Highlights rev 10.4.10 FINAL ATR REV 1

INTERNATIONALLABOUR

ORGANIZATION

Subregional Office for the Caribbean

HIGHLIGHTSof ILO’S Work in the Caribbean

May 2007 - March 2010

Highlights of ILO’s work in the Caribbean

May 2007 to March 2010

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Highlights of the ILO’s work in the Caribbean – May 2007 - March 2010

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview 1

Areas of Work 5

Technical Support and Advisory Services 5

Training 10

Policy Coherence and External Partnerships 15

Donor- and ILO-Funded Technical Cooperation 16

Research, Publications and Public Information 21

The Way Forward 23

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1. Overview The International Labour Organization's goal of promoting opportunities for women and men to obtain full and productive employment in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity, provided the framework for the support given by the International Labour Organization’s Subregional Office for the Caribbean to its constituents in the Caribbean during the period May 2007 to March 2010. The Subregional Office, which celebrated its 40th Anniversary of service to the Caribbean subregion in 2009, is working with the tripartite constituents in the Caribbean to draw up and implement Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCP). These Programmes are the mechanisms through which the ILO will collaborate with its constituents - governments, employers' and workers' organizations, to make the Decent Work Agenda central to their national development strategies. The Decent Work Agenda has been accepted as a development agenda by the international community. Its relevance has become even more apparent as Caribbean constituents deal with the effects of the global financial and economic crisis and prepare for post-crisis recovery. The Agenda has shaped deliberations in hemispheric and regional fora and the commitment to achieve decent work is reflected in the outcome documents of major international conferences as well as ILO meetings. They include the following: • The XVI Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) (Organization

of American States (OAS)), (Argentina, 2009) • ILO Tripartite Caribbean Conference on the Global Financial Crisis (Jamaica, April

2009) • The Fifth Summit of the Americas (OAS), (Trinidad and Tobago, April 2009) • Eleventh ILO Round Table for Caribbean Employers’ Organizations (Grenada,

2008) • ILO-Caribbean Congress of Labour Round Table for Caribbean Workers’

Organizations on Globalization, Regional Integration and the Economic Partnership Agreement: The Social and Labour Dimensions (Barbados, 2008)

• ILO Sixth Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers (Trinidad and Tobago, 2007) • The XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) (OAS)

(Trinidad and Tobago, 2007) • ILO Sixteenth American Regional Meeting (Brazil, 2006) • ILO Tripartite Caribbean Employment Forum (Barbados, 2006)

DECENT WORK AGENDA FOR GROWTH

WITH EQUITY

The Decent Work Agenda is a development agenda which strives for economic growth with equity through a coherent blend of social and economic goals. It has four elements which are equally important and inseparable: 1. EMPLOYMENT – Creating greater

opportunities for women and men to secure decent employment and incomes

2. SOCIAL PROTECTION – enhancing the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all

3. SOCIAL DIALOGUE – strengthening tripartism and social dialogue for all

4. RIGHTS – promoting and realizing standards and fundamental principles and rights at work

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The adoption of the Tripartite Declaration and Plan of Action for Realizing the Decent Work Agenda at the ILO Tripartite Caribbean Employment Forum (Barbados, October 2006) paved the way for the development of Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs) in the Caribbean. The constituents resolved: “… to promote actively regional cooperation, in order to identify common needs, share good practices and develop strategies and programmes for advancing the Decent Work Agenda and reducing poverty.” In keeping with that commitment, tripartite consultations were undertaken with a view to selecting a few priorities for developing results-based DWCPs. The Bahamas initiated its DWCP in April 2008. In October 2009 Belize launched its DWCP together with the National Child Labour Policy. In keeping with their commitment to form an Economic Union, members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) agreed on four common priority areas for their Decent Work Subregional Programme. Under this Programme implementation plans that address specific domestic concerns are being drawn up through national tripartite consultations. To date, such plans have been finalized for Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Similar programming workshops will be held in Saint Kitts and Nevis and Dominica. Between January and March 2010, country programming workshops in Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana have resulted in the drafting of DWCPs for these countries by tripartite constituents and other stakeholders invited by them to participate in this process. The drafts are now under review by the constituents before they are finalized and adopted. An initial tripartite consultation for the design of a DWCP has taken place in Trinidad and Tobago. Suriname will inform the ILO of the areas that it has identified for support from the ILO as it implements the Decent Work Agenda in its national development programmes. The Office continued to reinforce its capacity-building initiatives, technical advisory services, delivery of knowledge products and advocacy. The scope of that support was broadened to include new areas in which constituents faced unprecedented challenges. For instance, the conclusion of external trade agreements, the adverse effects of the global financial crisis and climate change. The signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by CARIFORUM (Caribbean Community and Dominican Republic) and the European Community in December 2007 raised concerns about the social and labour consequences. The global financial crisis heightened awareness of the importance of decent work and policy coherence for a fair globalization. That was reinforced at the ILO Tripartite Caribbean Conference on the Global Financial Crisis (Jamaica, 2009) at which a Declaration and Plan of Action were adopted. Subsequently, constituents, with the ILO’s support have adopted measures in line with the Decent Work Agenda, to respond to the crisis and to begin preparing for post-crisis recovery. For example, “Jamaica’s Jobs Pact for Economic Recovery” constitutes it Decent Work Country Programme; while the Bahamas is applying the principles of the Decent Work Agenda to deal with the employment effects of the crisis. With respect to climate change, the DWCP for Guyana provides for the

