The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) today formalised a strengthened partnership with the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union (JHWU) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone during the Union’s 35th anniversary. The courtesy call and signing ceremony underscored both the ceremonial importance of the occasion and the government’s continued commitment to improving the working conditions, protections, and opportunities for domestic workers across Jamaica.

The new MOU expands collaboration across key areas, including labour rights training, occupational safety and health awareness, employment services, and public education campaigns. It also facilitates joint initiatives such as job fairs, data sharing, and the development of an annual work plan to support domestic workers. Speaking at the signing, Minister Pearnel Charles Jr reaffirmed the government’s recognition of domestic workers as a vital pillar of Jamaica’s labour force and family support system.

“Domestic workers play an essential role in sustaining our households and our economy. This partnership represents a meaningful step in strengthening protections, expanding opportunities, and ensuring dignity in work for this critical sector,” the minister stated.

The engagement addressed several priority issues raised by the JHWU, including:

• The ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work
• Expansion of overseas employment opportunities for domestic workers
• Establishment of a Household Workers Training Institute
• Formalisation of collaboration through the MLSS-JHWU MOU

On Convention 190, the minister confirmed that the ministry will initiate a legislative compatibility review of existing laws and provide the Union with a written update within 90 days. The ministry also acknowledged concerns regarding reduced access for domestic workers to overseas employment programmes and committed to reviewing pathways through the Overseas Employment Division.

Engagements with Canadian and United States counterparts will be explored, including opportunities within the hospitality and caregiving sectors.

A major highlight of the discussions was the proposed establishment of a Household Workers Training Institute, an initiative long championed by the JHWU. The institute is expected to provide flexible, targeted training aligned with domestic workers’ schedules and could become the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The Government has committed to supporting the initiative through a multi-stakeholder approach, including identifying suitable property, exploring partnerships with HEART/STA Trust, and convening a working group within 30 days to advance planning.

Established in 1991, the JHWU has spent 35 years advocating for fair wages, improved working conditions, skills development, and the empowerment of domestic workers—primarily women-across Jamaica. The Union has also played a key role in advancing international labour standards, including Jamaica’s earlier ratification of ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

JHWU President Elaine Duncan welcomed the strengthened partnership, noting that the agreement represents “a renewed commitment to ensuring that domestic workers are recognised, protected, and given the opportunities they deserve”.

Immediate actions include the execution of the MOU and the initiation of implementation planning across relevant MLSS departments. Within the next 30 to 90 days, the Ministry will advance key deliverables, including:

• Establishment of a working group for the Training Institute
• Review of overseas employment participation for domestic workers
• Legislative review process for Convention 190

The MOU will remain in effect for one year, with provisions for renewal.