GUYANA has successfully secured the position of Vice-Chair of Working Group II at the 22nd Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour.

The conference which commenced on October 23 and ended on October 25, 2024, was held in Bogota, Columbia, and saw Guyana’s Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, participating.

It was stated by the ministry that, at that conference, Minister Hamilton successfully secured the position of Vice-Chair of Working Group II: Institutional Strengthening of Ministries of Labour and Promoting Institutionalised Social Dialogue and Tripartism.

The ministry said that pursuant to the resolution of the conference, two working groups were duly constituted, composed of representatives of ministries of labour, with participation from workers’ and employers’ organisations, to advise the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour on the execution of the plan of action ratified at the 22nd conference.

In its elected role as Vice-Chair of Working group II, Guyana in concert with the Chair (Paraguay) and Second Vice-Chair (Chile), is charged with facilitating comprehensive analyses, exchange of experiences, advice and recommendation on the several objectives: strengthening and modernising the Ministries of Labour to address the emerging shifts in the world of work; enforcement of labour legislation and regulation, and effective application of fundamental principles and rights at work; strengthening institutionalised social dialogue for the achievement of more just, equitable, inclusive, and resilient societies; freedom of association, including the right to collective bargaining and to strike; regular, safe and orderly labour mobility; social protection; health and safety at work; eliminating all forms of labour exploitation, including forced labor, human trafficking, slavery, and promoting the effective abolition of child labour and its worst form; foster sustainable enterprise, and the protection of workers’ rights and strengthening the Inter-American Network for Labour Administration.

According to the ministry, this role highlights Guyana’s ongoing commitment to advancing workers’ rights, promoting institutional improvements, and engaging in constructive social dialogue across the Americas.

It also reflects the confidence in the Government of Guyana, particularly through the Ministry of Labour under the leadership of Minister Hamilton who expressed gratitude for future collaborations aimed at helping the country reach new heights.