XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.26/07September 11-13, 2007 27 October 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: Spanish

FINAL REPORTXV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF LABOR OF THE

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATESInter-American Council for Integral Development

(CIDI)

CONTENTS

I. BACKGROUND…......................................................................................................... 1

II. PROCEEDINGS ……………………............................................................................ 1

A. Preparatory Meeting.............................................................................................. 1

B. Inaugural Session...................................................................................................3

C. First Plenary Session…..........................................................................................5

D. Second Plenary Session......................................................................................... 7

E. Third Plenary Session…........................................................................................ 9

F. Fourth Plenary Session..........................................................................................10

G. Fifth Plenary Session.............................................................................................13

H. Sixth Plenary Session............................................................................................15

I. Closing Session…................................................................................................ 17

APPENDICES

APPENDIX I – RESOLUTIONS

Declaration of Port of Spain 2007 .............................. ......................................................... 21

Plan of Action of Port of Spain 2007........................... ......................................................... 29

Resolution - Vote of Thanks to the People and Government of Trinidad and Tobago ………………….................................... .....................................................…..35

Joint CEATAL-COSATE Declaration ……….. ..... ............................................................ 37

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APPENDIX II – REPORTS PRESENTED TO THE CONFERENCE

Final Report Working Group 1…………..............................................................................41

Final Report Working Group 2………….............................................................................. 47

Report of the Technical Secretariat to the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor ….............................................................................................................................59

APPENDIX III – ADVISORY BODIES MEETINGS

Agenda for the Meeting of the Technical Permanent Commission on Labor Matters (COTPAL) …………...................................................................................................... 73

Report of the Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee on Labor Matters (COTPAL)...............................................................................................................................75

Agenda for the Permanent Executive Committee of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) ……...................................................................................... 81

Report of the Meeting of the Permanent Executive Committee of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE)..............................................................................83

Agenda for the Permanent Executive Committee of the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL) ………………………................... 87

Report of the Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)...........................................................89

Report on the Joint Meetings of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) and the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)…………............................................................................................................... 93

APPENDIX IV – OTHER DOCUMENTS

Work Schedule for the XV IACML….............................................................................99

List of Participants…………………………………...………........................................105

List of Documents Registered by the General Secretariat...............................................117

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FINAL REPORTXV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF LABOR

OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

I. Background

The 15th Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor of the OAS (IACML) was held from September 11 to 13, 2007 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Prior to the Conference, two preparatory meetings were held, in San Jose, Costa Rica on May 11, 2007, and in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on July 11 - 13 2007. In addition, the IACML Virtual Forum was launched between May and July 2007 to move forward the negotiation of drafts for the Declaration and Plan of Action for this conference.

II. Proceedings of the Conference:

During the Conference, pursuant to Article 30 of the Rules of Procedure, ministers held a preparatory meeting, an inaugural session, six plenary sessions, and a closing session, as detailed below. Annex IV to this report includes the Work Schedule for the 15th IACML, and the list of documents used at the Conference.

A. Preparatory meeting

Pursuant to Article 31 of the Conference's Rules of Procedure, the heads of delegation held a preparatory meeting on September 11, at 3:30 p.m. The Honorable Javier Lozano Alarcon, Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico, chaired the session, in accordance with Article 13 of the Rules of Procedure.

The following matters were considered:

i. Establishment of the order of precedenceThe Chair reported that the Permanent Executive Commission of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CEPCIDI) had drawn lots for the order of precedence for the Conference at its 134th regular session in Washington on 27 July 2007, and that Trinidad and Tobago was selected. In accordance with the Rules of Procedure, the remaining delegations would follow in the Spanish alphabetical order.

ii. Decision on Rules of Procedure:The Chair presented for consideration the Draft Rules of Procedure of the IACML, Working Document TRABAJO/doc.6/07, which was approved by the delegations.

iii. Decision on election of the Chairman of the ConferenceThe Minister of Labour of Bahamas, the Honorable Dion A Foulkes, nominated the Honorable Danny Montano, Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Business Development of Trinidad And Tobago, as Chairman of the 15th IACML; the Minister of Labor of Panama, the Honorable Edwin Salamín, and the Vice Minister of Labor of El Salvador, the Honorable Carmen Elisa Sosa de Callejas, seconded the motion and the Chairman was elected by acclamation. Pursuant to Article 11 of the Rules of Procedure, the heads of the other

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delegations were declared as ex officio vice chairs, to replace the Chairman in the event of his absence or incapacity, according to the established order of precedence.

Minister Montano assumed the Chairmanship of the 15th IACML, thanking his predecessor, Secretary Lozano Alarcón of Mexico, as well as the heads of delegation of Bahamas, Panama and El Salvador, for nominating him. He expressed his condolences to the delegation of St. Lucia for the death of that country's Prime Minister, Sir John Compton, and declared his solidarity with the peoples of Honduras and Nicaragua for the devastating consequences of the recent hurricanes. He reported that, because of his senatorial duties and the current circumstances in Congress, he would be unable to participate in the opening ceremony of the 15th IACML, and asked delegations for their understanding. He also thanked delegates for their vote of confidence in electing him Chairman of the 15th IACML.

iv. Decision on the agenda and the work scheduleThe draft agenda and work schedule were approved and adopted by the Conference, as presented to delegations.

v. Decision on the Style CommitteePursuant to Article 23 of the Rules of Procedure, the Chair proposed that the Style Committee be composed of the delegations of Brazil (Portuguese), Mexico (Spanish), the United States (English) and Canada (French). Delegations agreed, and the committee was thus established.

vi. Decision on the working method and the makeup of working groupsPursuant to Article 24 of the Rules of Procedure, and in line with the decisions taken at the COTPAL meeting of September 11, 2007, the Chair proposed that Working Group 1 on "Decent work as an instrument for development and democracy in the context of globalization" should be chaired by Brazil, with the United States and Guyana as vice chairs, and that Working Group 2 on "Strengthening the capacities of the ministries of labor to respond to the challenges of promoting decent work in the context of globalization" should be chaired by El Salvador, with Canada and Uruguay as vice chairs. Delegates approved, and the bureaus of the working groups were established.The Chair proposed that, as in previous conferences, the 15th IACML should deal with its matters in plenary sessions. Delegates approved this proposal

vii. Deadline for the presentation of proposalsPursuant to Article 38 of the Rules of Procedure, the Chair proposed that all proposals should be presented to the OAS Secretariat 24 hours in advance of their discussion, and he set a deadline of 6 p.m. on September 11, 2007 for such presentation. Delegates approved the proposed deadline.

viii. Consideration of documents from the working groupsThe Chair officially presented the final reports of Working Groups 1 and 2 to delegations, and thanked the delegations of Argentina (Chair of WG 1), Chile and Costa Rica (Vice Chairs of WG 1) El Salvador (Chair of WG 2), the United States and Uruguay (Vice Chairs of WG 2) for preparing these reports and for presiding over the working groups in the context of the 14th IACML. The final reports received by the IACML are included in this Final Act as Annex II, pursuant to Article 26 of the Rules of Procedure.

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ix. Decision on the approximate duration of the ConferenceThe Chair suggested that the 15th IACML should finish on September 13, 2007 at 3 p.m.. Delegates agreed and it was so decided.

x. Other businessThe Chair noted the logo of the 15th IACML, prepared by his ministry, which makes allusion to hemispheric cooperation and social dialogue, while recalling the need to maintain a spirit of collaboration and harmony in the tripartite dialogue that governments, workers and employers are pursuing.The Minister of Labor of Panama, the Honorable Edwin Salamín, noting that the 16th IACML would be held in Argentina, declared that Panama wished to offer itself as the site for the 17th IACML, reflecting its commitment to continue working for labor cooperation in the hemisphere.The Chair thanked the delegation of Panama for this offer, and noted that it would be recorded in the report on the Conference, and considered at the appropriate time.

The Chair declared the Preparatory Meeting closed.

B. Inaugural Session: Inauguration of the 15th IACML

The inaugural session was held on September 11, beginning at 6 p.m. Mr. Carl Francis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Micro and Small Business Development of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed delegations on behalf of Minister Danny Montano, who was unable to be present because of his responsibilities as Senator. Mr. Francis noted that the theme of the 15th IACML, "Making decent work central to social and economic development", continues to make progress in hemispheric and international efforts to place people and their work at the center of globalization, and that it is woven into the draft 2007 Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain. There are many challenges facing Ministers of Labor in this "Decade of Decent Work", he said, and mentioned in particular those to be examined in detail during the 15th IACML. In closing, he thanked delegations and the Technical Secretariat for the commitment shown in preparations for the Conference, and he looked forward to working further with them to fulfill the mandates of the 15th IACML.

Next, Dr. José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, cited the encouraging progress that has been made in terms of economic growth, reducing poverty, and consolidating democracy in the region in recent years, but he called attention to the unacceptable levels of inequality and discrimination that afflict the region. Only with democracy, he said, can solutions be sought to these complex problems, and we must move to what he called social citizenship of the kind that, through social dialogue, can support a joint quest for cohesion and equity. He recognized that the concept of decent work is central to social citizenship, and the beauty of that concept is that its integral approach reaffirms the dignity of individuals. He urged the IACML to examine progress with the recommendations from the Fourth Summit of the Americas, which set out the challenges and priorities for the region in the labor field. He hailed the progress made since the 14th IACML, in particular the implementation of its cooperation mechanism, the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (INLA), which has demonstrated its vital potential. Finally, he expressed the hope that the Conference would be successful in achieving its objectives, and that its deliberations would bear much fruit for the workers of the Americas.

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Dr. Juan Somavia, Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), paid tribute to Trinidad and Tobago's "Vision 2020", which recognizes the decisive contribution of decent work to the objectives of development, and noted that the concept has taken root in the regional integration of the Caribbean. He described the close cooperation that exists between the OAS and the ILO, and its recent reinforcement, as reflected in the work of the IACML and of the Summit of the Americas. He cited the Hemispheric Agenda for Decent Work, adopted in 2006, and the importance of decent work country programs as a means for implementing its recommendations. He pointed to the significant economic and democratic progress that has been made in the region, but recognized that significant challenges lie ahead, identifying five areas in which greater efforts are needed: to reverse imbalances between State, market and society, today tilted in favor of the market; to consolidate a social protection floor below which no citizen should be allowed to fall; to find new and more effective ways of fighting unemployment and precarious employment among young people; to address the employment challenges of climate change; and to overcome the shortage of political dialogue, effective social dialogue, and tripartite dialogue. Finally, he welcomed the participation of workers and employers in OAS activities, saying that the Decent Work Program that is being built, in this conference and elsewhere, is a tripartite and balanced effort to help regenerate the process of reflection and political practice, given the loss of relevance and legitimacy of the economic and social policies implanted in the early 1980s.

The Honorable Javier Lozano Alarcón, Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico and Chair pro-tem of the 15th IACML, stressed the need to avoid complacency with recent economic achievements, and to address the enormous challenges relating to poverty, inequality, the informal economy, precarious work and unemployment, which are still at unacceptable levels. He welcomed the thinking, discussion and commitment of the IACML, the OAS and the ILO with respect to decent work, a concept that embraces respect for human dignity, equal opportunities for personal and family development, the elimination of child exploitation, labor union freedom and autonomy, a reciprocal relationship for workers with the work place, and labor peace, among other fundamental aspects. The Mexican government is making decent work part of its commitment to sustainable human development, which demands full social and environmental awareness on the part of the factors of production, civil society, and government. Decent work must be part of a virtuous circle of growth, investment, training and increased productivity. In this context, he said, it is essential to formalize the tripartite social dialogue in the adoption of public policies and the management of social welfare institutions. The phenomenon of migration is a natural consequence of growing cultural and commercial exchange, and to place unilateral barriers in the way of migration is to ignore the broader dimension of regional integration and the importance of migratory flows for the economic, political and social stability of our countries. Finally, he reiterated Mexico's commitment to move toward development, prosperity and democratic participation for all countries of the hemisphere.

The Honorable Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed delegations on behalf of the Chair pro tem of the 15th IACML, saying that it was a privilege for his country to host this conference, which is not only the first IACML to be held in the English-speaking Caribbean but also the first in follow-up to the mandates from the Fourth Summit of the Americas. His government, he said, and the entire Caribbean are committed to promoting decent work, recognizing this as the most effective means for escaping from poverty. On this point, he mentioned the Tripartite Caribbean Employment Forum held in Barbados in 2006, which decided to work for implementation of national decent work programs. Incorporating decent work into national policies is a prerequisite for achieving that goal, and is part of his country's long-term development strategy, Vision 2020. He described the major advances his government has made in

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modernizing labor legislation, particularly in terms of occupational safety and health. Finally, he mentioned the many opportunities and challenges facing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, relating to migration, human development, social protection, harmonization of labor legislation, and strengthening labor ministries, noting that the Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain, which the 15th IACML will be asked to approve, makes valuable contributions to addressing these challenges

OAS Secretary General Insulza and ILO Director General Somavia then signed a memorandum of understanding, in the presence of all delegates, to foster closer cooperation between the two institutions, particularly in incorporating the gender perspective into the policies, programs and institutional activities of labor ministries and the IACML advisory bodies.

C. First Plenary Session: Follow-up reports

The First Plenary Session was held on September 12 at 9 a.m. The Honorable Danny Montano, Minister of Labour and Micro and Small Business Development of Trinidad and Tobago and Chairman of the 15th IACML, opened the session and put to delegates for consideration the agreements reached during the preparatory meeting, which were ratified in full. He then gave the floor to a series of speakers to present their follow-up reports.

Dr. Francisco Pilotti, Director of the OAS Department of Social Development and Employment, reviewed the progress made by the IACML in the last two years, with respect both to the mandates from the 14 IACML and those from the Fourth Summit of the Americas, which are contained in Annex II to this report. A fundamental achievement was the creation of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL), in order to strengthen the capacities of labor ministries through cooperation. In just one year of operations, the RIAL has significant results to show, with the holding of five hemispheric workshops, a number of bilateral cooperation activities, and preparation of a technical study on gender equity. Each of these activities, which covered such issues as occupational health and safety issues, the rights of migrant workers, employment services and gender equity, has contributed to progress under the mandates from the IACML and the Summit of the Americas. Other significant steps have been the strengthening of the working groups, the consolidation of tripartite dialogue on IACML activities, coordination with other international agencies, in particular ILO, PAHO and CARICOM, and the development of planning and information mechanisms.