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creation of green jobs in the framework of the country’s low-carbon development strategy. This Report provides information on the ILO’s work in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. It highlights all areas covered by the Decent Work Agenda and updates information from May 2007.

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2. Areas of Work 2.1. Technical Support and Advisory Services The ILO Subregional Office responds to specific requests for technical support, information and advisory services. These may be delivered in collaboration with officials from the technical units at ILO Headquarters, ILO consultants, and experts from employers’ and workers’ organizations in the Caribbean.

Responses to requests for technical support, information and advisory services

as at 31 March 2010 Date Area of support Form of support Beneficiaries EMPLOYMENT Dec. 2007 Cooperatives Technical review of the Cooperatives

Division of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago and recommendations on the development of viable non-financial cooperatives in Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago

Sep. 2009 Enterprise Development and Job Creation

Partnered with the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme Limited (YTEPP) to introduce the ILO’s “Know About Business (KAB)” training of trainers programme.

Trinidad and Tobago

May 2009 Enterprise Development and Job Creation

Technical expertise for a business development seminar organized by the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Anguilla

Feb. 2009 Enterprise Development and Job Creation

Partnered with the YTEPP to produce an adapted version of the ILO’s Start Your Business Manual for potential Entrepreneurs for Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago

July 2008 Enterprise Development and Job Creation

Partnered with the Government of Saint Kitts to facilitate a five-day Small and Medium Enterprise Development Training of Trainers Workshop. The Workshop utilized the ILO's Improve Your Work Environment and Business (IWEB) training programme and was facilitated by an ILO-certified IWEB trainer.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Oct. 2009 Labour Market Information

Participated in CARICOM's Thirty-Fourth Meeting of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians and the 17th Meeting of the Regional Census Coordinating Committee.

CARICOM Member States

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as at 31 March 2010 Date Area of support Form of support Beneficiaries Sep. 2008 Labour Market

Information Provided technical support and advice to the Statistical Department of Grenada for the implementation of the Labour Force Survey.

Grenada

May 2008 Labour Market Information

Participated in, and provided technical advice at the inaugural meeting of the Project Steering Committee for the LMI Project in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Feb. 2010 Productivity Presentation of lead paper at the Annual Meeting of the Productivity Council of Barbados.

Barbados

Nov. 2007 Productivity Sourcing and funding of technical expertise for the second National Productivity Awareness Week of the Jamaica National Productivity Centre.

Jamaica

May 2008 Sectoral Activities (Tourism)

Technical expertise and support for the last of the series of workshops held for managers, supervisors, employees and school leavers aimed at raising awareness of the importance of decent work and social dialogue in enhancing the long-term viability of the tourism industry in Barbados.

Barbados

Mar. 2010 Skills and Employability

Technical consultations on an initiative aimed at reintegrating workers laid off as a result of the economic crisis through a combination of training and financial assistance.

The Bahamas


Delivered technical presentation at the OECS Regional Conference on Higher Education held in Saint Lucia.

OECS Member States

Oct. 2009 Skills and Employability

Delivered presentation at the 15th Anniversary Celebration of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council in Barbados.

Barbados

Sep. 2009 Skills and Employability

Technical expertise for the retraining of unemployed workers who lost their jobs as a result of the impact of the recession at the request of the Government of the Bahamas.

