Ministry of Labor Unveils Decent Work Country Program

This morning, the Ministry of Labor launched the Decent Work Country Program (DWCP). Last year, the government and the International Labor Organization (ILO) embarked on a Decent Work Country Diagnostic. The framework sought to establish the DWCP, an evidence-based objective assessment, and analysis of the country’s labor sector. Today, the DWCP was unveiled with a focus on identifying and resolving work deficits to improve working conditions in Belize. Minister of Labor Oscar Requena spoke on the progressive move and how it will benefit the everyday man and woman.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Labour, Local Government and Community Development: “Well first of all I want to say that the decent work country program is aligned and it’s a part of Plan Belize in terms of ensuring that we promote some very key areas. Governance and rights of workers, inclusive labour markets and sustainable productivity. Essentially in a nutshell the program seeks to ensure that we have respect for the rights of workers, that we promote decent work and social justice for all and that essentially we all work together towards building a vibrant economy where we are going to see all Belizeans having an equal opportunity to work decent, receive a decent wage, that their rights are respected and that essentially we develop our country better. Well certainly the statistics point to a very low participation in the labour workforce in terms of our women and certainly for us at the Ministry of Labour we are very concerned and you know cabinet has discussed this matter extensively and that is why we are working along with other ministries one to ensure, and this is all part of the decent work country program to ensure that we provide adequate training and support to our women, we have to make sure that we put in place policies and programs for example our mothers are caregivers and a lot of times the fact that they have to be caregivers really is a hinderance for them to participate in the work force. So we have to look at programs and policies that will provide that opportunity for our women to be supported in terms of caregiving and so on and that they will have an equal opportunity to participate in the labour workforce.” 

President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) Luis Martinez says the labor unions welcomed the DWCP and hope the five-year undertaking will result in positive changes in the labor force.

Luke Martinez, President, NTUCB: “ The Decent Work Country Program identifies there priority areas, I think the Labour Commissioner covered them, I’ll just review them. Rights and governance, inclusive labour market, productivity, sustainable enterprise and local economic development. These priority areas are not only essential for economic growth bu also for promoting equal rights and social justice. For the National Trade Union Congress of Belize this milestone reminds us that we are actively participating in nation building. We are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort to promote decent work practices, protect workers rights and enhance labour standards. As we exchange pleasantries and celebrate this achievement we acknowledge that we have much to look forward to; the decent work agenda and results framework will guide our actions for the next five years. We’re excited about the prospect of working together to achieve these goals. I would like to extend our gratitude to the Government of Belize for its commitment to this initiative. Your support is crucial for ensuring that we have necessary resources and infrastructure to succeed. Prime Minister Briceño I urge you to ensure that the Ministry of Labour receives adequate human resources and increased budget to support our initiatives and efforts.”

Organizations from the private and public sectors also took part in today’s event.