,.
. ADDRESS BY
RT. HON. P. J. PATTERSON, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA
CARIBBEAN MINISTERS OF LABOUR CONFERENCE
LE MERIDIEN JAMAICA PEGASUS
NEW KINGSTON
WEDNESDAY, 2000 APRIL 26
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INTRODUCTION
This meeting 1s of timely importance and of unique
significance.
It takes place in the year when we move from one millennium
to another.
It takes place just two months after we have signed the final
Protocols to bring into existence the Single Market.
It takes place when the drive towards globalisation is at the
peak.
It also takes place at a time of unprecedented focus by the
International Labour Organisation as to its role and function
in the global economy. UWI LIBRARIES
GLOBAL PARADOX
To be sure, Labour Movements, throughout the world have
traditionally held basic beliefs and goals in common, which
have been the foundation of what is a recognisable bond.
This identity of interest - this willingness to make common
cause throughout the International Labour Movement - is
now being severely challenged by the very process of
globalisation.
It is a paradox of globalisation that, while capital can be
moved from place to place at the touch of a button, the forces
for protectionism in the field of labour are becoming
increasingly strident.
When the Seattle Ministerial Meeting collapsed last
December, all those who had contended that a new round of
trade liberalisation was misconceived and the negotiating
process fatally flawed, could justifiably claim victory.
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But we should not lose sight that those who were marching on
the streets were not supporting our cause, but urging points
of view that were clearly in conflict with the interests of the
developing world.
The Union Leaders and workers who bore placards "Protect
Our Jobs' were really seeking to , " Protect these jobs from
a transfer to the developing world'.
It is not generally known that in our recent negotiations with
Europe for the framework agreement to succeed the Lome
Convention, there was nearly a breakdown at the very last
minute on the issue of job protection.
Europe has now become so paranoid on the issue of migration
that they wanted some provision for a system under which
illegal immigrants in the EU could be deported to ACP
countries from which they arrived in the EU, even if they
were stateless or of third country origin.
The frightening signs of xenophobia are there for all to see.
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THE INFORMATION REVOLUTION
It is evident that the world economy is increasingly
becoming one based on the free and continuous flow of
information. The rapid advances in information technology
have allowed businesses to access a comprehensive range of
vital information almost instantaneously. In addition,
production and productivity are becoming increasingly
technology-driven.
Survival in this new age is based on our ability to exploit the
opportunities, which are being created by the information
revolution.
Numerous studies have shown that the Caribbean can
quickly position itself to fully exploit these opportunities.
With a focused plan, this sector can quickly attract
significant investments and generate thousands of
employment opportunities in this country.
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New technologies allow companies to locate different parts
of their production, research and marketing in different
countries, but still tie them together through computers and
teleconferencing as though they were in one place.
More and more of our local and regional firms and companies
need to join the rush of companies world-wide to the internet
in order to take advantage of its low cost, wide market
coverage and interactive nature.
This trend raises considerable implications for Ministries of
Labour.
They cannot be reactive - they must be proactive.
Their role is not simply to resolve disputes. They have to be
pistons in the engine for economic growth.
Experience in the developed world confirms that economic
growth will not necessarily result in an equivalent reduction
of unemployment.
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They have to lead in creating a new culture of greater
productivity, together with parallel programmes that
enhance job creation.
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THE MANDATE
At the 14th Regional Meeting of the ILO, you settled a four
point mandate:
(i) A historical mandate to ensure full respect for the
fundamental rights at work, as well as those which
affect "the social conscience of humanity."
(ii) The political mandate to achieve the creation of the
greatest number of quality jobs ... the generation of
better opportunities for decent employment and
enterprise creation.
(iii) The ethical mandate to do all that is necessary to
enhance the coverage of social protection to
protect against the risks of unemployment,
occupational accidents, illness and old age.
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(iv) Lastly, there was the call for greater contribution to
the strengthening of social institutions, particularly
those of employers and workers, and of
encouraging constructive dialogue between them.
I expect you will be guided by this menu of tasks.
There can be no influential social dialogue without strong
employers' and workers' organisations. Effective tripartism
is not possible without strong Labour Ministries and modern
labour administrations.
These are essential ingredients for cohesive and creative
tripartism.
Our Caribbean Governments can take pride 1n the
importance which we place on the need for workers' access
to an adequate level of social protection.
Indeed, The Charter for Civil Society regards this as a
fundamental right of all people, as well as an essential
ingredient in the general welfare of our countries.
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THE SINGLE MARKET
With the advent of a Single Market, it has become necessary
to harmonise the benefits of our Social Security Systems
and to ensure portability throughout the Region.
We must be looking to the feasibility of a Regional System for
Social Security when we move eventually from the Single
Market to the final stage of the Single Economy.
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FREE MOVEMENT OF SKILLED PERSONS WITHIN THE REGION
ALL CARICOM Nationals who are University graduates, with
credentials acceptable to the Member States concerned,
should by now enjoy free movement throughout CARICOM.
Persons certified by the competent authority as representing
the State in sports, or are musicians, artistes and media
workers of the State of which such persons are nationals
are also now recognised as a "Caribbean Skilled Person".
They should also be free to move within the Community.
PROTOCOL II
As we came to negotiate this, it was immediately evident
that Member States would be required to remove all
restrictions on the movement of managerial, technical and
supervisory staff needed for the carrying out of the business
of commercial, industrial, professional and economic
enterprises.