Mr. Jean Maninat, ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, discussed the assistance his organization has provided to the IACML and RIAL working groups, in particular with the analysis of various issues such as policy articulation, the labor rights of migrant workers, the development of national decent work programs, and occupational health and safety. The results of the Fourth Summit of the Americas had an impact on planning for the 16th Regional American Meeting of the ILO, he said, and the Hemispheric Agenda for Decent Work approved at that meeting responds to several of those mandates. He mentioned the basic objectives of that agenda, which contain 11 areas for concrete action, with time bound frameworks and measurable indicators for addressing the most important labor challenges in the region. To anchor the agenda, reports are being produced on each area, and a report on best practices and recommendations in youth employment was recently launched. Finally, he noted the ILO's support for COSATE and CEATE in preparation for their participation in this conference.

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The Chair of the 15th IACML welcomed the presence of Dr. Carissa Etienne, Deputy Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), demonstrating that organization's commitment to IACML issues, and he invited her to say a few words to participants.

Dr. Etienne conveyed greetings from Dr. Mirta Roses, Director of PAHO, and reiterated her organization's commitment to work with the OAS and with the ministries of labor. She recalled that the strategic partnership was approved by the PAHO Governing Council in 2004, recognizing the intrinsic relationship that exists between the health and labor sectors, which was reinforced at the Fourth Summit of the Americas, where Heads of State and Government reiterated their commitment to occupational health and safety in the context of policy integration. The region still faces many challenges in terms of workers' health and safety, she said, such as a high accident rates, occupational illnesses and accidents, a situation that imposes high costs and that requires integrated policy frameworks to address them. Finally, she stressed the importance of intersectoral efforts for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and the key role of labor ministries in those efforts.

The Chair of the 15th IACML noted that his country has approved new legislation on occupational health and safety that should respond more effectively to the needs of workers, and reduce occupational accidents and illnesses. He then gave the floor to Ambassador Carmen Marina Gutierrez, Director of the Summit of the Americas Secretariat.

Ambassador Gutierrez pointed out that Trinidad is hosting the first IACML to be held in an English-speaking Caribbean country, and it will be the site of the first Summit of the Americas to be held in this region, in 2009. This 15th IACML is important as the first to be held in follow-up to the Fourth Summit of the Americas, where employment creation was the central theme. The OAS Summits Secretariat, as the Technical Secretariat and the institutional memory for the Summits process, is facilitating participation by civil society to ensure inclusive dialogue, and is coordinating follow-up to the Summit mandates. This follow-up work is highly relevant, she said, and she pointed to the publication distributed to participants with reports from the 12 institutions that make up the Joint Summits Working Group. It is important, she said, to maintain the coherence of political dialogue in the inter-American system, and this implies a two-way relationship between the Summits process and the sector ministerial meetings. Those meetings, like the IACML, provide input to decisions in the run-up to the Summits, and they must provide reports on subsequent follow-up. The process requires measurable, achievable and time-bound mandates, and the Fifth Summit of the Americas should strive for mandates of this kind.

The Chair of the 15th IACML said his government was honored to be the host of the next Summit of the Americas, and it has already set up a National Secretariat to organize the event. It is currently working to define the theme for the Summit. He then gave the floor to Mr. Robert Giuseppi, Chair of COSATE.

Mr. Giuseppi referred to a number of issues that are of importance to workers in the region. New jobs must be found for young people, so that older workers will not be displaced. Channels for social stakeholders to participate in decision-making must be broadened in order to strengthen democracy. The gender perspective must be incorporated into all government policies. Micro and small businesses must be promoted, especially those producing traditional or indigenous products, which hold great potential. The minimum wage must be adequate to maintain a decent standard of living. There should be a "minimum floor" of rights, consistent with the ILO principles, in the context of Caribbean integration and migration. Labor ministries need to be strengthened in their

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capacity to oversee the enforcement of labor legislation, and social dialogue must serve to debate social and economic issues. He asked the IACML to provide more funding to COSATE so that it can fulfill its tasks as an advisory body. He was grateful, he said in closing, for the opportunity to participate in this meeting on behalf of millions of workers.

The Chair of the 15th IACML welcomed the comments of COSATE and echoed the need for a minimum floor of rights in Caribbean integration. He then gave the floor to Mr. Daniel Funes de Rioja, Chair of CEATAL.

Mr. Funes de Rioja welcomed the opportunity to participate in this forum, saying that in a globalized world it is essential to discuss labor and social issues in a multilateral setting. He reiterated that business people were ready to participate in these forums, together with workers, governments and international agencies, to seek fair solutions to the challenges of globalization, the eradication of poverty, and the opening of new markets. There is strong business support, he said, for a minimum floor of rights as a condition of competitiveness and productivity, and he called for cutting back the informal sector by creating an environment favorable to formal work. This implies respect for property rights, law enforcement, transparency and regulatory simplification. It is not deregulation that business wants, but appropriate regulation, backed by strong and efficient states. Effective social protection systems are needed, as called for in the joint declaration. The declaration places deliberate emphasis on vocational training and education, reflecting the conviction that these are the best mechanisms for social inclusion. Effective social dialogue requires strong and free organizations of workers and employers as valid interlocutors, and it must be properly institutionalized. In closing, he said that the IACML needs a social dialogue agenda with measurable targets, based on the commitment of the social partners.

The Chair of the 15th IACML agreed with the need to reduce the informal sector and precarious forms of work, the existence of which serves as a shield for many abuses, even in the formal sector, where there can be a "race to the bottom."

D. Second Plenary Session: Decent work challenges in the hemisphere

The Second Plenary Session began on September 12, 2007 at 11 a.m.. The Chairman of the 15th IACML gave the floor to the heads of delegation of Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. The following paragraphs summarize the presentations of each delegation

The Honorable Javier Lozano Alarcón, Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico, recommended that the IACML establish a working agenda with specific and more action-oriented commitments. The RIAL should become a binding, and not merely voluntary, instrument that would oblige all members to participate on topics of common interest. The fear that seems to exist with respect to follow-up, which many see as a kind of supervision or audit, is groundless in the OAS context, because no country has preeminence over another; follow-up indeed is essential for progress. He invited his colleagues to establish broad priorities for the region, recognizing that not all issues can be covered efficiently. For Mexico, the critical issues are: labor reform to achieve greater productivity with full respect for labor rights; orderly migration, to contribute to economic growth; the establishment of a nationwide employment exchange, via the Internet, with possible extension to a hemispheric exchange; institutionalizing the social dialogue and determining its relationship (voluntary or advisory) to government policies; social welfare, and within it the issue of occupational health and safety; productivity recipes that will foster greater economic growth with the distribution

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of wealth. The opinion of outside stakeholders, he said, carries great weight in domestic debates, through a process of political contagion, and it is therefore important that labor ministries meet in the IACML and other forms to identify priorities, jointly with COSATE and CEATAL, as backing for national decisions and actions. Finally, he reiterated Mexico's commitment to work within the Troika and to support Trinidad and Tobago in its chairmanship of the IACML, and he recommended that the IACML establish its position on the issue of decent work and how to pursue it.

The Honorable Danny Montano, Minister of Labour and Micro and Small Business Development of Trinidad and Tobago, supported the remarks of the Mexican Secretary about the need for ministers to achieve bilateral and multilateral commitments for moving forward their national agendas. Governments are obliged to promote the goals of decent work and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities, he said, recognizing that it takes a "balancing act" to enforce respect for workers’ rights while maintaining the conditions for growth. The role of the State in creating jobs must be defined in light of the situation in each country, he said, and in Trinidad and Tobago the government decided to intervene directly in job creation, given the special conditions of its island economy. It is doing this through training programs that include a subsidized practical component, which has served to protect workers from the abuses of the private sector and to improve their employability, while at the same time securing a minimum floor of rights. Giving effect to the ILO principles and fundamental rights remains a great challenge, especially when the private sector is taking advantage of the vulnerability to which the lack of opportunities exposes many of the unemployed. A major challenge for the Caribbean, he said, is to deal with the impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace and to remove the stigma associated with that disease. Finally, he urged countries with greater resources to support those with fewer resources, and he invited delegates to focus their discussion on action, and to leave the 15th IACML with a clear commitment to take specific steps for the benefit of workers.

The Honorable Ronaldo Lessa, Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment of Brazil, said that decent work is fundamental to making globalization a sustainable and integrating process, and he noted the broad consensus and backing that exists internationally for this concept. The Fourth Summit of the Americas, by including decent work as a central item on the hemispheric political agenda, marks a watershed in the history of the Americas, which until recently focused its debates on economic liberalization and labor flexibility. The 15th IACLM and the 16th ILO American Regional Meeting made further progress in this direction, placing decent work at the center of discussion about economic and social development. MERCOSUR has adopted decent work as a point of convergence and coordination for public policies, and he pointed to the creation of GANEMPLE in 2004, with the mandate to develop an employment generation strategy for the region. In recent years, he said, Brazil has made great progress in creating jobs, and he cited a number of initiatives for youth employment in his country (the Pro-Jovem program), the drive against forced labor (with an interagency mobile inspection group), combating child labor through public-private partnerships, and achieving gender and racial equity in the workplace. The current government has made significant improvements in the State's relationship with social stakeholders, and he mentioned the National Labor Forum as the most recent move for social dialogue to promote democratization of labor relations through a labor organization model based on the autonomy of productive agents. To achieve the objectives of the Plan of Action of the 15th IACLM, he said, will require the exchange of know-how and experience, as well as input from the ILO and other international agencies.

The Honorable Anina del Castillo, Undersecretary of State for Labor of the Dominican

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Republic, cited her country's recent approval of the National Decent Work Program, which is being pursued jointly by government, workers and employers. Consensus among social partners, she said, is vital for producing policies that will guarantee job creation, investment and social protection. As conditions for decent work, she mentioned effective labor legislation, strong, independent and representative unions, and a proper labor inspection authority. Unemployment, gender inequity, child labor and informal work are the main challenges in her country where, she said, poverty has a woman's face. The Labor Department has several programs to promote decent work, including one called Intégrate, Hagamos una realidad el Trabajo Decente ("Pitch in and make decent work a reality"), the Systemic Competitiveness Plan, which involves a long-term approach, and the program of workplace inspection visits to assist employers and workers in complying with labor legislation. It is important to support the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises, she said, and to foster the entrepreneurial spirit in job creation. A proper social protection system is also a requirement for decent work. Policies and efforts must be coordinated to ensure that decent work is an integral part of economic, social and environmental policies. What is needed in terms of fulfilling the decent work program is greater unity of action, as well as more funding. The program, she said, should help improve the country's competitiveness.

The Chairman thanked the speakers for their presentations and invited an open discussion. As no one asked for the floor, the Chairman declared the Second Plenary Session closed.

E. Third Plenary Session: Strengthening the capacities of ministries of labor

The Third Plenary Session was held on September 12 at 12:15 p.m. The Chairman of the 15th IACML invited the heads of delegation of Guyana, Venezuela and Canada to speak in turn. The following paragraphs summarize their presentations.

The Honorable Manzoor Nadir, Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security of Guyana noted that his ministry's limited budget, the broad territory that it must cover, and its small staff complement (21 for a workforce of 300,000) meant that it had to be innovative in order to be more efficient. For example, the duties of labor officers have been combined with those of occupational safety and health officers, and the ministry has been reorganized into three areas: Administration (in support of the minimum wage commission, the tripartite commission and others), Inspectorate, and Special Operations (training and other matters). He offered to share further details on the reorganization of his ministry with members of the IACML, and requested their support and cooperation in turn. He hailed the project financed by the United States and ILO to address HIV/AIDS in the workplace, noting that his ministry is very interested in similar experience (successful or otherwise) in other ministries. In closing, he called upon the IACML to interest itself in greater networking, special support for the poorest countries, equipment needs, support for training and technical assistance, and distribution of awareness and training materials.

The Chairman of the 15th IACML echoed the need for innovative approaches and the scarce resources available to ministries in the Caribbean, and highlighted the importance of sharing and analyzing those approaches regionally. He then gave the floor to the Head of Delegation of Venezuela.

The Honorable Rafael Chacón, Vice Minister for Labor and Social Security of Venezuela, described the steps taken to strengthen his ministry (involving a considerable increase in its budget, which tripled between 2004 and 2007) and the progress made in regulating labor relations and in

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strengthening the social security system. For the first time in its history, the social insurance system is making payments to pensioners on time, and Venezuela has the highest minimum wage in South America, one that exceeds the basic food basket. For the future, there are plans to transform labor conditions in favor of workers, which means reducing the work week to 36 hours, creating a Social Stability Fund for independent workers, and establishing workers' councils to run "social production" firms. These political and social measures in favor of the working class are the first step in the Bolivarian Revolution, he said, and his country is moving to build Bolivarian socialism so as to establish new social relations of production, based on equity, social justice and solidarity. He insisted on the need for structural changes to representative democracy and to raw capitalism in order to eradicate poverty and provide justice for workers in the region.

The Chairman of the 15th IACML commented that Venezuela's presentation had enriched the debate on the role of the State and the degree of its intervention in creating employment. He then gave the floor to the Head of Delegation of Canada.

The Honorable Anthony Giles, Director General of International and Intergovernmental Labour Affairs, Human Resources and Social Development Canada, pointed to the strong two-way relationship between the Summit of the Americas process and the IACML, noting that this conference provides an opportunity to take stock of the work done since the Fourth Summit, and to build on these efforts in the lead-up to the 2009 Summit. The Canadian government has decided to strengthen its economic and political ties with Latin America and the Caribbean, and this means deepening labor cooperation, in particular. Canada will continue its bilateral technical cooperation with countries that have signed labor cooperation agreements (in the framework of free-trade agreements), he said, noting two challenges that Canada has encountered in this type of cooperation: the sustainability of projects, and the lack of coordination among donors. On this point, he said, Canada is committed to ongoing dialogue with other donors to make technical assistance more effective and to ensure proper follow-up. He stressed his country's commitment to strengthening labor administrations, and noted the significance support it has given to the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration. RIAL, he said, has seen a number of successes in its short history, such as the hemispheric workshops that have allowed for fruitful information exchanges, the Permanent Portfolio of Consolidated Programs, and the Cooperation Fund. Canada intends to continue its support for this mechanism, recognizing that the OAS, as administrator, must assume a role of leadership and coordination, and he congratulated the Organization for its work to date. In closing, he invited all IACML members to support the RIAL's work, which will be of benefit for all.

