The Jamaica Household Workers’ Union marks 35 years of progress

KINGSTON, Jamaica (ILO News) – On 15 March, 2026, the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union (JHWU) marked its 35th anniversary of resilience, advocacy and progress for domestic workers. The Grand Gala and Awards ceremony hosted by the JHWU on 16 March under the theme “35 Years of Strength, Dignity, and Solidarity,” brought together union members, government representatives and social partners to reflect on decades of progress. Among the honourees of the evening, the ILO Caribbean Office was presented with the Helping Hands Award in recognition of its sustained partnership with the Union.

In a video message delivered for the occasion, ILO Director Joni Musabayana highlighted the union’s enduring impact noting that, “for more than three decades, the JHWU has given voice and visibility to women and men whose work has historically been hidden behind the doors of private homes… yet whose contribution is essential to the fabric of our societies.”

He added that the award reflects a shared commitment. “The Helping Hands Award is a valued affirmation of the longstanding partnership and our shared commitment to advancing decent work, dignity and social justice for domestic workers in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.”

© Jamaica Household Workers Union

© Jamaica Household Workers Union

Strengthening rights through partnership

Over the past two years, the ILO Caribbean office and ILO Bureau for Workers Activities (ACTRAV) have provided support to the Union for certified training in industrial relations, strengthened the Union's engagement on freedom of association and for the prevention and elimination of child labour in the domestic work sector and empowered its participation in national mechanisms addressing Just Transition.

ILO Caribbean office Workers’ Activities Specialist Vera Guseva emphasized the importance of sustained technical support and social dialogue saying, “the JHWU's commitment to building its members' capacity through social dialogue and various types of training programmes and targeted assistance is exactly the kind of movement-building that delivers lasting change. We have been proud to accompany the Union as it strengthens both its internal governance and its voice in national policy spaces."

The ILO’s collaboration also complemented the Union’s engagement with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS). These efforts culminated in the signing of a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the MLSS and the JHWU on 17 March 2026, formalizing collaboration on labour rights training, freedom of association, occupational safety and health, and the identification and prevention of child labour in line with the Child Care and Protection Act.

Advancing decent work for domestic workers

The anniversary celebrations provided an opportunity to reflect on broader gains for domestic workers in Jamaica, including the country’s ratification of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), a milestone achieved through persistent advocacy by the JHWU and its partners.

Building on this legacy, the Union has continued to advocate for the ratification of the ILO's Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), which recognizes the right of all workers to a world of work free from violence and harassment. Through passionate awareness-raising and engagement with policymakers, the JHWU has kept the issue firmly on the national agenda, highlighting the particular risks faced by domestic workers, especially women, in private households. The ILO stands ready to continue supporting these efforts, working closely with the JHWU, the Government of Jamaica and social partners to advance the ratification and effective implementation of Convention No. 190.

The ILO congratulates the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union on its 35 years of dedicated advocacy and reaffirms its commitment to continued collaboration to achieve lasting improvements in the lives and working conditions of domestic workers.