Workers Get Praises for Workers’ Week

This year’s theme for the Workers’ Week is “repositioning Jamaica’s Labor Market- Post COVID”. The church ceremony, held on Sunday praised workers across the island for their services- especially throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

At the service held on Sunday, the workers who protested, demanding a reclassification of their services and improved benefits, were celebrated, as the value they bring to the country was highlighted. Vice President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, O’Neil Grant acknowledged the government’s efforts to meet their demands and said while change can be disruptive, it is necessary. He added that the sentiments of the workers who protested, echoed throughout the island because every worker deserves to be compensated fairly.

Meanwhile, front line workers were described as “heroes of the pandemic” by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Babsy Grange, as she praised them for their service during some harrowing times.

Under the theme “re-igniting a nation for greatness- protect our heritage and environment”. Few could argue that Jamaica’s labour movement has not been central to those efforts. More details in this report:

Reporter: Jhanniel Powell