Barbados.

The Ministers emphasized the ways in which their countries are systemically promoting social justice through policymaking and programmes to address challenges. They also contributed to discussions on key global priority areas including the just transition to sustainable and inclusive economies, quality apprenticeships, and labour protection.

“We see our Third Decent Work Country Program (DWCP), which will be implemented in the period 2023-2026, as the main vehicle to boost Decent Work and attain social justice in Suriname. The DWCP has a strong focus on employment, employability, just transition, equal opportunities, and social dialogue. Furthermore, the DWCP has an emphasis on vulnerable groups and the transition from the informal to the formal sector,” said the Honourable Steven Mac Andrew, Minister of Labour, Employment Opportunity and Youth Affairs of Suriname.

“Jamaica remains committed to maintaining the principles of social justice and decent work for all groups. We believe that through collaboration and collective action, we can create a better and more equitable world of work. Jamaica calls upon the ILO to recognize the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States and its responsibility to enhance the collective action towards decent work, social justice and just transition as we leave no one behind,” said the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, Minister of Labour and Social Security of Jamaica.

Within the ILC between 14 and 15 June, the ILO hosted the World of Work Summit 2023: Social Justice for All , a high-level forum to highlight the key role of social justice in creating a more sustainable and equitable world through strategies for increased and better-aligned joint action to advance social justice and ensure policy coherence. The Summit featured 17 heads of state and government, the ILO’s Director-General, and high-level representatives from the United Nations - including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as other international organizations, and employers’ and workers’ organizations.



Featured Summit speaker the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley commended the ILO for promoting social justice to address deepening global challenges, particularly through social dialogue, partnerships and the multilateral system. “This work of social justice within the relationship between the global North and the global South is also a work that must be done. And who better to anchor this than the ILO, the only institution that has tripartite membership globally, in the UN system,” she said.



Following the World of Work Summit, the ILC continued with key decisions by member States. Most notably, delegates voted to adopt a new Recommendation on Quality Apprenticeships  to promote opportunities for people of all ages to skill, reskill and upskill continuously in rapidly changing labour markets. The Recommendation provides a clear definition of apprenticeships, specifies aspirational standards for quality apprenticeships, including rights and protection for apprentices.



They adopted the conclusions of the General Discussion Committee on a Just Transition  and underscored the need to accelerate the just transition to achieve social justice, eradicate poverty and support decent work. In doing so, they endorsed the ILO Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies as the foundation for the development and implementation of policies and programmes.



The conclusions of the Recurrent Discussion Committee on Labour Protection were also adopted. It charts a way forward towards more inclusive, adequate and effective labour protection for all workers, and establishes a basis for a framework of action.



For a full re-cap of the 2023 International Labour Conference, please visit the ILO website.