Statement by the Hon Stephen Mc Clashie, Minister of Labour at the 112th Session of the ILC 2024

The Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie, Minister of Labour is leading the Trinidad and Tobago delegation at the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference, taking place from June 3 to 14, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. The Minister of Labour addressed the afternoon Plenary Session on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
The Minister of Labour reaffirmed the commitment of Trinidad and Tobago to the principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and to a renewed social contract. Minister Mc Clashie stated the Government of Trinidad and Tobago continues to promote effective governance and in fulfilling the obligations to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Labour continues to work toward a human-centred approach to labour rights. Minister Mc Clashie highlighted a few of these initiatives including: the Marketing and Communications Campaign which was launched across all media channels, geared towards sensitising workers and employers of the new National Minimum Wage increase, which became effective on January 1, 2024. He stated that Public Consultations held by the Occupational Safety and Health Agency on the creation of a draft policy for Protective Personal Equipment Regulations and the recognition that social dialogue is an inclusive process that promotes consensus building and democratic involvement among stakeholders, the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division of the Ministry regularly conducts conciliation proceedings between employers and unions in rights disputes, and provides information and advice to unions, workers and employers on the principles and practice of good industrial relations, just to name a few.