The Chairman reiterated the challenge of ensuring sustainability as one of the most important issues in labor cooperation, and noted the need for personnel who are not only well-trained but also experienced, if the projects promoted by labor ministries are to be successful. He then closed the Third Plenary Session.

F. Fourth Plenary Session: Gender Mainstreaming

The Fourth Plenary Session was held on September 12 at 3 p.m. The Chair gave the floor to the Head of Delegation of Antigua and Barbuda, as the only speaker for the session.

The Honorable Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, Minister of Labour of Antigua and Barbuda and Chair of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), began her remarks by noting the increasing importance attached to mainstreaming the gender perspective in labor and employment policies in the

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hemisphere, particularly since the 12th IACML in 2001, and the new impetus it has received since the Fourth Summit of the Americas in 2005. She referred to the recent study coordinated by the OAS Technical Secretariat on this topic, and its strategic guidelines, starting with a panorama of the difficult situation facing women in the labor market, in terms of participation rates, pay and discrimination, and she cited some statistics on the feminization of poverty, the high levels of violence against women, and the role that women are beginning to play in public life. This picture, she said, shows that there is still a long road to travel, and the Hemispheric Strategic Guidelines proposed in the document coordinated by the OAS serves to illuminate that road. She described the four strategic guidelines in detail: high-level dialogue between the labor and gender authorities; analysis of institutional arrangements for gender issues in labor ministries; hemispheric horizontal cooperation on the topic through the RIAL; and the hemispheric Labor Observatory on gender and employment. The specific goals of these guidelines are to increase women's participation and employment, reduce gender gaps with regard to informality and wages, and improve the quality of employment for women, among other goals. She gave strong endorsement to the Strategic Guidelines and encouraged members of the IACML to continue working within these guidelines for advancing the integration of gender actions into the labor process. She also proposed that serious consideration be given to holding a joint ministerial meeting between gender and labor authorities as a quantum leap towards fully embedding gender within all labor processes at the national, regional and hemispheric levels.

The Chair commented briefly on the situation of women in Trinidad and Tobago, which reflects their unemployment and their concentration in low-productivity jobs that can be seen throughout the region. Significant changes in these situations can be expected, he said, because of the rising education levels of women: in his country, 70% of university students are female. He then opened the floor for discussion, a summary of which follows.

The Head of Delegation of Chile, Vice Minister Zarko Luksic Sandoval, said that his government had made it a priority to facilitate the integration of youth and women into the labor market. In the poorest sectors, many households are headed by women, and this makes it even more important to guarantee employment opportunities for women. Research in his country has shown that many women do not work because they have no facilities to look after their children, and his government is therefore building day care centers. He suggested that this matter be born in mind in gender and employment initiatives.

The Chairman agreed with the Chilean delegate, noting that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago offers tax incentives to firms that build day care facilities.

The Head of the United States Delegation, Deputy Undersecretary Charlotte Ponticelli, congratulated Minister Quinn-Leandro for her leadership and noted that female employment is a critical factor for stability, peace and economic prosperity. She mentioned some of the advances made in her country, where women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of those owned by men. Her country's principal goals include combating discrimination in the workplace, guaranteeing equal access to the labor market, and providing education opportunities. Flexible working hours should be encouraged, she said, in light of women's difficulties in balancing work and family life. Public-private partnerships are also important, and she cited some examples of programs that her country is pursuing abroad under such arrangements, particularly in the areas of microcredit and advisory services. Finally, she reiterated her government's commitment to share experience and to support initiatives to assist the women of the Americas.

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The Head of Delegation of Surinam, Minister Joyce Amarello Williams, congratulated Minister Quinn-Leandro and provided some statistics on her country, highlighting concerns over unemployment, the high number of women who remain economically inactive because of their family responsibilities, the concentration of women in low-paid jobs, and the low levels of social security coverage. She pointed to two recent milestones in her country: the establishment of a system of gender focal points, and the formulation of an integral gender action plan. She welcomed the study coordinated by the OAS, and suggested that a framework be established for providing technical assistance to countries that want to implement the strategic guidelines.

The Head of the Canadian Delegation, Director General Anthony Giles, congratulated Minister Quinn-Leandro and the team that prepared the excellent report on this topic. He agreed that the IACML should work actively to incorporate the gender perspective through the exchange of experience, and he invited his colleagues to earmark funding for this purpose. His delegation strongly supported all the strategic guidelines, he said, and he recommended that they be strengthened with more concrete actions. In some countries, ministries have very clear plans for action in the gender area, and he suggested that the IACML project should support those actions. Finally, he declared Canada's full backing for holding a joint meeting of gender and labor authorities, considering this a very positive initiative for moving forward in this area.

The Director of the OAS Department of Social Development and Employment, Dr. Francisco Pilotti, explained that while the strategic guidelines are general frameworks of action for mainstreaming the gender perspective in the policies and actions of labor ministries, they must be fleshed out and enriched in the interests of all. He invited delegations to send information about their programs and interests to the Technical Secretariat, in support of further progress in the context of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL).

The Head of Delegation of Peru, Director Jorge Villasante, conveyed greetings from the Minister of Labor of Peru, Susana Pinilla, and noted that seven of the current government's 13 ministries are headed by women. His ministry's strategic plan for 2006-2011 proposes a national plan for equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment, together with a number of concrete actions that he promised to share with the IACML, through the Technical Secretariat. Labor inspection regulations now include sexual harassment and other gender-related issues as punishable behavior, and he cited efforts to increase reporting rates, including strategies to protect the anonymity of whistleblowers, and to inspect all the businesses located in the complainant’s street.

The Head of Delegation of Brazil, Vice Minister Ronaldo Lessa, reported that his country has created a ministerial-level Women's Secretariat to oversee gender mainstreaming in public policies. The gender issue is an integral consideration in his country's strategy to create better jobs for all, in particular through economic solidarity initiatives, the development of micro and small enterprises, and micro-financing. Despite the high economic growth rates recorded in Brazil, he said, the number of formal and high-quality jobs is still very low, and there is a significant gap between the economic and the social welfare performance. Brazil is therefore working on economic solidarity initiatives to develop entrepreneurship and cooperatives as a strategy for social inclusion.

The Head of Delegation of Venezuela, Deputy Minister Rafael Chacón, declared that discrimination against women is a structural social problem, characterized by social exclusion. The essential thing is to design policies that include the gender perspective, and he mentioned some of his government's initiatives, including the Women's Bank, which provides credit, the National Women's

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Institute, which defends their rights, and approval of the 2007 law on violence against women.

The Head of Delegation of Nicaragua, Vice Minister Candida Gonzalez, congratulated the Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, saying that this is a very important issue for her government, which is promoting gender mainstreaming with a multicultural focus. Her government has developed an equal opportunities plan with nine themes: economic equity, equity in land and housing, equity in education, equity in health, violence against women, labor equity, juridical equity, institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women, and equity in social, economic and political participation. Her government is making progress in disaggregating statistics by sex, recognizing that the lack of such data impedes gender mainstreaming.

The Argentine delegate, Norberto Ciaravino, said that his country has for some years observed a policy of a minimum of 30% female representation in political and labor union bodies, and that the results have met expectations. He also mentioned the Tripartite Commission on Equality of Opportunity, a body under the Ministry of Labor that combines gender issues and social dialogue. It comprises various State agencies and civil society organizations, and is a day-to-day manifestation of the benefits of social dialogue. He undertook to share information on this commission with the entire IACML, through the Technical Secretariat.

The Chairman again congratulated Minister Quinn-Leandro, thanked all delegations for their valuable interventions, and declared the Fourth Plenary Session closed.

G. Fifth Plenary Session: Creation of employment with emphasis on youth

The Fifth Plenary Session was convened on September 12 at 5 p.m. The Chairman of the 15th IACML invited the Heads of Delegation of Costa Rica, Chile, United States, Barbados and Ecuador to speak in turn. The following paragraphs summarize their presentations:

The Honorable Francisco Morales Hernandez, Minister of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica, stressed the importance of education in youth employment strategies, pointing to the very wide gap that exists between the preparation offered to young people and the needs of the economy. Education of two kinds is needed: for workers and for entrepreneurs. The knowledge society demands good workers but it also needs entrepreneurs. His ministry has introduced the Young Entrepreneurs Program, which has direct links to the private business sector and seeks to develop entrepreneurship. Costa Rica is also creating a risk capital fund that requires no collateral and relies essentially on the viability of the business to be financed. Flexible and open vocational training programs are needed too, and Costa Rica has eliminated the requirement to hold a secondary school diploma in order to be eligible for vocational training, a requirement that was deemed an insult to the poor. He congratulated COSATE and CEATAL for proposing open training systems in their declaration. What is needed to combat youth unemployment, he said, is not more laws or studies but concrete and prompt action.

The Honorable Zarko Luksic, Vice Minister of Labor and Social Welfare of Chile, gave some indicators on the situation of young people in his country, noting that their working conditions remain precarious despite great progress in education levels. He mentioned the following lines of work underway in Chile to address this challenge: 1) enhance the quality of technical and vocational instruction, and involve the private sector in designing training courses to meet the needs of business; 2) develop a pilot project to foster public and private intermediation entities for integrating the low-

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income unemployed into the labor market. A tripartite group will monitor and evaluate this program; 3) continue the demonstrably successful subsidies for hiring youth; and 4) provide greater youth coverage for social programs through a new subsidy to defray the initial contributions by workers between the ages of 18 and 35 years. This is included in the current welfare policy reform. Finally, he noted that employers must stop looking at young people as a problem and begin to see them as an opportunity, recognizing their dynamism, creativity and adaptive capacity. Giving young people job opportunities, he said, will enhance the capacity to create economic value, and will allow them to develop as citizens who are well and fully integrated into society.

The Honorable Charlotte Ponticelli, Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs in the United States Department of Labor, declared that the work of the Ministers of Labor and the IACML are pivotal for the successful implementation of the objectives agreed by the Heads of State and Government at the Fourth Summit of the Americas. Job creation is dependent on economic growth, in which trade plays a key role, and indeed one in ten US jobs depends on exports. Another crucial component is a well-trained, adaptable workforce, she said, and the single most important factor that companies consider when deciding where to open their business is the availability of skilled workers: this is even more important than tax incentives. The Department of Labor has initiated a new approach called Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development, or "WIRED", which provides seed funding to partnerships between training centers, government and industry to define joint strategies for talent development. Interagency coordination seeks to expand the range of programs serving youth, including employment and training assistance. This partnership approach is the catalyst for effective programs serving youth, especially disadvantaged youth, as is evident in many programs, and represents a model that can be shared with all members of the IACML. She closed by stressing that employment skills development begins in childhood and is rooted in access to quality basic education. The US Department of Labor is therefore investing heavily in specific programs throughout the region to eradicate child labor.

The Honorable Carston Simmons, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Civil Service of Barbados, said that national youth policies need to be developed in consultation with key players in the labor market, government agencies, the business sector, unions and civil society, and in particular with youth groups, to ensure that their viewpoints are included. Mechanisms are needed to monitor and evaluate youth employment strategies, and the Government of Barbados recognizes the potential contribution that youth can make to the growth, development and competitiveness of their countries. He cited the activities of the Ministry of Labour and Civil Service in creating job opportunities, including the National Employment Office which assists young people in the transition from school to the labor force, employment services and vocational guidance, workplace training programs, and business development programs. His government is emphasizing the development of entrepreneurship among young people, and in this effort is working closely with the Young Americas Business Trust. He also mentioned the Ministry of Labour's TIVECT program, which seeks to develop a competitive labor force for the local and international markets. Finally, he urged all countries to recognize the economic and social potential of youth, to adopt national youth and employment action plans, and to support each other through dialogue and technical assistance.

The Honorable Leonardo Chiriboga, Undersecretary of Labor and Employment of Ecuador, presented some socioeconomic indicators on Ecuador. He noted that the labor market and the quality of work have become more precarious. The youth unemployment rate is double that for adults, and many youth drop out of school only to become underemployed, thereby jeopardizing their working future. He described some of the steps that the Ministry of Labor has taken through the Unit for

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Gender Equity, Youth and Ethnic Minorities, in coordination with other areas, highlighting the importance of youth for the labor market. Programs include Mi Primer Empleo ("My First Job"), Caja de Herramientas ("Toolbox") and entrepreneurship-oriented training programs, intended to help young people join the labor market, with particular emphasis on at-risk or handicapped youth, so as to achieve equitable and balanced integration. He closed by stressing the need to involve young people in development, and noted that in his ministry, the Gender and Youth Unit has made great efforts to mainstream these issues in all its projects.

The Chairman of the 15th IACML thanked the speakers for their interventions and for sharing some concrete experiments from their countries. He opened the floor to interventions from other delegations, which are summarized below.

The Head of Delegation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Permanent Secretary Andreas Wickham, mentioned two specific strategies that his country is pursuing: 1) the Youth Employment Service, which allows young people to acquire working experience through a period of remunerated training, and 2) the "Education Revolution", a large-scale initiative to strengthen technical and occupational education as a means of equipping young people with the skills needed to find a job or to become entrepreneurs.

The Head of Delegation of Guatemala, Vice Minister Candida Gonzalez, said that youth employment is a fundamental issue because it gives young people the independence and freedom to plan their own lives. She regretted the precarious situation of young people in the labor market, and the high levels of inactivity, which leave youth exposed to many risks and present an enormous burden for the poorest families. To capitalize on young people's potential for contributing to national economic growth and to modernize public policies, the first step is to analyze the supply of jobs available to youth.

The Chairman then declared the Fifth Plenary Session closed

H. Sixth Plenary Session: Social Dialogue

The Sixth Plenary Session was held on December 13 at 9 a.m.. The Chairman of the 15th IACML invited the Heads of Delegation of Uruguay, Argentina, Bahamas and Panama to speak in turn. A summary of each presentation is provided below:

The Honorable Eduardo Bonomi, Minister of Labor of Uruguay, referred to social dialogue as an instrument of democracy that adds a new dimension thereto. He emphasized that social dialogue had tended to disappear at the institutional level in the 1990s, in view of the trends toward deregulation and relaxation of labor regulations, becoming an action of the political opposition. In Uruguay, social dialogue has now reappeared in the institutional context and is essential to efforts to build a productive country. To that end, a Coordination Board of the National Commitment was established, which has different committees to study ways to move forward and contribute to national development.  Accordingly, social dialogue takes place not only in the context of labor relations, but also in building the country with regard to productive processes. He underscored that Uruguayan experience has shown that these two areas for social dialogue should be kept separate. He concluded by emphasizing that the Summits and forums such as the IACML must be utilized for the exchange of experiences and ideas that contribute to establishing productive dialogue among and within countries.

