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Professional Status & Professional Status & Intellectual Property Intellectual Property Rights of MusiciansRights of Musicians

Jamaica: 21 – 23 January 2008Jamaica: 21 – 23 January 2008 Decent Work the Informal Decent Work the Informal

EconomyEconomy

Samuel J. Goolsarran

Labour-Management Consultant and Resource Person & Facilitator

SJG and Associates

Email: sjgoolsarran@gmail.com

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Session Outline

• The ILO and its Mission

• The Concept and Goal of Decent Work

• Fundamental Human Rights &Development

• Social Dialogue in the Caribbean

• CARICOM and Social Dialogue

• Government – Key Facilitator of Dialogue

• Challenge for Musicians to Organize

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The International Labour Organization (ILO)

• Most influential and universally recognized• Setting international standards• Specialized agency within the UN System• Pursuit of social justice and Decent Work• Protect Fundamental Rights & Principles• Declaration of Philadelphia – contains major

guiding principles• Yardsticks to measures respect for human rights

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Concept & Goal of Decent Work

• In line with ILO Four Strategic Objectives

• Fundamental Principles and Rights

• Decent Employment and Adequate Income

• Adequate Social Security Protection

• Consultation and Social Dialogue

Can be Achieved without Compromising workers’ rights and Social Standards

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Fundamental Human Rights and Development

• National consensus on social policy based on international standards for all

• Fundamental principles and rights applicable to all without distinction

• ILO Declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work 1998 widely acclaimed

• Provides for a social minimum at the global level• Renewed commitment to core labour standards by

other international bodies

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Social Dialogue in the Caribbean

• Fosters mutual understanding and good relations; and finding agreed solutions to problems

• Promotion of social justice in the state community• Strong partners required for effective dialogue• National will and full commitment by all parties

essential for meaningful dialogue• Legislative support for consultative / dialogue

bodies

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CARICOM and Social Dialogue

Support from CARICOM Instruments: -

• The Treaty of Chaguaramas Establishing CARICOM

• Charter of Civil Society for the Caribbean Community

• Declaration of Labour and Industrial Relations Principles

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Potential of Social Dialogue

• Improve the Social System

• Promote social and political stability

• Stronger democracy and good governance

• Stronger economic growth and development

• Creating a more just society

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Agreements from Social Dialogue

• Partnership Agreements in Ireland and Barbados• Provide for solid policy foundation for growth and

development• Essential factors:- information sharing, mutual

trust, political will, leadership, national vision, and commitment by all parties

• Transformation to a buoyant economy

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Jamaica’s Initiatives towards Social Partnership

• Memoranda of Agreements for certain sectors – bauxite, banana, water, shipping, public services

• Memorandum of Understanding for the Public Sector

• Good experience and tradition in Jamaica

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Government as Key Facilitator

• Clothed with Legislative Powers

• Machinery to Enforce the Rules

• Resources to engage the stake holders

• Can provide adequate Secretariat Services

• Ability to create and foster an enabling environment

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Challenge for Musicians

• To organize into a strong union for representational purposes; under banner of the national trade union body

• Engage in Decent work dialogue to promote and protect rights and interests

• Negotiate an Accord/Protocol concerning decent work for musicians