Strategies implemented to address some concerns of Jamaican farm workers overseas

Following numerous complaints about the Overseas Employment Programme, particularly from Jamaican farm workers in Canada, the Ministry of Labour says it has since implemented initiatives to address some of the issues.

Minister Pearnel Charles Jr says these include increasing the number of liaison officers and improving access to information for farm workers.

"We provided new pamphlets and brochures for workers to explain to them their rights. We have one that actually says 'Know Your Rights' and to explain to them how to contact us and how to report breaches. We actually have a situation now where we will be doing mystery calls, calling persons randomly to get a feel of their own evaluation of their circumstances," he outlined.

Mr. Charles said the ministry has also revamped its training programme for workers and liason officers, and is ramping up its orientation programme.

The treatment of Jamaican farm workers in Canada has been under increased scrutiny, following complaints of "slavery-like" working conditions.

This prompted then Labour Minister Karl Samuda to send a fact-finding team to Canada late last year. The team reported no evidence of inhumane conditions.