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The Honorable Carlos Alfonso Tomada, Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security of Argentina, said the most important feature of the inclusive development model is to articulate macroeconomic policies with labor and social policies around the "employment objective". There is now a new concept of work as the basis for social cohesion, the source of individual dignity, and a factor of citizenship, that articulates the economic and social spheres. Social dialogue is the key strategy on the path to development, and in building a new social economic model for the region; to foster such dialogue is the responsibility of democratic governments, with the support and commitment of social organizations, particularly business and labor groups. Social dialogue is a progressive process, he said, citing advances his government has made in this field, such as the tripartite agreements that have been reached on crucial issues of the labor agenda. Deepening the social dialogue will require further strengthening of democracy, restoration of the role of the State, a willingness on the part of all stakeholders, and the capacity to enforce agreements, and to persuade officials of their usefulness. Not all economic models and not all political streams are in favor of strengthening social dialogue and articulation between social stakeholders and the State, and in this sense they run counter to the process now underway in the region. Social dialogue needs to be restored as a mechanism of understanding and a key strategy for sustainable development. This is a complicated task, he said, one that poses a challenge to all parties involved, and requires that they give up some of their stances and commit themselves to the common good. Only in this way can there be stability and continuity, with equity and social peace, in growth strategies.

The Honorable Dion Foulkes, Minister of Labour of Bahamas, thanked the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago for hosting the IACML, and was sure that this would not be the last such event in the Caribbean. He mentioned the particular situation of the Bahamas, where tourism is the basis of the economy and the tourism unions are thus unusually powerful. Maintaining harmonious labor relations is critical to the country's economic and social well-being, and the government therefore maintains an open-door policy vis-à-vis the unions and the employers' associations. His government is committed to strengthening the Ministry of Labour by consolidating labor relations, instituting a more effective mechanism for settling disputes between workers and employers, providing incentives to private firms to institute profit sharing with their employees, promoting technical and occupational training, and helping unions to run and manage community centers and childcare facilities. These objectives can only be achieved through institutionalized and codified tripartite consultation, and the government has therefore reintroduced a Tripartite Forum (TRIFOR), where government representatives, serving as mediators, bring together unions and employers' associations to discuss issues and thereby smooth labor relations. He concluded by saying that globalization will remain the driving force of markets, and that social dialogue is essential for preserving national competitiveness and social cohesion.

The Honorable Edwin Salamín, Minister of Labor and Labor Development of Panama, outlined some of his government's economic, trade, tax and social policies and the reform of the State. A national decent work program is both necessary and feasible, he said, and generating jobs is a priority of his government's strategic vision, which considers employment the most effective mechanism for combating poverty. His ministry is developing a modernization plan in line with its responsibilities for defining employment policies that meet international labor standards. Panama sees social dialogue not only as a means of addressing important sectoral issues but also as a fundamental aspect of national governance. He noted his country's broad experience in social dialogue, and cited the tripartite participation schemes now in effect—social dialogues on political, economic and social issues-- within which he mentioned the roundtables on the Panama Canal, dialogues relating to labor relations, and institutional forums dealing with the implementation of

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labor policies. The most important recent experiment with social dialogue, he said, concerned the Social Security reform, the product of a tripartite approach. His ministry will shortly be sponsoring a tripartite framework agreement to improve national competitiveness and productivity, capped by a permanent tripartite body that will address the new agenda for social dialogue that the country needs.

The Chairman of the 15th IACML thanked ministers for their presentations and opened the floor to discussion. The heads of delegation of Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Peru made statements reiterating their governments' commitment to social dialogue and agreeing on the need to strengthen it as an instrument of democratic governance. The COSATE and CEATAL representatives also spoke, echoing the need to institutionalize social dialogue and make it more effective, something that requires commitment on the part of government and society.

The Chair then declared the Fifth Plenary Session closed.

I. Closing Session

The Closing Session was held on September 13 at 11 a.m. The Chair of the 15th IACML opened the session and introduced the first point on the agenda, the election of the next Chair pro tem and new member of the IACML Troika. He proposed the Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security of Argentina, the Honorable Carlos Alfonzo Tomada, as Chairman of the 16th IACML, and delegations approved the proposal by acclamation.

The Honorable Carlos Alfonso Tomada, Chairman of the 16th IACML and Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security of Argentina, thanked delegations for conveying this honor upon him. Argentina has resolutely supported the IACML, he said, as a fundamental forum for establishing a new discourse in the hemisphere. It is through forums of this kind that new political orientation and consensus is generated, by means of declarations and discussion, and he recalled that the Washington Consensus, which for a long time was unchallenged, took shape in similar dialogue forums. He reiterated his full support for the IACML, and declared that, through it and in other OAS and ILO spheres, new concepts and values have been injected into the political discourse on decent work, the inherent value of the human being, and the role of the State. He promised that as Chairman he would work to promote decent work, the formalization of labor, social dialogue that goes beyond the concerns of labor ministries, strengthening the role of labor ministries, and articulating economic, labor and social policies, in order to achieve a better balance between society, market and State. Finally, he congratulated all delegations for the Declaration and Plan of Action they were about to approve, and invited them to Buenos Aires for the 16th IACML in 2009, which would continue the hemispheric dialogue and the construction of consensus, and would serve as the prelude to the Fifth Summit to be held in Port of Spain.

The Chairman then put for consideration the drafts of the 2007 Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain, which were approved by acclamation and are contained in Annex I to this report.

The Honorable Edwin Salamín, Minister of Labor and Labor Development of Panama, asked for the floor and put for consideration of delegations in a draft resolution entitled Vote of Thanks to the People and Government of Trinidad And Tobago, paying tribute to the hospitality and generosity of the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago during the 15th IACML. He read out the draft resolution, which was approved by acclamation and is contained in Annex I to this report.

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The OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development, Dr. Alfonso Quiñonez, spoke on behalf of the OAS in gratitude and recognition to the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago for hosting this conference. He paid tribute to the excellent work of the Honorable Danny Montano as Chairman, and that of his team in preparing and conducting the meeting. He addressed his thanks and congratulations to all the Ministers of Labor for their readiness to join in the dialogue and for their fruitful preparatory work for the Conference; to the representatives of COSATE and CEATAL for their invaluable contributions to the process; and to the ILO’s representatives, who had attended the IACML under the leadership of its Director. He also thanked the team from the OAS General Secretariat, in particular Dr. Francisco Pilotti and members of the Department of Social Development and Employment. He then presented to the Honorable Danny Montano a set of flags of OAS Member States, as a memento of his role as Chairman of this excellent and fruitful conference.

The Chairman of the 15th IACML thanked the OAS and the delegations for their acknowledgments, saying that the most important outcome of the IACML was that dialogue focused on the similarities rather than the differences among all the countries. During these days, he said, he detected a real spirit of fraternity and a firm commitment to share experience, successes and challenges. He reiterated the invitation to all ministries to commit themselves to action and to generating lasting changes. Finally, he reiterated his thanks to the delegations and to the Technical Secretariat, and especially to Mr. Carl Francis and his team for their excellent work in preparing and organizing this 15th IACML.

There being no other business, the Chairman closed the 15th Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor.

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APPENDIX I – RESOLUTIONS

Declaration of Port of Spain 2007

Plan of Action of Port of Spain 2007

Resolution - Vote of Appreciation to the People and Government of Trinidad and Tobago

Joint CEATAL-COSATE Declaration

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/DEC 1/07 September 11-13, 2007 13 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: English / Spanish

DECLARATION OF PORT OF SPAIN 2007

MAKING DECENT WORK CENTRAL TO SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

(Adopted during the closing session held on September 13, 2007 and subject to review by the style committee)

1. We, the Ministers participating in the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour (IACML) of the Organization of American States (OAS), met in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from September 11-13, 2007 to analyze and advance policies and measures centered on the promotion of decent work in the Americas and address issues related to labour and employment as key elements of social and economic development in the context of globalization.

2. We note that this IACML is the first one to follow up on the employment and labour aspects of the Declaration and Plan of Action of the Fourth Summit of the Americas held in Mar del Plata, Argentina in November 2005 which adopted as its theme “Creating jobs to fight poverty and strengthen democratic governance.” At the Fourth Summit of the Americas, Heads of State and Government recognized the vital contributions of Ministries of Labour to the achievement of the Summit objectives and mandated us to move forward the priorities, decisions and commitments that they considered urgent and necessary. In this framework we will continue working towards the implementation of the Summit objectives with the goal of improving the living conditions of all workers in the Americas. We welcome the offer by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and its subsequent acceptance, to host the Fifth Summit of the Americas in 2009.

3. We reaffirm our strong commitment to the principles of inter-American solidarity and cooperation enshrined in the Charter of the OAS. We recognize that equality of opportunity, the elimination of extreme poverty, equitable distribution of wealth and income and the full participation of their peoples in decisions relating to their own development are basic objectives of integral development.

4. We reaffirm our support for the Inter-American Democratic Charter, approved by the OAS in Lima, Peru, in September 2001. We support the Resolution adopted by the OAS General Assembly in June 2007 on “Promotion and Strengthening of Democracy: Follow-up to the Inter-American Democratic Charter”

5. We reaffirm our willingness to collaborate in the effort to elaborate the Social Charter of the Americas and its Plan of Action, being elaborated by the Joint Working Group  of the Permanent Council and the Permanent Executive Committee of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CEPCIDI) pursuant to mandates received from the General Assembly

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of the OAS. In view of this, we will take into consideration the contributions of employers and workers representatives through the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) and the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labour Matters (CEATAL).

6. We recall the Declaration of Mexico of the XIV IACML of the OAS, held in Mexico City, Mexico in September 2005, in which we committed to advance a labour agenda in our region promoting dignified employment, placing the person at the center of all economic activities, and stressed that the future of our democracies depends in large measure upon their capacity to generate productive, high quality, decent and sustainable jobs. We also recognized the importance of implementing the labour commitments expressed by the Heads of State and Government in the Declaration of the Summits of the Americas, with special attention to the vital objectives of economic growth with equity for reducing poverty and enhancing social development and democratic governance.

7. We reaffirm our commitment to respect, promote and realize the principles in respect of the fundamental rights contained in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted in 1998 and its Follow-up covering the following areas: a) freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; b) the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; c) the effective abolition of child labour; and d) the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. We will promote the effective enforcement of our national labour laws, regulations and standards so as to uphold these principles. We recognize the vital role of democratic systems including labour justice systems in the promotion and application of labour laws. We support the strengthening of labour dispute mechanisms to provide for more expeditious, effective and transparent resolution of labour disputes.

8. We recognize the importance of ensuring that all children have access to education as a foundation for their development. We will continue to take measures to fulfill our governments’ commitment in the Fourth Summit of the Americas to eradicate by 2020, at the latest, the worst forms of child labour and reduce the number of children that work in violation of national laws.

9. We will develop national policies and programmes to eliminate forced labour before 2010 in accordance with other initiatives established in the Plan of Action of the Fourth Summit of the Americas.

10. We recognise that full and productive employment and decent work are central to sustainable social and economic development. Therefore, we propose to make them main objectives in the planning and formulation of social and economic policies and, at the national level, to integrate government policies on labour, employment and income with economic, social, educational, financial, trade, and investment policies. Similarly, we commit to supporting the adoption of policies that promote job opportunities, competitiveness, productivity, trade and investment. We also encourage governments and other relevant institutions, where appropriate, to consider the impact of their policies on full employment and decent work for all, taking into account the challenges and opportunities of promoting decent work in the context of globalization.

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11. We call for closer strategic alliances between Ministries of Labour and other Ministries. Likewise, we highlight the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) as a tool for achieving a higher articulation among the same that would allow the implementation of integrated policies.

12. We note the significant role of labour policies, regulations and institutions in promoting decent work. We commit to promoting the revision and effective application of our labour legislation, and policies, as needed, through tripartite and other mechanisms of wide social dialogue with the relevant actors to contribute to the generation of decent work and the enhancement of productivity.

13. We will continue our efforts to strengthen the capacities of Ministries of Labour in formulating and implementing labour and employment policies and enforcing national labour laws and standards. We will focus special attention on strengthening our labour administration systems, in particular the labour inspection functions.

14. We reaffirm our commitment and support to the strengthening and modernization of Ministries of Labour through national actions complemented at the regional level that take into account the important role of horizontal cooperation and technical assistance. In this regard, we will continue strengthening the Inter-American Network for Labour Administration (RIAL) created to strengthen the institutional and human capacities of the Ministries of Labour and act as an integrating mechanism for dissemination of knowledge and experience among those Ministries.

15. We reaffirm our conviction of the role that decent work has in improving the living conditions of peoples of our Hemisphere and their participation in the benefits of development. We recommit to pursuing actions related to the four strategic objectives of the Decent Work Agenda: promotion of fundamental principles and rights at work, employment, social protection, and social dialogue.

16. We welcome the Decade of Promoting Decent Work which was declared at the ILO Sixteenth Americas Regional Meeting (May 2006). We consider the Hemispheric Agenda for generating decent work through the Decent Work Country Programmes to be an important and welcomed initiative, allowing each country to determine the goals it is in a position to reach, according to its own realities and national priorities, incorporating tripartite formulation, validation and follow-up mechanisms.

17. We also recognize the invaluable assistance provided by the ILO in promoting the Decent Work Agenda in the Caribbean through the hosting of the Tripartite Caribbean Employment Forum (TCEF) in October 2006 and to the High Level Group on Employment of MERCOSUR (GANEmple) to develop a MERCOSUR Strategy for Growth with Employment, among others. We support the development of Decent Work Country Programmes as provided, in general terms, by the Hemispheric Agenda and, in particular by the Tripartite Declaration and Plan of Action for Realizing the Decent Work Agenda in the Caribbean.

18. We note and commend the high-level international support for the promotion of decent work as a development issue at: the OAS General Assembly (June 2005); the 2005 World Summit (September 2005); the IV European Union-Latin American and the Caribbean Summit (May 2006).

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19. We recall and support the United Nations High Level Segment of the Substantive session of the Economic and Social Council held in Geneva, Switzerland in July, 2006 devoted to promoting the creation of an environment at the national and international levels conducive to generating full and productive employment and decent work for all.

