Labour ministry proactive in realisation of targets relating to the decent work country programme

Tuesday November 17, 2009 – The Ministry of Labour, Information and Broadcasting says it is committed to ensuring a Decent Work Country Programme for Saint Lucia.

On Tuesday, the ministry teamed up with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in hosting a tripartite meeting as part of its effort towards the realisation of targets relating to the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP).

Speaking at the opening of the meeting on behalf of Labour Minister Hon. Edmund Estaphane, Permanent Secretary, Miss Techla Augustine, said the Decent Work Country Programme is vital for a developing country like Saint Lucia.

“Recognising the importance of the decent work country agenda towards creating opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity, I am signalling the commitment here that it will be integrated in our national development policies.”

With the advent of regional integration, Miss Augustine believes the Decent Work Country Programme is needed in order to maintain a decent and effective work force.

“As a government we must guarantee the equality of opportunity and treatment for those who come to work in our shores with the advent of regional integration protection of certain jobs is not easy, therefore certification, fairness and protection of social benefits are very important,” Ms. Augustine said.

The programme focuses on reviewing and updating labour legislation, strengthening labour market information systems, promoting work place policies on HIV/AIDS and increasing dialogue on the issue of regional integration and its impact.

Tuesday's tripartite meeting to discuss the development of a Decent Work Country Programme for Saint Lucia received participation from Civil Society Organisations, and trade unionists, among other stakeholders.

The development of the Decent Work Country Programme for Saint Lucia forms part of the broader mandate of the ILO, to establish the programme throughout the OECS, and followed a preparatory meeting which was held on November 11.

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