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Tel: (876) 967-5484

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Tuesday, February 22, 2022

National Minimum Wage Increase Approved

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda has announced increases in the National Minimum Wage and Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards.

The increases were approved by Cabinet on Monday, February 21.

Effective April 1, the country’s minimum wage will move from $7,000 to $9,000 per 40-hour work week.

Cabinet has also approved an increase in the Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards from $9,700 to $10,500 per 40 hour work week and increases in allowances payable to security guards effective April 1.

These increases are as follows:

· Laundry Allowance will be increased $44.00 to $47.62 per hour,

· Firearm Premium Allowance will be increased from $48.00 to $51.95 per hour

· Dog Handler’s Premium Allowance will be increased from $33.00 to $35.72 per hour

· Life Insurance coverage with double indemnity protection and dismemberment coverage will also increase from $2.75m to $2.976m

The Labour Minister said the necessary orders to give effect to the increases will be tabled in Parliament in short order.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, February 28, 2022

Ministry of Labour & Social Security Expands Fleet of Mobile Units

The Ministry of Labour & Social Security has expanded its fleet of mobile units with the addition of two (2) 55 seater coaches, to improve efficiencies in the transportation of workers engaged under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme.

The buses were commissioned into service by Minister Karl Samuda, at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre during a brief ceremony on February 24, 2022, in which Her Excellency, Ms Emina Tudakovic, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, participated.

Immediately following the commissioning ceremony, the buses departed to the Norman Manley International Airport carrying ninety-five workers bound for Canada.

In her remarks to the departing workers, Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden noted that the customized buses had been designed with their safety and comfort in mind, and challenged them to take care of the units. “These are not your regular buses; these coaches place emphasis on providing a safe, comfortable ride. Each unit is equipped with an info-tainment system, a spacious luggage compartment, padded, semi-bucket seats with arm and foot rests, and an air ride suspension system to cushion the feel of the road. The safety features include runway lights for night travelling and a full camera system. The buses are yours, so take care of them.”

The brief ceremony concluded with the cutting of a ribbon by Minister Samuda, who was accompanied by Her Excellency, Ms Emina Tudakovic, and Permanent Secretary Roberts Risden.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, February 11, 2022

Disabilities Act comes into effect February 14, 2022 – a Historic Feat – Minister Samuda

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda is encouraging all Jamaicans to join in celebrating the historic milestone of The Disabilities Act (2014) coming into full effect on February 14, 2022.

The Disabilities Act was passed in Parliament in October 2014, and The Regulations were later affirmed in both Houses of Parliament in October 2021.

“This legislation promotes and protects the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities in all areas of development, these rights, which are enshrined in our constitution, are supported by standards of non-discrimination,” Minister Samuda stated.

Minister Samuda added that The Disabilities Act coming into effect, puts the Government one step closer to reducing discrimination against persons with disabilities and ensuring that their rights to education, employment, health, access to public passenger vehicles, housing and premises and to participate in political office and public life.

He explained, that Jamaica has signed and ratified the United Nations Conventions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and has adopted the concept of progressive realization. Minister Samuda said we are making steady progress in advancing the implementation of the Convention’s provisions to realise the rights of persons with disabilities.

He urged all Jamaicans today and always to show love and “Respect –Ability: Disability Rights Matter.” As citizens we should continue to work together as a nation to build more resilience, create inclusion and break down barriers so all Jamaicans may participate equally” he concluded.

Contact: MLSS Communication Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security Leads Relief Efforts in Communities affected by Recent Rainfall

In collaborative efforts with other humanitarian partners, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has moved decisively to bring much-needed relief to communities in St Mary, Portland, and St Ann, which were affected by torrential rainfall from January 31 to February 1, 2022.

According to an assessment received by the Ministry’s Disaster, Rehabilitation and Welfare Management Unit, 850 household have been assessed to date.

The Parish of St. Mary experiencing the majority of damages especially in the communities of Pagee, Port Maria and its environs, Jacks River, Baileys Vale and Boscobel received distributions from the Ministry of approximately 370 food packages along with over 450 mattresses and hygiene supplies and Sanitization kits.

The vendors Arcade in Port Maria was considerably impacted by infrastructural damages sustained and loss of goods.

“We want to assure our citizens, especially the vendors who lost valuable goods in the flood at the Port Maria arcade, that we are committed to assisting persons affected by this deliberate disaster and will do everything possible to help them through this difficult time,” said Hon Karl Samuda, Minister of Labour and Social Security.

The Ministry will continue to monitor and investigate reports of damage and provide emergency support where necessary.

Contact: MLSS PR Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Monday, February 7, 2022

Online Payment of Factory Registration Fee

The Factories Act requires that every factory must be registered under the Act and maintain a valid certificate of registration throughout its operational life. The certificate of registration is valid for a period of three (3) years and requires renewal upon its expiration.

Factory owners and operators are encouraged to pay their factory registration or re-registration fees through the online payment option now available on the Tax Administration of Jamaica’s website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm .

This option facilitates quick and efficient payment without the hassle of joining lines. You are required to email a copy of the payment receipt along with the completed factory registration application form to oshd@mlss.gov.jm after payment to expedite processing.

The original application form and receipt must be submitted to:

Chief Factory Inspector

Ministry of Labour & Social Security

1F North Street

P.O. Box 481

Kingston

For further information visit the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Department’s webpage at www.mlss.gov.jm/departments/occupational-safety-and-health/

A message from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Contact: MLSS PR Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Fraudulent Canadian Government Job Recruitment Message

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is advising the public to be aware of a message being circulated on social media concerning recruitment of persons for jobs in Canada. The Ministry is advising that neither the Government of Canada nor the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is associated with this message.

