Improved employment contract for Jamaican seasonal workers to Canada

Jamaicans participating in Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme are set to benefit from improved employment contract conditions.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Donovan Williams, made the disclosure during a send-off for seasonal agricultural workers to Canada, held at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Centre on East Street in downtown Kingston on January 6.

Williams explained that a few weeks ago, a delegation from the Ministry and the Liaison Service participated in the 2025 annual review meeting of the Canada Caribbean seasonal agricultural workers programme, which was held in St Kitts and Nevis.

“Over several days, we engaged with government representatives from our Caribbean neighbours who also participated in the programme, including Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. We were joined by Canadian employers, officials from Employment and Social Development Canada, representatives of the Canadian High Commissions in the region and other stakeholders,” he said.

The State Minister noted that detailed negotiations were undertaken on the terms and conditions of employment for the upcoming season.

These discussions, he said, focused on critical areas such as acceptable housing standards, access to healthcare, adherence to health and safety practices, the provision of laundry and Wi-Fi facilities, wages, meals, rest periods and other important contractual provisions.

“I am pleased to report that we reached agreement on these matters resulting in an improved employment contract for the benefit of all workers. As we enter the new season, you can be assured that the terms and conditions of employment are more favourable and reflect our continued advocacy on your behalf,” he added.

Williams reiterated that the Ministry places the highest priority on the protection, safety and overall welfare of Jamaican workers overseas.

He noted that every effort is made to ensure that the workers are deployed under fair and transparent conditions, with clear contractual arrangements, safe working and living environments and access to support services throughout their period of employment.

“Our liaison officers and programme officials in Canada, they work closely with our Canadian partners to monitor conditions on the road, address concerns in a timely manner and safeguard your rights and well-being,” Williams told the workers.

Meanwhile, the State Minister encouraged the workers to remain fully informed of their rights and responsibilities under the programme.

“Speak up if you encounter challenges, follow established protocols, make full use of the support systems available to you. Your health, safety and dignity at work are not optional; they are essential and non-negotiable,” he stated.

- JIS News

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.