20. We recognize that the future of our peoples rests in the hands of the youth and there is a window of opportunity for young people to contribute to the development of our societies. We watch with concern the magnitude of youth unemployment, the high number of youth that neither study nor work and their concentration in precarious jobs. Therefore we will promote programmes and projects that will enhance employability, equal opportunity, entrepreneurship and employment creation for youth including through education, integral human development, training and lifelong learning that meet labour market requirements. We will also redouble our efforts to achieve the Fourth Summit of the Americas commitment to reduce youth unemployment and significantly lower the percentage of young people that neither study nor work.

21. We recall the Declaration and Plan of Action of the Fourth Meeting of Ministers of Education of the hemisphere, held in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, August, 2005 which noted that the greatest opportunity to create local and regional capacity for innovation, creativity and increased productivity is a well-educated, well-informed, and democratic workforce. We therefore reiterate our support for policies that promote lifelong learning, giving priority to the coordination of employment services, education and continuous professional training systems, using ICTs, with the goal of generating the necessary technical skills of workers that respond to the demands of the labour market, and support workers in their search for labour opportunities. Additionally, we support the Ministers of Education in their efforts to disseminate student assessment results and other useful information about our education systems. We commit to working closely with the Ministers of Education and in public-private partnerships to develop programmes and actions to achieve these goals.

22. We agree that equal access to employment opportunities is essential for the development of our countries. We recognize that gender is a cross-cutting issue and strive to incorporate a gender perspective into the development of all policies, programmes and projects aimed at creating decent work, considering the Inter-American Programme on the Promotion of Women’s Human Rights and Gender Equity and Equality, adopted by the OAS General Assembly in Guatemala in June 1999. We will continue to promote gender equality at work and we note the Declaration of Mar del Plata of the Fourth Summit of the Americas which calls for combating gender-based discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities to eliminate existing disparities between men and women in the working world. We note further the Resolution concerning the promotion of sustainable enterprises adopted at the 96 th Session of the ILO International Labour Conference in 2007, which indicated that “women’s economic empowerment is crucial for sustainable societies. It requires equal access to entrepreneurship opportunities, financial services and labour markets”.

23. We will promote cross-cutting policies to fight all forms of discrimination in the workplace and ensure equal access to the labour market, including for vulnerable groups. In this regard, we commit to promoting actions for prevention and raising awareness, in the area of our competencies, directed against violence and harassment in the workplace.

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24. We recognize that the productive capacity of our workforce is hindered by HIV/AIDS and chronic non-communicable diseases including but not limited to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. We commit to promoting the development and implementation of policies that will assist in reducing discrimination in the workplace against workers with HIV/AIDS. Further we support policies that reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS and chronic non communicable diseases.

25. We reaffirm our commitment to promote and protect human rights of migrant workers and their families noting, inter alia, the Resolution on “The Human Rights of all Migrant Workers and their Families” adopted by the OAS General Assembly in Panama in 2007 and the “Inter-American Program for the Promotion and Protection of the Human Rights of Migrants, including Migrant Workers and Their Families”, adopted by the OAS General Assembly in the United States in 2005. We note the convening of the United Nations High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development in September, 2006 which sought to identify appropriate ways and means to maximize the developmental benefits of international migration and to reduce its negative impacts. We reaffirm that all migrants, regardless of their immigration status, should be accorded the full protection of human rights and the full observance of labour laws applicable to them, including the principles and labour rights embodied in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. In addition, we will promote decent work for migrant workers in the context of the Declaration of Nuevo Leon and will increase inter-American cooperation and dialogue in accordance with articles 26, 27 and 28 of the Declaration of Mar del Plata, approved at the Fourth Summit of the Americas.

26. We endorse the position expressed concerning the informal economy in the Declaration of Mexico of the XIV IACML of the OAS and the Fourth Summit of the Americas. The heterogeneous and multi-dimensional nature of the informal economy poses a challenge in the design and formulation of policies; therefore we consider it essential to promote research in this regard. We will renew our efforts to promote, in collaboration with the competent institutions, a regulatory framework that facilitates the establishment of new enterprises, the promotion of an entrepreneurial spirit, the creation of formal enterprises and the incorporation of informal enterprises into the formal economy, in order to reduce significantly the levels of unregistered work without social protection.

27. We acknowledge the need for social protection systems of broad coverage in our countries and the strengthening of the social security systems aimed to guarantee a comprehensive coverage of their benefits. In this regard, and in the area of our competencies, we will contribute to the development of policies that will enhance our social security systems with a view to balancing the need for an efficient labour market with effective protection and to providing for transparency, efficiency and accountability in the collection and distribution of social security benefits.

28. We will pursue programmes to promote decent work and facilitate the re-entry of workers into the world of work, in the wake of natural disasters.

29. Taking into account the Plan of Action of the Fourth Summit of the Americas and the conclusions of the Second Hemispheric Workshop on Occupational Health and Safety held in El Salvador in May, 2006, we commit to the promotion of regulations and codes as regards

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occupational safety and health to ensure the inclusion of measures to promote a culture of prevention and control of occupational hazards in the hemisphere.

30. We are committed to policies that facilitate the development of productive and competitive enterprises. In this regard, we will take into account the Resolution on the Promotion of Sustainable Enterprises, approved during the 96th Session of the ILO International Labour Conference in 2007. We recognize the contribution of sustainable enterprises including small and micro enterprises and other production units to poverty reduction, wealth creation and employment generation. We will contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for the establishment and growth of these and other enterprises giving special attention to those involved in the production of traditional and indigenous products.

31. We follow with interest the development of the different processes of regional and sub-regional integration as well as bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements in the Hemisphere. We understand that it is important to cooperate, within the limits of our competencies, to improve the understanding of the labour dimension, the cooperation mechanisms contained therein and the impact on employment of these processes.

32. We recognize that social dialogue, collective bargaining and tripartism are essential elements for building and promoting democratic and inclusive societies. In this regard, we remain committed to strengthening them with the aim of effectively promoting decent work and consolidating a culture of compliance. In this regard, we encourage the strengthening of unions and employers’ organizations for effective participation in these processes.

33. We commend the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) and the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labour Matters (CEATAL) for their continued support to the IACML. We value, as an important step forward, the participation of private sector and workers representatives in OAS activities, especially those related to the General Assembly and the Summit of the Americas, in accordance with Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the OAS in June 2006 and June 2007.

34. We agree to follow up on the implementation of this Declaration.

WE RESOLVE TO:

A. Implement a Plan of Action based on this Declaration, on the Declaration and Plan of Action of the Fourth Summit of the Americas, and on the work of the XIV IACML of the OAS, and to dedicate the necessary resources to this end.

B. Establish two Working Groups as follows:Working Group 1: “Decent work as an instrument for development and democracy in the context of globalization”

Working Group 2: “Strengthening the capacities of Ministries of Labour to respond to the challenges of promoting decent work in the context of globalization”

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C. Encourage countries of the hemisphere to intensify cooperation and to share knowledge, experiences and achievements in the area of employment and labour and to document best practices in promoting decent work for all.

D. Intensify the dialogue and cooperation with regional and international institutions that have a role to play in the promotion of decent work in the hemisphere, in particular members of the Joint Summit Working Group: the Organization of American States (OAS), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), the Inter-American Children’s Institute (IIN), the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Institute for Connectivity in the Americas (ICA), and the World Bank, among others.

E. Organize the XVI Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour of the OAS in Argentina in 2009.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc. 5/07 rev.2September 11-13, 2007 13 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: English / Spanish

PLAN OF ACTION OF PORT OF SPAIN 2007

(Adopted during the closing session held on September 13, 2007 and subject to review by Style Committee)

1. We, the Ministers of Labor, meeting in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, September 11 to 13, 2007, on the occasion of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) of the Organization of American States (OAS), commit ourselves to implement the following Plan of Action:

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN OF ACTION: ORGANIZATION

2. The Chair pro tempore of the XV IACML (Trinidad and Tobago) in collaboration with the former Chair (Mexico) and the future Chair (Argentina), with the support of the Technical Secretariat of the OAS and in consultation with the representatives of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE), the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL) and the Permanent Technical Committee on Labor Matters (COTPAL), will be responsible for promoting the implementation of the Plan of Action and for improving collaboration and coordination with key international institutions, namely the Organization of American States (OAS), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), the Inter-American Children’s Institute (IIN), the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Institute for Connectivity in the Americas (ICA), and the World Bank, among others.

B. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN OF ACTION: RESOURCES

1. Member States should devote the available economic, technical and logistical resources to implement the Plan of Action and to facilitate the participation of COSATE and CEATAL. In addition, the Chair pro tempore will invite the relevant regional and international organizations to make voluntary contributions to support activities and projects included in this Plan of Action, and to facilitate the participation of the said worker and employer organizations.

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C. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN OF ACTION: WORKING GROUPS

4. Participation in Working Groups will be open to all Member States, as well as to COSATE and CEATAL. The Chair pro tempore will seek the means to ensure the active participation of all Member States and COSATE and CEATAL in the Working Groups. The General Secretariat of the OAS will be the Technical Secretariat for the Working Groups and relevant regional and international organizations will be called upon to provide support and assistance. The main objective of Working Groups is to advise the IACML on the purposes of the Declaration of Port of Spain. As such, the Groups will examine in greater depth the topics identified in this Plan of Action, provide pertinent information and studies and follow-up on related hemispheric initiatives.

WORKING GROUP 1: DECENT WORK AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOCRACY IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION

5. Working Group 1 will consider decent work as a main focus of its activities, from a perspective that envisages greater integration of economic, social, and labor policies, in order to promote labor and employment as crosscutting themes of public policies. In this sense, the Working Group will continue to build on the work of former Working Group 1, “Labor Dimensions of the Summit of the Americas Process,” and will continue to examine the social and labor dimensions of globalization.

6. Working Group 1 will conduct the following activities, taking into account the Final Report presented to the XV IACML. The Working Group 1, in reviewing the activities, may include new areas as considered necessary:

a. To address the needs for greater coordination among the employment, trade, education, health and environmental sectors of the hemisphere through a higher interaction of the IACML members in the different Inter-American environments.

b. To entrust the Technical Secretariat to continue acting as liaison between the IACML and the Inter-American Program on Migrants adopted by the OAS General Assembly in 2005, to provide periodic reports on the issue and to follow-up on the decisions and actions taken at other regional and international forums on migration topics. Examine and share existing information on the migration phenomenon, and continue our examination of countries’ initiatives to protect the labor rights of migrant workers in accordance with our reaffirmation that all migrants, regardless of their immigration status, should be accorded the full protection of human rights and the full observance of labor laws applicable to them, including the principles and labor rights embodied in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

c. To continue the analysis, and exchange best practices on the effective implementation of policies and programs to meet the challenges of the informal sector, particularly with respect to the gradual inclusion of non-registered workers in the formal sector, the extension of social protection to excluded sectors, and further training of workers in the informal economy to facilitate their incorporation into the formal economy. Additionally, examine and share existing information pertinent to the informal economy.

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d. To support concrete actions in the scope of the project on gender and employment in the framework of the RIAL/IACML which has been developed by the Technical Secretariat, aimed at identifying and systematizing experiences on the issue, and achieving gender mainstreaming on labor and employment policies.

e. To promote the development of an integrated approach of labor and economic action in the formulation and the development of government policies for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and enlist the support of specialized agencies in this regard.

f. To promote mechanisms that contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for enterprises involved in the production of traditional and indigenous products, and enlist the support of specialized agencies in this regard.

g. To continue the exchange of good practices and cooperation experiences among the countries of the Hemisphere on existing National and Regional Plans for the creation of Decent Work and to share information on Decent Work indicators.

h. To exchange, among the countries of the Hemisphere, projects, programs and policies which have had positive impacts on youth employment generation, giving special emphasis to innovative initiatives and to those made under an intersectoral coordination scheme and in partnership with the private sector.

i. To continue analyzing, within the limits of our competencies, the labor dimension, the cooperation mechanisms contained therein, and the effects on employment of the regional and subregional integration processes, as well as of bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements.

j. To share information on policies and best practices aimed at reducing both discrimination against workers with HIV/AIDS in the workplace and the incidence of HIV/AIDS and chronic non-communicable diseases through awareness raising campaigns and the promotion of a healthy working environment.

k. To exchange experiences and good practices, from within and outside of the Hemisphere, on social security systems, in particular with respect to comprehensive coverage, benefits and mechanisms for transparency, efficiency and accountability in their collection and distribution processes.

WORKING GROUP 2: STRENGTHENING THE CAPACITIES OF MINISTRIES OF LABOR TO RESPOND TO THE CHALLENGES OF PROMOTING DECENT WORK IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION

7. Working Group 2 will continue making efforts to increase the institutional capacity of the Ministries of Labor, with a view to strengthening the promotion of decent work in the context of globalization. In this sense, the Group will continue to build on the work of former Working Group 2, “Building Capacity of Labor Ministries”.

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8. Working Group 2 will conduct the following activities, taking into account the Final Report presented to the XV IACML. The Working Group 2, in reviewing the activities, may include new areas as considered necessary:

a. Exchange information regarding capacity building of Ministries of Labor and social partner institutions, including but not limited to, issues related to coordination, sustainability, and participation of trade unions and employers’ organizations.

b. Continue discussions on the outcomes and follow-up activities related to the diagnostics of labor administration systems of those Ministries of Labor that have requested them, with a view to promoting a better understanding of the challenges associated with the implementation of recommendations and possible responses to those challenges.

c. To promote improvements in the organizational structures of the Ministries of Labor to enable them to be more responsive to the new demands of the labor market; to strengthen competencies in the areas of administration, planning and results-based management; to implement communication strategies; and to improve the competencies of a professional civil service to better perform their responsibilities.

d. Identify new tools, and effective functional and organizational models, for public employment services (PES), including the upgrading of skills of public employment services personnel. Explore possibilities to coordinate with regional and international agencies the development of joint activities regarding employment. Similarly, continue promoting a holistic approach to PES and enlist the support of regional and international agencies in this regard.

e. Advance the analysis of new approaches to the training of workforce, with special attention to providing workers with the skills required by the labor market. Examine successful initiatives where workforce development programs are integrated with local economic development strategies and Ministries of Labor work in cooperation with other ministries as appropriate, and in partnership with workers and employers.

f. Analyze the possibility of undertaking a workshop with the participation of key institutions in the promotion of employment and competitiveness such as the Ministries of Trade, Finance, Professional Training Institutions and Ministries of Education, among others, with the goal of designing overarching strategies to guide the actions of the Ministries of Labor and the key institutions in the promotion of employment and decent work.

g. Continue discussions, in collaboration with the ILO, for promoting the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work as embodied in the ILO Declaration, giving attention to the role and contributions of trade unions and employers’ organizations. Of particular interest are strategies that have been proven to be successful and sustainable. Additionally, Working Group 2 will exchange information on the initiatives to incorporate the fundamental principles and rights at work into educational curricula.

h. Exchange information on national policies and strategies aimed at fulfilling the Mar del Plata commitment to eradicate the worst forms of child labor by no later than 2020, and the challenges encountered.