The Bahamas

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as at 31 March 2010 Date Area of support Form of support Beneficiaries Aug. 2009 Skills and

Employability Expert advice on the social and labour impact of the current global financial and economic crisis in the context of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and preparation for post-crisis recovery in line with the 2009 ILO Global Jobs Pact.

Jamaica


Presentations by ILO Senior Specialist on Skills and Employability and the Director of ILO’s Inter-American Centre for Knowledge Development in Vocational Training (CINTERFOR) in Uruguay at the regional TVET Conference sponsored by the National Learning Service of Colombia (SENA) and the HEART Trust/NTA of Jamaica.

English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean

Feb. 2008 Skills and Employability

Technical expertise for the seminar on the rights of persons with disabilities hosted by the Department of Labour of the Netherlands Antilles as part of its preparation for the development of a more inclusive labour market policy to address the needs of persons with disabilities.

The Netherlands Antilles

Apr. 2009 Youth Employment

Contributed a policy-oriented research paper to be published by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat.

The OECS

SOCIAL PROTECTION 2008 HIV and AIDS

and the workplace

Launch of a fast-track approach to HIV/AIDS in the countries of the OECS (including a mapping exercise, sensitization workshops, and enterprise-level action).

Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sep. 2007 HIV and AIDS and the workplace

Technical support for the development of HIV/AIDS workplace policy and programmes in Grenada.

Grenada

Dec. 2007 HIV and AIDS and the workplace

Mounted a public information fair on HIV/AIDS for World AIDS Day with the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development and the Ministry of National Security.

Trinidad and Tobago

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as at 31 March 2010 Date Area of support Form of support Beneficiaries Dec. 2009 Labour

Migration Delivered a technical presentation on migration at a meeting organized by the Union Sindikato di Empleadonan de Bibienda (SEBI) and the Building and Wood Workers' International Union.

Curaçao

Mar. 2009 Minimum wage setting

Technical presentation and advice for a tripartite seminar on minimum wage setting held jointly by the Ministry of Labour, Environment and Technology of Suriname and the Inter-American Development Bank.

Suriname

2008 and 2009

Occupational Safety and Health

Mounted public OSH exhibitions for the commemoration of National Safety Week in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Safety and Health Agency of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development.

Trinidad and Tobago

Feb. 2009 Occupational Safety and Health

Technical expertise for an in-depth review of the situation with respect to occupational safety and health and the environment (OSHE) in select Caribbean countries, in preparation for a proposed subregional programme on OSHE.


2008 and 2009

Occupational Safety and Health

Provided an ILO expert for guest lectures of the Occupational Environmental and Health Programme of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica

Jamaica

Oct. 2008 Social Security Presentation by Sir Roy Trotman, Workers’ Vice Chairperson, ILO Governing Body, at the 3rd Caribbean Conference on National Health Financing Initiatives held in Trinidad and Tobago.


Feb. 2008 Social Security Technical expertise for the conduct of the 7th Actuarial Review of the National Insurance System of Trinidad and Tobago. The ILO’s pension valuation model was applied.

Trinidad and Tobago

SOCIAL DIALOGUE Feb. 2010 Employers'

Activities Organizational review of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Belize

Feb. 2010 Employers' Activities

Organizational review of the Bahamas Employers’ Confederation (BECon).

The Bahamas

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as at 31 March 2010 Date Area of support Form of support Beneficiaries Sep. 2009 Employers'

Activities Organizational review of the Employers’ Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECATT).

Trinidad and Tobago

May 2008 Employers' Activities

Technical presentation delivered at the Jamaica Employers' Federation's 26th Annual Business Convention.

Jamaica

Mar. 2010 Labour Administration

Organizational review of the Labour Department, Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development in Belize.

Belize

2008 Labour Administration

Delivered training to staff of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development on employment-related issues.

Trinidad and Tobago

2007-2010 Tripartism Technical expertise and support for the national tripartite programming workshops and consultations for the development of Decent Work Country Programmes and the OECS Decent Work Subregional Programme.

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Guyana, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

Mar. 2010 Workers' Activities

Organizational review of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize.

Belize

May 2009 Workers' Activities

Delivered technical presentation on initiatives to promote decent work and to address the global financial crisis at the Opening of the XX Congress of the Federation of Workers of Aruba.

Aruba

Oct. 2007 Workers' Activities

Technical support and capacity-building for the Saint Lucia Trade Union Federation in preparation for its leadership role in national dialogue on workplace and employment issues.

