Anti-union discrimination and union-busting occur frequently, and in the export processing zones (EPZs) there are no trade unions, essentially because workers are threatened if they seek to establish a union. In EPZs, pro-employer “workers’ councils” interfere in the handling of complaints but are not allowed to engage in collective bargaining.
The report also finds that Jamaica’s law is insufficient to provide adequate protection to women, disabled persons and persons who live with HIV/AIDS. Female workers and other groups still face discrimination in terms of remuneration and access to labour market.
The government is making progress in adjusting its child labour laws to meet the ILO standards. However, the government needs to do more on child labour as well as issues of forced labour, which is not yet prohibited by law in Jamaica.