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i. Undertake workshops to exchange information on national and regional experiences with social dialogue related to labor issues, including those undertaken within the OAS framework, with an emphasis on examining specific initiatives and programs that have improved the participation of the social partners.

j. Exchange experiences on initiatives to improve the effective enforcement of labor laws, with particular attention to labor inspectorates at all levels, and to promote a culture of compliance with labor laws and regulations, including through outreach to and participation by trade unions and employers.

k. Exchange information concerning normative reforms with the aim to improve and make more expeditious and efficient the administration of labor justice.

l. Exchange information and best practices on countries’ regulations and codes, as well as strategies, policies, and experiences in the area of occupational safety and health, with a view to promoting a culture of prevention and control of occupational hazards in the Hemisphere.

m. Exchange best practices of effective policy and program implementation to address the challenges of informal employment, particularly as they relate to the incorporation of non-registered workers into formal employment.

n. Review best practices designed to prevent and eliminate discrimination in the workplace implemented by Ministries of Labor, employers organizations and trade unions. In this regard, exchange best practices and successful approaches that target specific vulnerable groups, both before and during employment.

D. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN OF ACTION: DIRECTIVES FOR THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WORKING GROUPS

9. The Working Groups will be coordinated by the following Ministries of Labor, elected by this Conference, who can perform the functions assigned directly or through a representative:

Working Group 1: Ministers of Labor of Brazil (Chair), United States (Vice Chair), and Guyana (Vice Chair).

Working Group 2: Ministers of Labor of El Salvador (Chair), Uruguay (Vice Chair), and Canada (Vice Chair).

10. The Working Groups should decide on a timetable for the activities contained in this Plan of Action and establish, by February 2008, procedures and methodologies for their meetings, based on the earlier experiences of the Working Groups. The Working Groups shall meet at least twice before the XVI Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor.

11. The Working Groups should consider the dissemination of any public information, jointly with COSATE, CEATAL and governments, in the framework of their activities.

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E. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN OF ACTION: THE INTER-AMERICAN NETWORK FOR LABOR ADMINISTRATION

12. The Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL, by its Spanish acronym) will continue to be strengthened as the mechanism for cooperation and technical assistance of IACML. It was created by this Conference to strengthen the institutional and human capacities of the Ministries of Labor, through an integrating mechanism for dissemination of knowledge and experience.

13. The RIAL will carry out the following activities:

a. Identify, organize and disseminate the experience and knowledge of the Ministries of Labor of the Hemisphere.

b. Collect and systematize information regarding programs and projects in priority topics for labor administration.  

c. Foster critical transfer of the various experiences and lessons learned through workshops and cooperation activities among countries.

d. Facilitate communication between Ministries of Labor, international organizations, financial agencies and workers and employers representatives and civil society.

e. Improve the ability of the Ministries of Labor to identify their institutional needs and to formulate proposals to receive technical and financial assistance.

f. Strengthen coordination and collaboration among international organizations and cooperation agencies.

14. The Technical Secretariat will continue to coordinate the RIAL activities, following the priorities defined by the Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain and with the participation of IACML members.

15. Member States will make every effort to ensure the effective operation of the RIAL, including making financial and technical contributions. In this regard, we entrust the leaders of the IACML (troika and Working Group authorities) to explore participation, decision and follow-up mechanisms regarding the operation of the RIAL, including its Cooperation Fund and elaborate a proposal in this regard by February 2008. Additionally, the Technical Secretariat will continue exploring possible sources of funding.

16. Member States commit to regularly provide information on their on-going programs, including best practices to the RIAL Portfolio of Programs. We request the Technical Secretariat to regularly update this Portfolio to provide a reliable, current information base on programs in the Hemisphere as the basis for exchange and horizontal cooperation activities. In this effort, we request the Technical Secretariat to work in coordination with other international agencies.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/RES.1/07September 11-13, 2007 13 September, 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: Spanish

TRABAJO/RES.1 (XV-O/07)

VOTE OF THANKSTO THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

(Adopted during the closing session held on September 13, 2007)

THE FIFTEENTH INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF LABOR OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

KEEPING IN MIND:

That the hospitality of the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago has made it possible to hold the Fifteenth Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor of the Organization of American States, in Port of Spain on September 11-13, 2007; and

That the Conference of Ministers of Labor and heads of delegations had numerous opportunities to participate in consultations and in a fruitful dialogue which has facilitated the adoption of a Declaration and its corresponding Plan of Action on labor issues of importance for the Hemisphere,

RESOLVES:

1. To express its thanks to the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago for their warm and generous hospitality and for their contribution to the success of the Fifteenth Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor.

2. To express its recognition of congratulations to Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago, Senator Danny Montano, for his distinguished work as Chair of the Fifteenth Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor.

3. To express its thanks to the staff of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago, who with professionalism, dedication and efficiency, contributed to the success of the Fifteenth Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.20/07September 11-13, 2007 11 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: Spanish

JOINT CEATAL-COSATE DECLARATION

On the occasion of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor of the Organization of American States (OAS), to be held from September 11 to 13, 2007, the employers and workers of the Americas, represented by the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL) and the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) welcome the initiative the Conference has taken to reflect on policies and measures focused on the promotion of decent work in the Americas and to consider labor and employment as key elements of social and economic development in the context of globalization. With a view to contributing to this effort, they have agreed to the following:

DECLARATION

1. We reiterate our commitment, within the promotion of the principles of decent work, to the search for full and productive employment, mindful that this is essential for the establishment of sustainable socioeconomic development that is focused on social justice and makes human dignity a reality;

2. We recognize the importance of fostering the creation of a national, regional, and international environment that is sustainable and conducive to the generation of full and productive employment, with social protection for all. In this regard, we recognize that job creation calls for a environment with policies capable of guaranteeing rights in addition to fostering growth, investment, and entrepreneurship;

3. We take into account the Resolution on the Promotion of Sustainable Enterprises adopted by the International Labor Conference of the International Labor Organization (ILO) at its 96th Session, in 2007, and in that sense we reiterate that human talent is the single most important productive factor in today’s economy;

4. We deem it fundamental that governments focus their efforts on training the labor force and increasing human capacities through high-quality educational, training, and lifelong learning systems, ensuring the ability of workers to adjust to changes in technology and workplace reorganization and assuring the skilled workers necessary for enterprises;

5. We believe that professional training is an instrument for productive policy as well as social policy that contributes to increasing productivity, quality, and competitiveness as well as integration, social harmony, and equal opportunity;

6. Recognizing education in general and professional training in particular as preferred instruments for providing access to and disseminating knowledge and as relevant tools for making

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decent and productive work a reality, we urge governments to assign priority, in the design and application of their policies, to the participation of employers and workers;

7. Likewise, we propose the creation and promotion of open professional training systems that are sufficiently versatile and flexible to guide people along long-term learning paths;

8. In this context, we understand as essential the implementation of all provisions of regional agreements aimed at fostering social dialogue as the best means to build a strategy for education, training, and lifelong learning;

9. We ask the ILO and the OAS for a program that is specifically geared to building an effective social dialogue, not only at the regional level but also in each of the countries of the region, in order to:

A. Make progress on specific goals and deadlines, recognizing exemplary cases that could be approached from a sub-regional viewpoint, and

B. Implement the recent resolutions of the OAS General Assembly related to the participation of the private sector and the workers’ representatives in activities of the OAS. In order to achieve better articulation between COSATE and CEATAL in their work as institutional channels for monitoring and providing follow-up to social dialogue, we request that the participation of CEATAL in OAS activities be institutionalized;

10. We urge the President of the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor to communicate with the Group of the Social Charter of the Americas in order to ensure—within the context of institutionalized social dialogue—the participation of the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor and its advisory bodies in the process of drafting the Charter with the understanding that it will express substantive matters related to economic, cultural, social and labor issues;

11. We ask the Ministers of Labor to promote through their governments, in all of the forums and summits of the Hemisphere, the adoption of a clear decision for the construction of an effective social dialogue and the definition of an agenda for the institutional incorporation of this dialogue.

12. We express our steadfast commitment to continuing to carry out, within the framework of social dialogue, all activities needed to ensure that decent work and productive employment will become a reality in the Hemisphere, recognizing that this is a condition for the genuine social and economic development of peoples.

September 11, 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

President of CEATAL President of COSATE  Daniel Funes de Rioja Robert Giuseppi

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APENDIX II – REPORTS PRESENTED TO THE CONFERENCE

Final Report Working Group 1

Final Report Working Group 2

Report of the Technical Secretariat to the XV Inter-American Conference of Labor Ministries.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.7/07September 11-13, 2007 27 July 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: English

FINAL REPORT OF WORKING GROUP 1

“DECENT WORK AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR DEVELOPMENTAND DEMOCRACY IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION”

Presented by the Ministries of Labor of Argentina (Chair of WG1), Costa Rica and Chile (Vice Chairs of WG1)

CONTENTS

I. Introduction ………………………………………………………….....…1

II. Central Themes of our deliberation…………………………………….… 2

III. Areas of agreement and issues for further work………………………….. 3

IV. Recommendations…………………………………………………………4

I. INTRODUCTION

Since the holding of the XII Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML), the Working Group 1 has been examining, sharing experiences and reaching consensus on the labor dimension of the Summit of the Americas process with the contributions of the Ministries of Labor of the hemisphere, other Ministries of the continent and international institutions.

Grounded on the mandate emerged from the Plan of Action of the XIV IACML, WG1 should consider decent work as a main focus of its activities, from a perspective that envisages greater integration of economic, social, and labor policies, in order to promote labor and employment as crosscutting themes of public policies, under the theme “Decent Work as an instrument for development and democracy in the context of globalization”

In this context, it should address the following priority issues:

Articulation of labor, social and economic policies for the generation and promotion of Decent Work

Policies aimed at generating Decent Work. National and subregional employment policies and programs. Promotion of Decent Work in Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Labor rights of migrant workers. Informal sector: sub-regional realities and strategies to confront it. Youth employment generation strategy.

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Integration of the gender perspective into labor and employment policies.

In order to tackle the above-mentioned issues, the Working Group gathered in two occasions. The first meeting was held in Mexico City, Mexico on April 4 and 5, 2006. The second meeting was held in San José, Costa Rica on April 9 and 10, 2007. The meetings were complemented by different workshops on the main issues covered.

The meetings were attended by representatives from the Ministries of Labor of the Hemisphere, from the workers’ and employers’ sectors, COSATE and CEATAL, as well as from international organizations such as ILO, PAHO, AECI and IOM.

The meetings served as a discussion space for the exchange of experiences among the countries of the hemisphere, together with presentations from civil servants of the member states with the support of international institutions and the Technical Secretariat of the IACML.

This report summarizes the main topics covered. In the second item it presents a brief summary of the subjects under discussion; in the third item it explains the consensus reached and the topics that require a more in-depth addressing and treatment. Finally, the fourth item contains the recommendations that WG1 proposes as an input for the next Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor.

II. CENTRAL THEMES OF OUR DELIBERATION

1. We have discussed the need to promote decent work through integrated policies that should take into consideration labor, economic and social dimensions. We consider that the articulation mechanisms between the Ministries of Labor and other Ministries, as well as at different government levels, are fundamental to continue employment generation and development in our countries.

2. Progress in establishing subregional commitments around employment policies and programs have a bearing on the establishment of national plans, which should take into consideration the intermal regions of each country and the development of local communities.

3. In virtue of the growing relevance and magnitude of the migration phenomenon that involves all the nations of the Hemisphere, and taking into account the will expressed in the Declaration of Mexico of the XIV IACML and the Declaration of Mar del Plata of the IV Summit of the Americas, we have exchanged experiences, programs and policies aimed at the promotion and full protection of the human rights of all migrants, and the full observance of the labor laws applicable to them, regardless of their immigration status.

4. We shared different projects that are being applied in the region on the promotion and strengthening of productivity in the Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises. In this respect, the programs designed for this sector with respect to vocational training, lines of credit and access to technology, may impact positively on employment generation and development of our nations.

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5. With the purpose of reducing the number of workers who perform activities outside the regulations of each country, we have analyzed public policies aiming at confronting labor informality with respect to globalization and to the change in the international division of labor. We shall continue working on it, in order to find specific solutions to this problem.

6. We have expressed our concern for the high youth unemployment rates in the hemisphere, as well as the high inactivity levels. Labor insertion of our youth is mostly executed in low productivity sectors, observing great differences according to their gender and socioeconomic level. We have carried out an in-depth analysis on this phenomenon and have discussed the formulation of national strategies for promoting decent and productive work for youth, aiming at their social inclusion and economic development.

7. The need to work for the cross-cutting integration of the gender perspective into the labor and employment policies has been a decision shared among our countries. However, It is necessary to continue working to end discrimination against women in the workplace and to achieve a full insertion of women in employment under decent work conditions, ending situations of inequality such as the salary gap, occupational segmentation, difficulties of access for maternity reasons, among others.  We will strengthen our policies for equal opportunities, which would guarantee the right to work, the development of personal potential, fair salaries and which would make the distinct dimensions of life compatible; all of the above are priority and substantive areas for the development of our countries.

8. We have analyzed the labor dimension of free trade agreements and regional integration processes. In this sense, we reviewed the labor provisions of free trade agreements, particularly regarding their contents and dispute settlement mechanisms. Additionally, we analyzed the important advancements of the labor dimension of regional integration processes, particularly in MERCOSUR, the Andean Community and CARICOM; we emphasized the institutions, compliance instruments and social dialogue mechanisms of those processes; and we discussed their efforts on normative harmonization and development, certification of competencies and occupations, migration, processes towards the free movement of workers, tripartite agreements and strategies, among other.