Saint Lucia

July 2007 Workers' Activities

ILO-International Training Centre consultation with heads and other high-level representatives of 16 labour colleges and organizations on possible areas for partnership and collaboration.


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as at 31 March 2010 Date Area of support Form of support Beneficiaries STANDARDS AND FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND RIGHTS AT WORK 2009-2010 Labour

Legislation Technical support for the review of maritime legislation.

Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

2008-2010 Labour legislation

Technical comments provided on draft labour legislation: Bill for an Act to establish the Labour Relations Act, 2001 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) Dispute Legislation (Belize) Draft General Orders of Civil Service (Montserrat) Employment Act (The Bahamas)

The Bahamas, Belize, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

2.2. Training The ILO Subregional Office conducted several major regional training activities listed hereunder. National training workshops were also conducted in response to specific requests from constituents. In addition to regional and national workshops, the constituents have benefited from programmes offered by the ILO’s Inter-American Centre for Knowledge Development in Vocational Training (CINTERFOR), the International Institute for Labour Studies (IILS), Geneva, and the ILO International Training Centre, Turin, Italy. Increasingly, constituents have been benefiting from study tours and exchanges in other Caribbean countries, in such fields as technical and vocational training, and occupational safety and health, and have been accessing courses offered by the International Training Centre through distance learning. Employment ILO-OECS Technical Training Workshop on Labour Force Survey (LFS) Preparations in OECS Countries Venue/Date: Dominica, 22-23 March 2010 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Partner: Secretariat of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

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ILO Tripartite Technical Meeting on Labour Force Surveys to Compile a Regionally-Harmonized Series of Employment Indicators Venue/Date: Trinidad and Tobago, 3-5 March 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and

Tobago Social Protection International Labour Organization and the University of the West Indies (ILO-UWI) (Mona, Jamaica) School of Business Workshop on Actuarial Methods and Social Security Financing Venue/Date: Kingston, Jamaica, 1-4 December 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica,

Suriname Territories: Bermuda Partners: University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica Labour Administration Training Programme: “Basic Training Course for Labour Inspectors” Venue/Date: Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 17-19 July 2007 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

Territories: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands Social Dialogue ILO – Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) of the CARICOM Secretariat Third Subregional Training Workshop: International Trade Negotiations, Free Trade Agreements and the Decent Work Agenda Venue/Date: Nassau, Bahamas, 3-5 February 2010 Beneficiaries: Member States: The Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica Partners: Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) of the CARICOM Secretariat ILO – Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) of the CARICOM Secretariat Second Subregional Training Workshop: International Trade Negotiations, Free Trade Agreements and the Decent Work Agenda Venue/Date: St. George’s Grenada, 1-3 December 2009 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Partners: Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) of the CARICOM Secretariat

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ILO – Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) of the CARICOM Secretariat Subregional Training Workshop: International Trade Negotiations, Free Trade Agreements and the Decent Work Agenda Venue/Date: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 16-18 September 2009 Beneficiaries: Member States: Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago Partners: Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) of the CARICOM Secretariat ILO ACTRAV-IPEC Regional Workshop for Workers’ Organizations on Social Dialogue and Child Labour (Caribbean Region) Venue/Date: Bridgetown, Barbados, 17-19 August 2009 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

Subregional Capacity-Building Programme for National Employers’ Organizations in the Caribbean – The Caribbean Academy for the Management of Employers’ Organizations (CAMEO) Venue/Date: Kingston, Jamaica, 29 June - 3 July 2009 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago Territories: Anguilla, Aruba, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat

The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) Organizing Workshop for Member Unions Venue/Date: Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1-3 June 2009 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada,

Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

Territories: Bermuda Partners: International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering,

Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) ILO Workshop on Results-Based Project Proposal Writing for Employers Venue/Date: Saint Lucia, 28-29 April 2009 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

Territories: Anguilla Information Management for Labour Educators and Researchers Venue/Date: Bridgetown, Barbados, 1-5 December 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada,

Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

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Trade Unions and the Informal Economy: Policy Issues and Organizing Strategies Venue/Date: Barbados, 1-4 December 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad

and Tobago ILO Conciliation and Mediation Training Course for Caribbean Workers Venue/Date: Barbados, 27-30 October 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ILO Conciliation/Mediation Training Course Venue/Date: Georgetown, Guyana, 24-30 April 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname

Territories: Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, The Netherlands Antilles, Turks and Caicos Islands

