Thursday, June 21 2012

LABOUR MINISTER Errol McLeod has declared decisive action needs to be taken to ensure sustainable economic growth. McLeod made this declaration when he spoke to the plenary on June 12 at the UN Palais des Nations during the 101st Session of the International Labour Conference currently being held in Geneva, Switzerland.

In alluding to the need for job creation and people-centred development as well as the possible threat of austerity measures and the galloping social debt upon the world economy, McLeod said, “Banks are deemed too big to fail but people are treated as too small to matter. The onus is on all of us to take decisive action on the right issues at the right time to ensure the return to job-rich economic growth.”

In his statement, McLeod acknowledged there were issues which required urgent attention by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). These issues included the incorporation of reform mechanisms which facilitate the wider and more inclusive participation and recognition of the unique challenges which confront some countries (especially small island developing states) as well as the complete review of the ILO’s operations, particularly as it approached its milestone anniversary of 100 years of existence.

McLeod also used the opportunity of his participation in the conference to advance discussions on bilateral and multilateral support for initiatives which his ministry is pursuing, particularly in the area of green jobs, micro and small enterprise development and social dialogue.

He praised the work of outgoing Director General Juan Somovia and expressed his commitment to working with Somovia’s successor, Guy Ryder. Prior to speaking at the plenary, McLeod participated in exchanges with Ryder in a meeting of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean as well as in a bilateral session.

He used that opportunity to raise issues of concern in Trinidad and Tobago, both as a member state and a Caribbean representative on the governing body of the ILO.