III. AREAS OF AGREEMENT AND ISSUES FOR FURTHER WORK

1. Strengthening of the Ministries of Labor through the inclusion of economic and statistical analysis units within their structures constitutes, among others, the necessary tools for allowing their articulation with other Ministries. These analysis units are aimed at achieving a common language and vision with other governmental spheres as well as a deeper analysis and discussion of economic and trade policies.

2. We promote mechanisms to articulate economic, social and labor policies related to labor and employment, and the coordination at the government level, putting special emphasis on articulation at the local level. Additionally, we support the participation of social actors in the articulation mechanisms that are relevant to their competencies.

3. Labor market observatories at subregional and national levels should be taken into consideration in order to establish objective mechanisms to follow-up and assess the progress achieved on

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employment matters. For such purpose, these observatories should harmonize basic concepts and dimensions in order to establish indicators that would facilitate monitoring the issue.

4. In order to advance on specific improvements on the application of the concept of Decent Work, it is necessary that policies and programs are sustainable in the long run. In virtue of that, we state the need for policy linkage around the promotion and effective application of Decent Work with the participation of social actors.

5. We acknowledge the important contribution that the Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises may provide to decent work generation and poverty reduction. In that respect, our countries should take into consideration and search for policy implementation alternatives that would promote their sustainability over time through increasing their productivity, training their human resources, accessing credit, and management.

6. Assisting the informal sector requires a multisectoral treatment which includes actions on education matters, labor justice, registering, inspection and legislation, among others. We recognize the heterogeneity of this sector and that it is composed by both workers and informal production units.

7. We respect labor rights of migrant workers, in accordance with the Declaration of Mexico of the XIV IACML and the Declaration of the IV Summit of the Americas, and we support dissemination and communication policies aiming at informing migrant workers about their rights and responsibilities. In said framework, we encourage the participation of those institutions and organizations that have competence on the issue. Additionally, we consider it is necessary to include in the discussions on migration matters, other relevant aspects such as trafficking in persons, the impact of remittances, and social security for migrant workers and their families.

8. We acknowledge that the design of youth employment policies should take into consideration the heterogeneity of our youth, and should be framed in an integrating strategy to promote the articulation of economic, labor and social policies.

9. We coincide in the need for strengthening the incorporation of the gender perspective in labor and employment policies in the framework of the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor, complying with the mandates have emerged from it and from the Summit of the Americas.

10. The contributions provided thanks to the participation of the worker and employer sectors, represented by COSATE and CEATAL, respectively, have enriched the debate and have allowed reaching the above-mentioned consensus. We also highlight the collaboration of the Organization of American States, the International Labor Organization, the International Organization for Migration, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Pan-American Health Organization, whose contributions have been highly valuable.

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IV. RECOMMENDATIONS

The Working Group respectfully recommends the Ministers of Labor to elaborate a Plan of Action gearing the IACML towards the following aims:

1. To address the needs for a higher coordination among the employment, education, health and environmental sectors of the hemisphere through a higher interaction of the IACML members in the different Inter-American environments.

2. To design an information system containing common criteria and statistics on the migration phenomenon, and the problem of informal workers and production units in the hemisphere, which is an essential tool to make diagnostics and formulate policies on said issues.

3. To entrust the Technical Secretariat to continue acting as liaison between the IACML and the Inter-American Program on Migrants (AG/RES.2141 – XXXV-0/05), to provide periodic reports on the issue and to follow-up on the decisions and actions taken at other regional and international forums on migration topics.

4. To continue the analysis, and exchange best practices on the effective implementation of policies and programs to meet the challenges of the informal sector, particularly with respect to the inclusion of non-registered workers in the formal sector, the extension of social protection to traditionally excluded sectors, such as domestic service workers, and a higher qualification of informal workers, among others.

5. To support the project on gender and employment in the framework of the RIAL/IACML which is being developed by the Technical Secretariat, aiming at identifying and systematizing experiences on the issue, and achieving gender mainstreaming on labor and employment policies.

6. To strengthen and articulate the social, labor and economic dimension, emphasizing the development of Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises among the corresponding government areas; and within said framework, analyze a joint action with the authorities of the OAS and specialized organizations, such as the IDB.

7. To carry out, jointly with the ILO, a regional workshop with the main objective of analyzing relevant aspects of the National Programs of Decent Work, as well as the follow-up and disseminating mechanisms of existing Decent Work indicators, in order to establish common analysis criteria.

8. To strengthen youth employment proposals through the exchange of projects, programs and policies which have had positive impacts on youth employment generation, giving special emphasis to innovative initiatives and to those made under an intersectoral coordination scheme and in partnership with the private sector.

9. Continue analyzing the labor dimension and the effects on employment of international trade negotiations, particularly of free trade agreements and regional integration processes.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.8/07September 11-13, 2007 27 July 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: English

FINAL REPORT OF WORKING GROUP 2

“STRENGTHENING THE CAPACITIES OF THE MINISTRIES OF LABOR TO RESPOND TO THE CHALLENGES OF PROMOTING DECENT WORK IN THE

CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION”

Presented by the Ministries of Labor of El Salvador (Chair of WG2), Uruguay and the United States (Vice Chairs of WG2)

CONTENT

I. Introduction…………………………………………………………1

II. Key Themes considered by Working Group 22.1 Capacity building for labor administration…………………….. 22.2 Employment services………………………………………...…5 2.3 Promotion of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental

Principles and Rights at Work …………………………………6 2.4 Labor relations and social dialogue………………………….… 8 2.5 Enforcement of Labor Laws …………………………………... 9

III. Recommendations on areas for future work……………………….. 10

I. INTRODUCTION

The Plan of Action of Mexico of the XIV Inter-American Conference of Ministries of Labor (IACML) entrusted Working Group 2 to continue making efforts to increase the institutional capacity of the ministries of labor, with a view to strengthening the promotion of decent work in the context of globalization.

In this respect, for the period under review, some priority issues were defined and very productive debates took place geared towards the strengthening of the Ministries of Labor of the region.

The topics in question are the following: 1) Development of mechanisms for capacity-building of labor administrations; 2) Analysis and exchange of policies and actions geared toward the promotion of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up, placing emphasis on the principle of the effective abolition of child labor; 3) Strengthening and sustainability of both technical assistance and horizontal cooperation activities as a means of building the capacities of labor administrations; 4) Study of the optimal use of international cooperation resources by strengthening relationships with international agencies. Besides these priority topics, the Plan of Action of Mexico entrusted Working Group 2 the analysis and exchange of experiences on

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employments services, the promotion of the ILO Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights, labor relations and social dialogue, and the enforcement of labor laws.

After the XIV IACML, the Planning Meeting of the IACML was held on December 15 and 16, 2005, at OAS’ Headquarters in Washington D.C., under the coordination of the OAS as Technical Secretariat of this ministerial process. In said occasion, the Ministries of Labor that lead the process of the IACML (troika and authorities of the working group) gathered to approve the calendar of activities of the IACML for the period 2006-2007, based on the Plans of Action of México and Mar de Plata. This calendar has been updated and contains the activities to be held during the implementation of the Plan of Action of Mexico, contemplating the coordination among the main actors of the IACML and defining their respective financial or in kind commitments.

For analysis, development and follow-up of these topics, Working Group 2 gathered in two occasions; the first time in Mexico City on April 4 to 6 2006, and the second in San José, Costa Rica on 9 to 11 May, 2007. During the development of these meetings different technical workshops were held, which were attended by international organizations and representatives from the employers’ and workers’ sectors. The first meeting was attended by 19 delegations of the Ministries of Labor of the Hemisphere, besides the representatives from COSATE, CEATAL, ILO and PAHO, who examined the following topics: Employment Service, Combating Child Labor, Enforcement of Labor Laws and Social Dialogue. The second meeting was attended by 27 delegations from the Ministries of Labor, besides COSATE, CEATAL, ILO, IOM, IDB and AECI, for tackling the following issues: Capacity building of Labor Administration, Employment Services, Social Dialogue, Promotion of the ILO Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights.

Always aiming at following up the topics identified as priority ones, meetings and workshops were held for strengthening the responsibilities of the Ministries of Labor of the region in the areas of: Occupational Safety and Health, Employment Services, Labor Rights of the Migrant Workers, Technical Cooperation and Labor Dimension of the Free Trade Agreements and the Regional Integration.

In the above-mentioned framework, this report accounts for the most important actions tackled in the framework of the mandate of Working Group 2, putting special emphasis on the actions proposed for the next working period.

II. KEY THEMES CONSIDERED BY WORKING GROUP 2

2.1 Capacity building for labor administration

a. Summary of Activities:

In the framework of the First Meeting of the WGs, in April 2006, a Workshop on National Labor Awards was held, aiming at sharing the experience of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) of Mexico on this issue. At the Workshop, the STPS provided the necessary tools and knowledge so that each of the Ministries of Labor in the region that attended the meeting, could promote activities recognizing the enterprises engaged in good practices related to innovation, productivity, competitiveness and quality employment.

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After the XIV IACML, the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL) was created, as the cooperation mechanism of the IACML for strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministries of Labor. It is important to highlight that this mechanism shall substantially contribute to strengthen all the actions planned and developed by the Working Groups, given it is not only an instrument of diagnosis for identifying those areas that require support, but it also works as a technical assistance mechanism for the Ministries of Labor of the Hemisphere. In the framework of the RIAL, 5 Thematic Workshops were held. They all have exclusive web pages where all the relevant information is detailed (http://www.sedi.oas.org/ddse):

- Second Hemispheric Workshop on Occupational Safety and Health, held in San Salvador, El Salvador, on May 16 and 17, 2006. This Workshop was an initiative from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of El Salvador, as Chair of WG2 and was jointly organized by OAS, ILO and FUNDACERSSO, and counted on the financial support from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Canada. The Workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Labor of 23 countries of the Americas, representatives from COSATE and CEATAL, collaborating occupational safety and health centers (Fundacentro, the Chilean Insurance Association, SALTRA, CCOHS), and from international organizations. All the information on the Workshop is in its webpage, but it is enough to emphasize that during its development strategic guidelines were approved, that have served for boosting and guiding the work of the governments, the occupational safety and health centers and international organizations in each of the topics tackled. The guidelines contain actions at national, sub-regional and hemispheric level, including a call to expand and strengthen schemes preventing work-related accidents and professional illnesses, promoting health in the workplace and social protection of workers through the construction of safe work in the framework of the paradigm of decent work, and the development and consolidation of a preventative culture in occupational health and safety.

- Seminar on ¨Employment Services and Labor Market Observatories¨, held in Coyococ, Morelos, México, on November 7, 2006. Further details on this Seminar can be found in section 2.2 of this Report.

- Workshop on Migrant Workers: Protection of labor rights and labor market programs, held in Ottawa, Canada, on November 28 and 29, 2006. This workshop was jointly organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Canada and the OAS, and had as its main objective the promotion of dialogue and cooperation among Ministries of Labour of the Americas on the protection of labour rights of migrant workers and on migration processes undertaken by States according to their national legal systems, with particular emphasis on the program for temporary migrant workers of Canada. The Workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Labor and other institutions of 28 countries of the Americas, within which the participation of the Ministers of Labor of Paraguay and Canada is highlighted. It was also attended by representatives from COSATE and CEATAL, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the International Labor Organization (ILO), the North-South Institute, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, as well as several observers.

- Workshop on Technical Assistance, held in San Jose on May 8, 2006, aimed to analyze the priorities, trends and challenges of technical assistance from the viewpoint of the donor agencies and executing institutions, and discussed the main components of a successful proposal. This

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Workshop counted on the participation of 27 delegations from the Ministries of Labor of the Hemisphere, as well as representatives from COSATE, CEATAL, ILO, IOM, IDB and AECI.

- The Workshop on the Labor Dimension of Free Trade Agreements and the Regional Integration Processes will be held in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on July 10, 2007.

Additionally, several Ministries of Labor participated in the Conference of the International Association of Labor Inspection, held in April 2006 in Toronto, Canada. Although this activity does not correspond to the IACML programming, it has been considered in the report because it served to follow up on one of the strategic lines produced during the II Hemispheric Workshop on OSH, specifically in the strengthening of the labor inspection systems. In this Conference a platform was offered for an in-depth investigation of the different inspection strategies and tools for preventing accidents and illnesses in the workplace; the need for promoting participation and dialogue mechanisms with the main actors that take part in the labor dynamics was emphasized, as well as the need to strengthen the regulations in each of the countries.Another event that should be highlighted within the framework of capacity-building inasmuch as it is related to dialogue and coordination with other sectors, is the Presentation of the Chair of the XIV IACML before the 47th Directive Council of PAHO, which gathered the Ministers of Health of the Hemisphere, in Washington, D.C. on September 25, 2006. At that time, the Secretary of Labor and Welfare of Mexico, Eng. Francisco Salazar, on behalf of the IACML made a presentation during the special session on the Inter-Sectoral Strategic Alliance for progressing on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in which also took part the Secretary General of the OAS, the Director of the PAHO, Doctor Gines González, Minister of Health of Argentina on behalf of the Meeting of Ministers of Health and Environment, and the Vice-Minister of Agriculture of Ecuador on behalf of the Inter-American Meeting at ministerial level on health and agriculture. b. Emerging Trends and Conclusions

In the area of capacity building, discussions continued on the issues and responsibilities assigned to IACML Working Group 2 in the Declaration and Plan of Action of Mexico. Within the framework of these discussions, it was verified that actions for strengthening labor administration will produce better results if they are part of an overall plan of action and, in this respect, the importance of counting on labor administration diagnoses was highlighted, given they would account for the current status of the institutional capacity of the ML and would identify the options for strengthening that capacity, including technical assistance.

It was also stressed that capacity building processes should include: the promotion of training activities to improve the competencies of the Ministries of Labor, the development of institutional re-engineering processes for adjusting the organizational structures of the Ministries, and the improvement of the Ministries’ competencies to better serve people with disabilities, among others.

Referring particularly to Central America, it was highlighted that the various technical and financial assistance initiatives that international cooperation organizations are offering, specially in the context of trade agreements, should be discussed, analyzed and approved jointly by the Ministries involved in the formulation, implementation and evaluation stages.

Furthermore, it was concluded that the design and setting in motion of plans and programs of dissemination, communication and promotion of actions of the ML will contribute to a better understanding of the achievements of the Ministries of Labor by citizens, workers and employers.

