ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATESINTER-AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR INTEGRAL

DEVELOPMENT (CIDI)

SECOND MEETING OF THE WORKING GROUPS OF THE XV INTER–AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF LABOR (IACML)

WASHINGTON, DC • MAY 19 – 22, 2009

EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF LABOR LAWS:COMPONENTS OF PROMOTION, AWARENESS AND

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – THE GRENADA EXPERIENCE

Presented byThe Hon. Glynis C. B. Roberts

Minister of Social Development, Social Security (NIS), Ecclesiastic Affairs and Labour

Which strategy is Grenada developing to promote a culture of compliance?

a) Bringing the main stakeholders together for dialogue, e.g., Trades Union Council, Employers Organisations, and Government

b) Development of a website to generate data from Labour Market Surveys

c) Filling of existing vacancies in the Department to encourage specialisation

d) Utilising all training available for Labour officials

e) Reviewing the Labour Code

The Carenage, St. George’s, GRENADA

What actions are being undertaken by Grenada to promote and raise awareness

of labour rights and obligations?

a) Commemorate Labour Month for the first time in September 2009, to meet with various stakeholders

b) Radio and television programmes (to effectively use the Government Information Service (GIS))

c) Work-site visits (employees well – being and employers adhering to standards/labour codes)

d) Workshops / Public lectures / Panel discussions (trades unions, employers, Government)

e) Minimum wage review for un–skilled workers, which is before cabinet for deliberations at the moment to become law

f) Creation of internet–based job bank

What examples can be identified regardingpractices by the Government of Grenada that

encourage social responsibility and enforcement?

a) Freedom of association (workers and employers can join organisations of their choice)

b) Easy and open access to the Minister and officials of the Department

c) Effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Advisory Service and dispute procedure

d) Tri-partism

e) Activating the Labour Advisory Board

f) Free school books programme launched Curriculum review Extended school hours (music and skills)

A Historic Great House

What examples can be identified regardingpractices by the Government of Grenada that

encourage social responsibility and enforcement?(Cont’d)

f) Creating new niche market within the Tourism for nationals and visitors E.g. Community Tourism (slave pen/conch shell site)

g) Concessions on two barrels per family at Christmas time (approximately 3,000 families benefited)

h) IMANI Programme replaced by the Youth Empowerment

i) Programme (training according to standards for certification)

j) Increased financial public assistance for elderly and physically/mentally challenged from $150 to $200 Reviewing existing list

What examples can be identified regardingpractices by the Government of Grenada that

encourage social responsibility and enforcement?(Cont’d)

f) Tax amnesty from January to March

g) Paid out approximately $43M in unpaid claims

h) Reintroduction of Value Added Tax (VAT)

Thank You

Come visit us