OECS members adopt common strategy for achieving decent work

Members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States have agreed on a common strategy to promote decent and productive work in the OECS. With the support of the International Labour Office, Decent Work Programmes (2010-2015) have been developed by the tripartite constituents in each of the seven full members of the OECS. The Programmes have four common priority areas: (i) reviewing and updating of labour legislation; (ii) strengthening labour market information systems; (iii) promoting inclusive workplace policies on HIV and AIDS; and (iv) increasing dialogue among government, employers and workers on national regional social and economic issues.

While all the Decent Work Programmes in the OECS are guided by the four overarching priorities, each Programme reflects and responds to the specific concerns, interests and objectives of each OECS member. The Programmes were developed by representatives of Government (including from various ministries), and of employers' and workers' organizations and other key stakeholders. The ILO provided information, technical advice and support, as required.

The Programmes support the objectives of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre establishing the OECS Economic Union, which entered into force on January 21, 2011 as well as the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2012-2016 for the OECS. The Programmes will benefit from support from regional institutions (Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD)). Moreover, they give effect to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and the International Labour Organization, signed in 2008.

The seven full members of the OECS are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.