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"Nationals providing services shall engage in approved
activities in the State where the services are to be provided -
under the same conditions enjoyed by nationals of that
Member State."
In order to achieve the objectives of its industrial policy, the
cross border employment of human resources is a necessity
that must be supported by stable industrial relations.
Only so can we achieve the goal of an industrial policy that is
market-led, internationally competitive and provides for
sustainable production of goods and services.
We have to formulate proposals and appropriate measures
for the promotion of harmonious and stable industrial
relations in the Community.
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LEGISLATION
The march throughout our Region, from colonialism to
independence, is a chronicle of struggle spearheaded by the
Labour Movement and the peasantry.
Bird, Butler, Bustamante, Bradshaw -
Butler blazed the trail for the Leaders of our recent history,
whose political skills were honed at the workplace. The
decade of the 70's ushered here in Jamaica and the region, a
wave of industrial legislation which reflects the acceptance
of worker egalitarianism rather than outmoded concepts of
servitude.
In legislative terms, those gains are irreversible and must
now form the foundation for advancing the economic fortunes
and social prospects of working people.
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GLOBALISATION AND LABOUR MARKET REFORM
Globalisation has brought about great integration of the
countries in the world economy, leading to the creation of
new job opportunities and exerting a great influence on the
determination of employment and wages. Its significant
impact on the labour market has not gone unnoticed.
Employment and wages are strongly linked to productivity
increases and to the capacity to compete. It has become
necessary to formulate labour and training policies for
employment that allow workers to prepare themselves
better for performing in a world of continuous labour mobility.
The main objectives of labour market reform must therefore
facilitate a quick adaptation of organisation and labour costs
in enterprises to the new demands emerging from
international competition and promote employment creation.
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In order for CARICOM to compete more effectively in the
changing global economy, to generate income and
employment and provide higher real standards of living to
our people, it is essential that higher levels of investment and
productivity be achieved in the short to medium term.
Thus, developing new issues for labour administration will
require adapting the organisation, structures and
instruments of the Ministries of Labour as a response to
harmonising labour legislation of countries, especially with
reference to labour migration and social security; ensuring
that labour standards are applied; designing employment
policies; promoting social dialogue and extending social
protection.
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RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES
We in the Caribbean accept that globalisation is a reality
which we cannot escape. Rather, we should harness it for
our own ends.
We have to recognise that appropriate labour relations
reform is central to the necessary restructuring of our
economies. Indeed, many of us have been calling for a Social
Contract for some time. Now, the urgency of this call is
quite clear.
We realise that Labour Legislation requires a new flexibility.
Globalisation implies challenges in competitiveness and
adaptation to changing markets. This will not be achieved
under regulations that make cost efficiency more difficult.
With the spread of micro enterprises and the small business
sector, care must be taken not to discourage job creation
with an excessive number of prohibitive labour rules.
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It must be obvious to all of us that the emphasis now should
be on the further development of collective bargaining, the
encouragement of self-regulation by social partners.
Economic progress, resulting from international economic
liberalisation, will have to be reflected in sustainable social
progress.
One of the main indicators of such progress, is the labour
standards that we are able to guarantee.
Our efforts to achieve international competitiveness dare
not result in labour reforms which reduce investment in
training and the development of our human resources.
Job security and a motivated workforce is as vital in the
search for increased productivity, as is the employment of
new technology.
We are convinced that our economic policies must at all times
be balanced by policies of social justice.
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We acknowledge the symbiotic link between economic
programmes and social policies, at both the national and the
international levels, in order to encourage economic and
social objectives.
We must continue to promote and develop appropriate
educational and training systems to improve the successful
integration of the labour force.
We need to ensure that skill levels continue to improve, so
that workers and enterprises can adapt to the new
challenges of globalisation.
Productivity gains enable the sustainability of economic
progress, but just as importantly, they must not deny an
equitable distribution of the benefits.
The social partnership is as essential to our economic
restructuring as is the control of inflation or access to
financing.
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A LONGWAY
We have made real, quantifiable advances in labour relations
in the Caribbean, but the truth is that we still have a long way
to go.
This gathering of Caribbean Labour Ministers, should
understand that we do not enjoy the luxury of time.
It is in this context of our national imperatives and regional
agenda, that I wish for you an outstanding Conference, and
look forward to the results of your deliberations.
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'1t~l :fl:]ffQi;oi,i !i~J'Il International Labour Organization Caribbean Office
Caribbean
Labour Ministers
Meeting
Opening Ceremony
Programme
26 ?lprif, 2000
Be !Jlreridien ?amaica !Pegasus
Xngslon, ?amaica
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Chairman:
Welcome Remarks:
Introductory Remarks:
Remarks:
Feature Address:
Wednesday, 26 April 2000
6.00 p.m.
Xalional 7/nl.bem of J/amaica
Mr. Samuel J. Goolsarran
Senior Specialist
Industrial Relations and Labour Administration
ILO Caribbean Office
Honourable Donald Buchanan
Minister of Labour and Social Security
Government of Jamaica
Mr. Willi Momm
Director
ILO Caribbean Office
Mr. Lloyd Goodleigh
President
Caribbean Congress of Labour
Mr. Marcel Meyer
President
Caribbean Employers' Confederation
Professor Edward Greene
Assistant Secretary General
Human and Social Development
Caribbean Community Secretariat
Honourable P. J. Patterson
Prime Minister
Government of Jamaica
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