11th ILO Round Table for Caribbean Employers’ Organizations Venue/Date: St. George’s, Grenada, 15-17 April 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

Territories: Anguilla, Bermuda Advanced Labour Administration and Industrial Relations Training Seminar Venue/Date: St. George’s, Grenada, 18-20 September 2007 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

Territories: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, The Netherlands Antilles, Turks and Caicos Islands

Labour Administration Training Programme “Essential Labour Administration Training” Venue/Date: Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 3-5 July 2007 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada,

Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

Territories: Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat

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The Caribbean Academy for the Management of Employers’ Organizations (CAMEO) Venue/Date: Kingston, Jamaica, 25-29 June 2007 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago Territories: Anguilla, Aruba, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat

Standards and Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work ILO Hemispheric Conference on Rapid and Widespread Ratification and Effective Implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 Venue/Date: Barbados, 7-10 September 2009 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago Territories: Anguilla, Bermuda, The Netherlands Antilles

ILO Report Writing Workshop on International Labour Standards for OECS Countries Venue/Date: Saint Lucia, 18-21 August 2009 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines International Labour Organization (ILO-Turin) Course on International Labour Standards and Globalization: Tools for a Globalized World of Work Venue/Date: Kingston, Jamaica, 28 September - 3 October 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and

Tobago Partners: ILO International Training Centre, Turin, Italy Briefing Workshop for ILO Desk Officers from Caribbean member States and Non-Metropolitan Territories Venue/Date: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 30 June - 1 July 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica,

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago Territories: Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Montserrat Caribbean Regional Tripartite Capacity-Building Workshop on Labour Legislation Venue/Date: Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, 15-16 May 2008 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,

Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago

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ILO Tripartite Capacity-Building Workshop on Labour Legislation Venue/Date: Grand Bahama, Bahamas, 03-06 December 2007 Beneficiaries: Member States: The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname,

Trinidad and Tobago Second Caribbean Course on International Labour Standards for Judges, Lawyers and Legal Educators Venue/Date: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 25-29 September 2007 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Suriname,

Trinidad and Tobago Territories: Bermuda, Turks and Caicos Islands Title: ILO Tripartite Capacity-building Workshop on Labour Legislation Venue/Date: Castries, Saint Lucia, 22-25 May 2007 Beneficiaries: Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Ratifications of ILO Conventions by Caribbean Countries, May 2007 - March 2010

as at 31 March 2010

Country Date Convention The Bahamas 11.02.2008 Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (Convention not in

force) Trinidad and Tobago 17.08.2007 C81 Labour Inspection Convention, 1949 17.08.2007 C150 Labour Administration Convention, 1978

2. 3. Policy Coherence and External Partnerships The ILO has been expanding its outreach to key stakeholders and strengthening external partnerships with a view to encouraging policy coherence and mobilizing support for the Decent Work Agenda. In 2007 and 2009, the Office participated in major events organized by the Organization of American States – i.e. the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour (Trinidad and Tobago, 2007) and the Fifth Summit of the Americas (Trinidad and Tobago, 2009). As a result of the technical advice provided to member States, the outcome documents of the aforementioned events include significant references to the Decent Work Agenda and commitments to realizing Decent Work in the Americas. At the regional level, there has been increased collaboration between the ILO and CARICOM, including several CARICOM institutions,1 and the OECS. Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with both institutions. For example, the ILO and OTN of the CARICOM Secretariat jointly delivered training to employers’ and workers’ representatives as well as select government officials from various ministries in the 1 OTN, CARICAD, CDF, CDB, UWI

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countries that hosted three workshops on ‘International Trade Negotiations, Free Trade Agreements and the Decent Work Agenda’ (The Bahamas, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago). Experts from the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF) served as resource persons for the three training workshops. The ILO-OECS Memorandum of Understanding (August 2008) provides for collaboration on labour-related matters, with particular emphasis on the development and harmonization of labour market information systems (LMIS). Financial support is being given by the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD) for the LMIS project in the OECS. The ILO and UWI collaborate in the areas of policy-oriented research, conferences, delivery of guest lectures, and the preparation and launch of publications on subjects of mutual interest. A noteworthy example of this collaboration was the participation of faculty members from the three campuses of UWI as resource persons in ILO Tripartite Caribbean Conference on the Global Financial Crisis (Jamaica, April 2009). As a member of five United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) that cover the Caribbean, the ILO participates in the design and implementation of the United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs). By working with other UN agencies, the message of decent work not only reaches a wider constituency at the national and regional levels, but also lays the foundation for policy coherence.