There has been an increase in job scams. The Ministry is therefore encouraging job seekers to ensure the legitimacy of any offer of employment prior to the payment of fees or providing personal information.

When in doubt about any job offer please make contact with the Ministry for verification of information. The number to call is: 876 922-9500-14

Contact: MLSS PR Unit (876) 967-5484
|Email: prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Labour & Social Security Ministry Calls Emergency Conciliatory Meeting

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has scheduled an emergency conciliatory meeting for Monday, January 31, 2022 at 9:00 am between the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority and the Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association.

This is as a result of the Notice of Industrial Action issued on Friday by the Jamaica Air Traffic Association on the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority owing to their dissatisfaction with the pace of the wage and fringe benefits negotiation which is currently before the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, January 14, 2021

Minister Samuda Condemns Brutal Killing of Gabriel King

Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda is condemning the recent brutal killing of nine-year-old Gabriel King as an evil and cowardly act against persons with disabilities.

According to Minister Samuda, the news of Gabriel’s killing is deeply mortifying, and is a direct attack on the lives of promising Jamaicans from the disabled community. Happening at a time, when the government is intensifying its efforts to put systems in place to safeguard the lives and rights of persons with disabilities.

“I am expressing my deepest condolences to the family and the community of young Gabriel, I am calling on persons to come forward and give information to the police so that those responsible can be held accountable for their actions”. Minister Samuda said.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Friday, December 10, 2021

Jamaica Recognized for Efforts to Formalize Domestic Workers

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda has welcomed news that Jamaica has been recognized for its work to formalize domestic workers. Jamaica has been included as a Good Practice Example in the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative CHRI’s report “Domestic Work is Work: Using ILO Convention 189 to Protect Workers’ Rights across the Commonwealth”.

The report examines the work that has been done to improve the rights and working conditions of domestic workers and bring them into the formal sector in the 10 years since the ILO’s Domestic Workers Convention, C189. Jamaica, which ratified C189 in 2016, is one of only 5 commonwealth countries to have ratified the convention.

Speaking at an online forum to launch the report on Friday, December 10, Minister Samuda said it is fitting that the report is being launched on International Human Rights Day. “I am also proud to know that our progress has been noted in the new report on the Domestic Workers Convention,” said Minister Samuda.

The Labour and Social Security Minister, who acknowledged the integral role played by the Shirley Pryce led Jamaica Household Workers Union in the ratification, said the Ministry continues to work with the JHWU to protect the rights of this critical but vulnerable group.

Minister Samuda noted that the Ministry is in the process of amending legislation such as the Minimum Wage Act to provide additional protections to domestic workers.

“This will ensure that they are regularly paid and that their statutory deductions are paid over so they can access their NIS. The amendments will ensure that they know their leave entitlements and that they have the necessary documentation to support their case in the event of disputes. We are also looking at the Employment Agencies Regulation to put additional measures in place to protect them against human trafficking,” said Minister Samuda.

Minister Samuda said the Ministry is committed to the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda for all workers and continues to work with the organization towards reaching this goal. In the meantime, President of the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union, Shirley Pryce has also welcomed the development.

“We are proud. Jamaica is truly a leader and a model example. We look forward to the continued relationship that we have built with the Ministry of Labour as the work is ongoing,” said Ms. Pryce.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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Public Relations Unit

1F North Street, Kingston

Tel: (876) 967-5484

Fax: (876) 948-2831

Hon. Karl Samuda, OJ, CD, MP

Minister of Labour & Social Security

Friday, December 10, 2021

Government Pays out Billions to Country’s Most Vulnerable Citizens in Time for Christmas

The devastating impact of the Covid19 Pandemic on the economy and lives of all Jamaicans, has been arguably one of the worst disasters the Government of Jamaica has faced in recent times.

As a country, we have been severely tested. We have had to maneuver a difficult balancing act, as we balance the lives and livelihoods of every Jamaican. Special attention had to be given to the people in our society, who are most vulnerable to economic shocks. In this regard, this caring Government will, under the SERVE Programme pay $1.9B in one off grants of $10,000 each, to beneficiaries of PATH and the Social Pension Programme as well as to some pensioners under the and National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The payments which are being made through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security started on November 15, 2021 when over 6,000 elderly persons who are seventy-five (75) years and older received their grant along with their social pension payment.

During December, One Hundred and Thirty Six Thousand Three Hundred and Forty (136,340) families on PATH and 41,000 NIS pensioners, who receive less than $10,000.00 per month for pension, will also receive their grant. This totals well over Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand (360,000) beneficiaries.

The grants are in addition to the normal payments due to recipients during the period.

As a Ministry we are proud to contribute to national resilience during this difficult time by allowing the most vulnerable among us to be able to purchase much needed food and other supplies to sustain themselves, especially at Christmas, which for many is their favourite time of the year, when families get together.

As Minister, I am proud to be the Steward of these benefits to the poor people of Jamaica and I can assure you that we will account for every dollar to be disbursed.

This government does not only say ‘We care. We show We Care’.

Contact: V George Palmer, Dir. Public Relations & Communications (876) 820-5373 or (876) 967-5484
|Email: vando.palmer@mlss.gov.jm/prunit@mlss.gov.jm
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