ILO launches capacity-building webinar series for Caribbean trade unionists

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (ILO News) - The ILO has launched a timely webinar series to support Caribbean trade unions in advancing decent work, universal social protection, and just transition. This initiative, running from April to November 2025, brings together leaders, activists, and representatives from across the region. Discussions focus on the necessity of a conducive macro-economic framework for decent work and social protection to address economic, demographic and ecological transformations, highlight the need for policy coherence and integrated policy approaches, and explain different social protection policies towards poverty reduction, increases in formalization and the greening of economies, among others. The virtual capacity-building sessions are tailored for trade union leaders—including youth and women’s committee members and union representatives on national social security boards—who are at the forefront of efforts to promote inclusive and resilient labour policies.

The first session, held on 29 April 2025, focused on “Setting the scene – the need for integrated policy approaches.” The opening remarks were delivered by Vera Guseva, Specialist in Workers’ Activities at the ILO Caribbean Office, who highlighted the importance of building trade union capacity to shape national dialogue and ensure universal social protection across the region.

Presenters covered a wide range of topics linking macroeconomic policy, social protection, and climate resilience. Ms. Amanda Villatoro, Desk Officer, Latin America and the Caribbean, ILO ACTRAV, examined the impacts of COVID-19 and natural disasters on Caribbean economies and stressed the urgency of resilient, inclusive social protection systems. Ms. Ursula Kulke, Senior Social Protection Specialist, ILO ACTRAV, provided an overview of social security risks and benefits, emphasized the need for universal coverage, and addressed the challenges posed by informality and underinvestment in the region.

Mr. Michael Watts, Economist and Specialist, ILO ACTRAV and Mr. Khalid Navan Waziri, Technical Officer, ILO ACTRAV, emphasized the role of pro-employment macroeconomic frameworks in driving decent work creation and reinforcing social protection mechanisms. They advocated for coherent, integrated policy approaches to promote sustainable economic growth.

Ms. Jana Bischler, ILO Junior Professional Officer, Social Protection & Climate Change, Universal Social Protection Department, concluded with a presentation on the intersection of social protection, climate change, and just transition. She demonstrated how adaptable social protection systems can build climate resilience and support vulnerable communities through inclusive, green transitions.

Key takeaways from the session included the importance of aligning macroeconomic and social policies, the urgent need to expand coverage and investment in social protection, and the vital role trade unions play in shaping just and inclusive responses to global challenges.

The 2nd webinar in the series took place on 27 May 2025, and focussed on global social protection systems and exploring financing mechanisms for expanding coverage in the Caribbean.

The 3rd webinar entitled “Fostering formalization through social protection: A comprehensive approach to decent work and just transition” will take place on 24 June 2025.

Trade unionists across the Caribbean are encouraged to participate in the upcoming sessions that will bring ILO HQ experts to the region even though virtually, for knowledge sharing and capacity building. For more details and to register to receive a link to attend future sessions, visit the ILO Caribbean event page.

This initiative represents a critical step forward in empowering Caribbean trade unions to advocate for inclusive social protection, economic justice, climate resilience, and a future of work.