2.4. Donor- and ILO-Funded Technical Cooperation Six major projects came to a close during the period under review. These included five HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programmes and the Harmonization of Labour Legislation Project. The HIV Projects contributed significantly to workplace awareness and interventions on HIV/AIDS, including the development of national and workplace HIV policies and programmes. The Harmonization of Labour Legislation project assisted in initiating in some countries, the revision of their labour laws to bring them in line with the CARICOM Model Labour Laws.

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Ongoing ILO projects Title: HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme Donor Intended Beneficiaries Start/End dates Budget Objectives Major achievements and outputs

US Department of Labor (US DOL) and President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Guyana Mid-2003 - December 2005 - Funding by US Department of Labor. January 2006 - Ongoing - Funding by President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). US$396,762 - US Department of Labor To date: US$1,290.000 - President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). To contribute to the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the world of work, the enhancement of workplace protection and the reduction of its adverse consequences on social, labour, and economic development. Thirty-one enterprises, located in 11 sectors and covering 28, 500 workers participated in the Project. Twenty-three enterprises developed and adopted workplace policies. A National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy was launched in 2009. HIV has been streamlined into the Ministry of Labour's Inspectorate and training components of the Labour Occupational Safety and Health Division. Provisions on HIV/AIDS have been integrated into Collective Labour Agreements for affiliate enterprises.

Title: Creative Industries Project Donor Intended Beneficiaries Duration Budget Objectives

European Commission Five African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, including Trinidad and Tobago. December 2008 - December 2012 6.3 million Euros The Project aims to enhance the contribution of creative industries to economic and social development, with emphasis on employment, trade and cultural diversity in the five selected ACP countries.

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Ongoing ILO projects

Title: Tackling Child Labour Through Education (TACKLE) Donor Intended Beneficiaries Start/End dates Budget Objectives

European Commission Jamaica and Guyana Jamaica: February 2009 - ongoing Guyana: March 2008 - February 2012 16 million Euros The Project aims to contribute to poverty reduction by providing equitable access to basic education and skills development to the most disadvantaged section of the society.

Recently-concluded ILO projects Title: HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme Donor Intended Beneficiaries Start/End dates Budget Objectives Major achievements and outputs

US Department of Labor (US DOL) Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago Barbados and Jamaica: July 2004 - June 2008 Belize: mid-2003 – December 2007 Trinidad and Tobago: September 2005 – December 2008 Barbados and Jamaica: US$1,548,570 Belize: US$402,518 Trinidad and Tobago: US$420,000 To contribute to the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the world of work, the enhancement of workplace protection and the reduction of its adverse consequences on social, labour, and economic development.

Barbados: Twelve enterprises from four sectors participated in the project; 11 drafted workplace policies; 10,952 workers reached by the project; 49 peer educators trained; post-project sustainability plan developed.

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Recently-concluded ILO projects

Belize: Eighteen enterprises developed HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programmes and collaborated with the National AIDS Commission to organize country-wide consultations on a National HIV/AIDS policy and a National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy, which were endorsed by Cabinet in 2006.

A sustainability plan has been developed by the tripartite stakeholders.

Guyana: Thirty-one enterprises, located in 11 sectors and covering 28, 500 workers participated in the project. Twenty-three enterprises developed and adopted workplace policies. A National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy was launched in 2009. HIV has been mainstreamed into the Ministry of Labour's Inspectorate function and Occupational Safety and Health Officers have been trained. A follow-up project has been initiated with funding from the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Jamaica: Sixteen enterprises from four sectors participated in the project and 20,657 workers were reached by the project. Fourteen enterprises developed an HIV/AIDS policy, 57 peer educators were trained and a post-project sustainability plan developed. Trinidad and Tobago: Twelve enterprises in six sectors participated, eight developed policies and 14,506 workers were reached by the Project. Trained peer educators numbered 148. A national tripartite HIV/AIDS Policy for the workplace was developed and adopted. The Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development established an HIV Unit to implement the post-project sustainability plan developed by the tripartite partners during the project.

Title: Harmonization of Labour Legislation in ILO member States in the English- and Dutch-Speaking Caribbean

Donor Intended Beneficiaries Start/End dates Budget Objectives

Government of Canada Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago June 2006 - November 2008 US$285,398 To evaluate the extent to which national labour legislation and policies are consistent with fundamental principles and rights at work, relevant ILO Conventions and CARICOM model labour laws.

