Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) - Jamaica (Ratification: 1962)

Article 2 of the Convention. Right of workers to establish and join organizations. For many years, the Committee has been requesting the Government to amend section 6(4) of the Trade Union Act (TUA) with a view to ensuring that penalties are not imposed on workers for their membership and participation in activities of an unregistered trade union. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has noted the Committee’s request and will keep it updated on progress made in this regard. Regretting the continuing lack of progress, the Committee once again urges the Government to take the necessary measures without further delay, in consultation with the social partners, to amend section 6(4) of the TUA and to provide information on all developments in this regard.

Article 3. Interference in the financial administration of a trade union. The Committee had previously requested the Government to take the necessary measures to restrict the Registrar’s discretionary rights to carry out inspections and to request information with regard to trade union finances at any time as provided in section 16(2) of the TUA. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry will be undertaking a review of the TUA to identify and deal with the gaps as soon as possible. The Committee notes with regret the lack of progress in amending the legislation and once again urges the Government to take necessary measures to that end. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on all developments in this regard.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.