Organization of American States INTER-AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT ( CIDI )

1. Organization of American States INTER-AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT (CIDI) Second Meeting of the Working Groups of the XV Inter–American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) Washington, DC • May 19 – 22, 2009 Effective Enforcement of Labor Laws: Components of Promotion, Awareness and Social Responsibility – The Grenada Experience Presented by The Hon. Glynis C. B. Roberts Minister of Social Development, Social Security (NIS), Ecclesiastic Affairs and Labour

2. Which strategy is Grenada developing to promote a culture of compliance? • Bringing the main stakeholders together for dialogue, e.g., Trades Union Council, Employers Organisations, and Government • Development of a website to generate data from Labour Market Surveys • Filling of existing vacancies in the Department to encourage specialisation • Utilising all training available for Labour officials • Reviewing the Labour Code

3. The Carenage, St. George’s, GRENADA

4. What actions are being undertaken by Grenada to promote and raise awarenessof labour rights and obligations? • Commemorate Labour Month for the first time in September 2009, to meet with various stakeholders • Radio and television programmes (to effectively use the Government Information Service (GIS)) • Work-site visits (employees well – being and employers adhering to standards/labour codes) • Workshops / Public lectures / Panel discussions (trades unions, employers, Government) • Minimum wage review for un–skilled workers, which is before cabinet for deliberations at the moment to become law • Creation of internet–based job bank

5. What examples can be identified regardingpractices by the Government of Grenada that encourage social responsibility and enforcement? • Freedom of association (workers and employers can join organisations of their choice) • Easy and open access to the Minister and officials of the Department • Effectiveness of the Industrial Relations Advisory Service and dispute procedure • Tri-partism • Activating the Labour Advisory Board • Free school books programmelaunched • Curriculum review • Extended school hours (music and skills)

6. A Historic Great House

7. What examples can be identified regardingpractices by the Government of Grenada that encourage social responsibility and enforcement? (Cont’d) • Creating new niche market within the Tourism for nationals and visitors • E.g. Community Tourism (slave pen/conch shell site) • Concessions on two barrels per family at Christmas time (approximately 3,000 families benefited) • IMANI Programme replaced by the Youth Empowerment • Programme (training according to standards for certification) • Increased financial public assistance for elderly and physically/mentally challenged from $150 to $200 • Reviewing existing list

8. What examples can be identified regardingpractices by the Government of Grenada that encourage social responsibility and enforcement? (Cont’d) • Tax amnesty from January to March • Paid out approximately $43M in unpaid claims • Reintroduction of Value Added Tax (VAT)

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