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Recently-concluded ILO projects

Outputs

Results of the review of national legislation and policies completed and national tripartite consultations organized. CARIBLEX - a database of Caribbean Labour Legislation - CD-ROM and web-based, was produced along with the publication “Caribbean Digest of Legislation on Termination of Employment."

Title: Project on Implementing HIV/AIDS Workplace Policies and Programmes in Selected Countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean Donor Intended Beneficiaries Duration Budget Objectives Outputs

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund Suriname June 2007 - June 2009 US$140,000 To strengthen the awareness, technical capacity and institutional capabilities of the Government and the workplace partners to support the development and effective implementation of workplace policies and programmes aimed at preventing the spread of HIV and mitigating the impact of AIDS on social and economic development. Three enterprises participated in the Project; a peer educators’ handbook was developed in Dutch; peer educators were trained. An HIV workplace poster was developed in Dutch and the Ministry of Labour developed it into a billboard, placed at a strategic location. An HIV module was drafted for use by the Labour College in its curriculum. A post-project sustainability plan was developed.

Title: Addressing Decent Work Issues in the Tourism Sector through Social Dialogue Intended Beneficiaries Start/End dates Budget Objectives Outputs

Barbados October – December 2007 US$40,000 To sensitize employees, supervisors, managers and students in the hospitality industry on the importance of decent work and social dialogue to enhance the long-term viability of the industry, quality of jobs and quality of services provided. Workshops and draft manual on Decent Work in the Hotel and Tourism Sector.

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2.5 Research, Publications and Public Information Research was carried out and published within the framework of ILO projects in the Caribbean. The following publications were produced: • Caribbean Digest of Legislation on Termination of Employment, 2008 • CARIBLEX - Database of Caribbean Labour Legislation (CD-ROM and web versions),

2008 • A Handbook for Peer Educators - Addressing HIV/AIDS in the Workplace, 2008. • Workers on the Move in the CSME - Rights at Work and Benefits for Workers in

the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, ILO-CARICOM, 2007. • Employers on the Move in the CSME - Opportunities, Roles and Responsibilities of

Employers in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, ILO-CARICOM, 2007. In addition to its publications, the Subregional Office continued to disseminate news of its work with constituents through its quarterly newsletter - ILO Caribbean Newslink. Dissemination of news, new publication alerts and other information is also facilitated through a regular email broadcast service to constituents and other stakeholders. The Office revised and upgraded its website in 2008 to more effectively promote the Decent Work Agenda. New features include the CARIBLEX Database of Labour Legislation, a database of ILO-trained persons and an expanded digital library. In April 2009, the ILO commemorated its 90th Anniversary, launched at the ILO Tripartite Caribbean Conference on the global financial crisis in Jamaica. Many constituents commemorated the Anniversary at the national level with speeches/messages by Ministers and the social partners, media interviews and the airing of ILO television public service announcements (PSA), with one country developing its own TV PSA to commemorate the Anniversary while at the same time promoting the Decent Work Agenda. The Caribbean Office later commemorated its 40th Anniversary in the region in October with a special issue of ILO Caribbean Newslink. A Caribbean video - ILO Caribbean in Focus was produced to mark forty years of ILO's work in the region. The work of the Office is also promoted through the use of the print and broadcast media to reach wider audiences. Major ILO events and the commemoration of the UN Day observances have attracted wide media coverage resulting in higher visibility of the ILO, its values and work. National activities initiated by ILO's constituents to commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28 have increased over the period resulting in a greater awareness of ILO and OSH issues. The Office continues to respond to information requests from constituents, researchers, students and the wider public and serves as the regional distributor for ILO's priced publications. Library services are available at the Office as well as at the ILO library at the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperatives (CCLCS), through the ILO-CCLCS Cooperation Agreement.

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3. The Way Forward Given the number of Decent Work Country Programmes to be implemented in the current biennium, the emphasis of the Office will be on providing support to governments and the social partners to make progress with the work plans that would give effect to their DWCPs. The ILO would welcome engaging with development partners to work together for the mobilization of extra budgetary resources for technical cooperation projects.

Highlights rev 10.4.10 FINAL ATR REV 1

Documents

Transcript of Highlights rev 10.4.10 FINAL ATR REV 1