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This is essential, given that it is also recognized that an effective labor administration helps to strengthen democracy, upon improving the citizens’ perception of democratic institutions.

In WG2 meetings, the importance of horizontal cooperation and technical assistance for strengthening our Ministries was highlighted and, in that respect, the creation of the RIAL and the activities that it develops was considered with great interest. The delegates expressed their support to the RIAL, as a cooperation mechanism of the IACML, and also stressed the need to continue defining its operation, its funding and its decision mechanisms. In this context, it was concluded that it is necessary to strengthen and update the Portfolio of the RIAL’s Programs, which contains the programmatic offer of the ML and is recognized as the basis for exchange and horizontal cooperation activities within the framework of the IACML.

2.2 Employment servicesa. Summary of Activities:

Besides the discussions carried out in both Working Group 2 Meetings on Employment Services, a Specific seminar on this subject within the framework of the RIAL was held, entitled “Employment Services and Labor Market Observatories: opportunities and challenges in the Hemisphere”, in Coyococ, Morelos, Mexico, on November 7, 2006.

This Seminar was organized by the Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) of Mexico, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Chile and the OAS and was part of the activities of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL). The Seminar followed up the Plan of Action of Mexico approved in the XIV IACML held in Mexico City in September 2005, and continued the dialogue started during the Workshop: “Supporting economic growth through effective employment services” carried out in Cancun, Mexico in September 2004.

The conclusions of this Workshop were presented at the Second Meeting of WG2 and contributed significantly for making the recommendations pointed out in Section III of this Report.

Additionally, in the Second Meeting of WG2, the conclusions of the Workshop on “Quality Strategies for Public Employment Services”, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April 2007 were presented. This workshop was organized by the Ministry of Labor of Argentina in collaboration with WAPES and other agencies. These conclusions were also used to enrich our analysis and our recommendations.

b. Emerging Trends and ConclusionsDuring the discussions on this issue, it was recognized that public employment services are a valuable tool for correcting information asymmetries in the labor market; however, it cannot be expected that they will have considerable effects on levels of employment. In this respect, the urgency of designing and setting in motion national employment plans with the participation of the key institutions that take part in the labor dynamics was highlighted; these institutions include the Ministries of Economy and Trade and the vocational training institutions. The need for integrating employment services systems, vocational training, formal education and productivity, among others, was also pointed out, aiming at substantially impacting on the employment environment.

The processes of globalization and trade openness are generating changes of great significance in labor markets, which demand public employment services to offer new services linked to the

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emergence of new occupations and the restructuring of some productive activities. In this respect, the strengthening of national and regional employment observatories is a priority, because they constitute the tool ‘par excellence’ for the observation and analysis of the labor market evolution.

The delegates expressed that it is necessary to promote an institutionality based on social dialogue; this entails that public employment services should develop their activities with the active participation of employers and workers, and of all those actors that take part in labor dynamics. In this respect, the inclusion of a demand-driven approach calls for collaboration with the enterprises and the vocational training institutions for developing study programs that will meet the needs of the current economy.

Some precise suggestions on this issue include making an inventory of the new tools that public employment services should set in motion and updating the organizational and functional model of public employment services. Additionally, an active and quick intervention of the international cooperation agencies was requested to promote the holistic approach of policies recognized by IACML, and it was proposed to continue analyzing new approaches in the region with regard to employment services and professional training, particularly, to continue analyzing demand-driven approaches and quality assurance strategies.

2.3 Promotion of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

a. Summary of Activities

Issues related to the promotion of fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) embodied in the ILO Declaration were considered at the Working Group 2 meetings in both 2006 and 2007. Issues related specifically to the elimination of the worst forms of child labor were discussed at the 2006 meeting of Working Group 2, in the context of the Mar del Plata commitment to eliminate the worst forms of child labor by 2020 at the latest and to reduce the number of children that work in violation of national laws.

During the period of implementation of the Mexico Plan of Action, the International Labor Organization, through a project funded by USDOL, implemented a number of activities contributing to the promotion of the ILO Fundamental Principles and Rights. An illustrative listing of activities follows:

Press, radio, television and other promotional campaigns Seminars and workshops on fundamental rights, with tripartite participation Bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects Pilot interactive observatory headquartered in a ministry of labor, containing information on

fulfillment of the fundamental rights in the country. Investigations, as requested, in countries on issues related to the ILO Declaration Working documents, studies, leaflets and materials prepared for the IACML meetings

b. Emerging Trends and Conclusions:

Promotion of the fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) embodied in the ILO Declaration has represented a principle focus of the IACML work program for a number of years. FPRW are the cornerstone of the Decent Work agenda and have been recognized by heads of state

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and government in the Summit of the Americas process. Owing to their universal acceptance, the FPRW are becoming more visible as a basis for labor considerations in new arenas.

A principal approach for promoting the FPRW is the implementation of strategies to increase the awareness of the principles in a manner that is meaningful to a variety of audiences. Countries reported that promotional activities have had significant impact. However, it is believed that there remain large numbers of citizens who have little or no information about FPRW. The sharing of experiences related to all aspects of the design and implementation of promotional activities continues to be of great interest and ideally could form the basis for future cooperation between ministries of labor.

Tripartite involvement is important to the validation and implementation of outreach strategies. Alliances formed in the development and dissemination processes have proven to be constructive for future endeavors.

A promising example of a collaborative approach is the inclusion of curriculum on FPRW into educational systems. Introduction to the concepts at this stage is intended to widen the knowledge about them and incorporate them into daily culture, thereby strengthening a democratic environment.

The Summit of the Americas commitment to eliminate the worst forms of child labor has brought significant attention to countries’ efforts in this area and has raised questions regarding the difficulties associated with measuring progress towards this commitment and the associated call to set national goals. Increasingly, countries are adopting national plans which incorporate target dates for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor. Credible, verifiable measurement tools are essential to evaluate program results.

Success in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor are enhanced with the adoption of a comprehensive, multi-sector approach, building alliances among various government entities and private sector organizations. There is widespread recognition of the importance of providing children with access to education and other supportive services once they have been withdrawn from child labor. Indeed, these connections were noted in the Summit as well.

There continues to be concern with the incidence of child labor in the informal economy and the special difficulties inherent with efforts to address that sector, in terms of assessing the magnitude of the problem and introducing interventions to remove children.

2.4 Labor relations and social dialogue

a. Summary of Activities.  During the first meeting of WG2, in 2006, a session on social dialogue was included in the agenda to exchange ideas on the issue. During the second meeting, in 2007, the issue was again included to deepen the analysis. At these sessions, there was a very rich exchange of experiences on the subject, which includes initiatives at the national and regional level.

During the meetings of Working Group 2, the document "Good labor relations practices in the Americas" was presented and distributed. It was prepared by the ILO within the framework of the

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Project to Support the IACML, funded by the United States Department of Labor. The preparation of this document complies with the recommendations of the Final Report of Working Group 2 of 2005.

b. Emerging Trends and Conclusions

During the meetings, the importance that social dialogue has as an instrument for inclusion, social justice and deepening of democracy was highlighted, as well as the need for strengthening it at the national, regional and hemispheric levels. Additionally, the need for following up the commitments assumed on the subject during the IACML and the Summit of the Americas was also stressed.

In this respect, all-embracing social dialogue that goes beyond labor relations is recognized as one of the main aspects of democracy and is considered indispensable for a real national unity. It was also noted that social dialogue influences in a cross-cutting manner all the issues analyzed by the Working Groups, highlighting the importance of social dialogue within the coordination of public policies, as well as the role that it fulfills for guaranteeing that policies have the social legitimacy for the development of policies of State.

In the process of these Working Groups meetings, several experiences of social dialogue in the region and in the hemisphere have been highlighted, including issues of great importance such as the reforms to the social security systems and the creation of institutional spaces of tripartite dialogue for the development of policies. In this context, it was stressed that the dialogue that takes place within the framework of the IACML, through COSATE and CEATAL, is an example at the hemispheric level which should continue to be strengthened.

Likewise, the need for strengthening the role of the Ministries of Labor, so that they can be real articulators and facilitators of social dialogue, was emphasized. It was also mentioned that the development of national structures for promoting social dialogue does not replace, but, on the contrary, strengthens collective bargaining.

On the other hand,  it was noted that interlocutors participating in social dialogue should be organizations representing each of the sectors and should benefit from the necessary training for deepening social dialogue.

This social dialogue requires the actors to be able to interact on equal terms, for which freedom of association and freedom to organize should continue to be strengthened.

The importance of social dialogue within the framework of decent work was also highlighted, and also the importance of facilitating the exchange of good practices on this subject. In this respect, it would be advisable to continue analyzing valuable experiences. This in-depth analysis should include the levels of progress on the subject and could take place through one-day meetings, emphasizing the outputs of these experiences.

It was also recognized that social dialogue is of fundamental importance in integration processes. Therefore, it is advisable to continue deepening the analysis on this issue.

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2.5 Enforcement of Labor Laws

a. Summary of Activities

This topic was addressed specifically during the first meeting of Working Group 2 in 2006, where participants spoke in terms of the objective of effective, timely and transparent application of laws and resolution of disputes. Aspects of effective labor law enforcement, particularly those related to technical capabilities of the labor inspectorates, also were taken up indirectly during discussions of “Capacity building for labor administration” and “Promotion of the FPRW” during the second meeting in 2007.

The priority of this topic is reinforced by the ILO in its 2005 report Strategy to Promote the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in discussing the effectiveness of the principles: “The problem lies not in the degree of ratification of those conventions by the countries in the American hemisphere, but in their level of application and in the effective compliance with the fundamental rights at work, both because the law fails to be observed and because broad sectors of occupation are not covered by labor legislation.”

b. Emerging Trends and Conclusions

It is most productive to address the topic in a comprehensive manner, recognizing that effective enforcement requires preventative measures, control actions, and remediation. This calls for an integrated approach including:

dissemination of information regarding the scope of legal protections, the mechanisms in place to access those protections, and good practices to promote compliance;

a well-trained and well-equipped staff of professional labor inspectors; and, transparent, reliable and efficient labor judicial systems, complemented by extrajudicial

conciliation options.

Engaging in tripartite discussions has proven to be constructive regarding matters of labor code and procedural reform. Partnerships with employers and with trade unions are especially important in outreach efforts to promote a culture of compliance with labor laws.

In their efforts to enforce labor laws, labor ministries are confronted by a lack of financial, technical and human resources and the pressures associated with loss of trained inspectors due to inadequate salaries or government transitions. Labor ministries are developing creative responses to these challenges and are continuously interested in identifying more effective strategies, with potential for long-term sustainability.

Prevention – rather than punitive actions – represents the true mission of ministries of labor. Preventative measures, through education and promotion of good practices in the workplace can have a significant impact on improved compliance. For workers to be able to exercise their rights and for employers to effectively comply with national labor laws, it is important that information on the laws be widely accessible Partnerships among governments, employers and trade unions are a key to dissemination of information regarding both rights and obligations – especially for hard-to-reach groups, and to creating a wider awareness of good workplace practices to ensure compliance with labor laws. Experience in one case demonstrated the positive impact of a broad national consensus in providing for compliance with labor principles, even in the absence of an extensive labor code.

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When labor disputes do occur, it frequently is in the best interests of parties to resolve the disputes outside of the court system -- providing a savings in time and costs. Experiences with labor justice systems in many cases reveal procedures that are time consuming, obsolete, and inconsistent. There is interest in following the progress in reforms of labor justice systems, as well as identifying successful efforts to strengthen procedures within ministries of labor to provide for conciliation and alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.

III. RECOMMENDATIONS ON AREAS FOR FUTURE WORK

Working Group 2 respectfully recommends the adoption of the following recommendations for future work for inclusion into the Plan of Action of the XV IACML to be approved by Ministers of Labor at the XV IACML to be held in Port of Spain on September 10-13, 2007:

Regarding the RIAL and General Capacity Building Issues

Exchange information about the results of bilateral cooperation activities undertaken with the support of RIAL and on substantive matters regarding all activities conducted pursuant to the RIAL. Review regularly the operations of the RIAL.

Generate a participation and decision mechanism, with the objective of analyzing and selecting, in coordination with the IACML Technical Secretariat, the cooperation and technical assistance proposals submitted by various Ministries in the framework of the RIAL.

Exchange information generally regarding capacity building, including but not limited to, for example, issues related to coordination, sustainability, participation of trade unions and employers’ organizations, and adaptability.

Request the OAS and the ILO to cooperate with Ministries of Labor to regularly update the database of the RIAL Portfolio of Programs to provide a reliable, current information base on capacity building activities underway in the Americas as the basis for exchange and horizontal cooperation activities.

Regarding Capacity Building for Labor Administration

Continue discussions, as relevant, on the outcomes and follow-up activities related to the diagnoses of labor administration systems in Ministries of Labor, with a view to promoting a better understanding of the challenges associated with the implementation of recommendations and possible responses to those challenges.

To promote improvements in MOL organizational structures to enable them to be more responsive to the new demands of the labor market; to strengthen competencies in the areas of administration, planning and results-based management; to implement communication strategies; and to improve the competencies of a professional civil service to better perform their responsibilities.

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Regarding Employment Services

Compile an inventory of new tools, and effective functional and organizational models, for public employment services. Explore possibilities for interventions of international cooperation agencies for promoting a holistic approach to PES, recognizing their position as a fundamental element in the design and implementation of employment policies.

Advance in the analysis of new approaches to workforce development, with attention to the demand-driven programs and quality control strategies. Examine successful initiatives where workforce development programs are integrated with local economic development strategies, and ministries of labor work in cooperation with other ministries as appropriate, and in partnership with workers and employers.

Coordinate with other instances and regional projects, the development of joint activities regarding employment, with special emphasis on strengthening the skills of public employment services personnel.

Analyze the possibility of undertaking a workshop with the participation of key institutions in the promotion of employment and competitiveness such as the Ministries of Trade, Finance, Professional Training Institutions and Ministries of Education, among other, with the goal of designing overarching strategies to guide the actions of the Ministries of Labor and the key institutions in the promotion of employment and decent work.

Regarding the Promotion of the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work embodied in the ILO Declaration

Continue discussions, in collaboration with the ILO, for promoting the FPRW as embodied in the ILO Declaration, giving attention to the role and contributions of trade unions and employers’ organizations. Of particular interest are strategies that are less-resource intensive or that have been proven to be sustainable. Review the progress and results of initiatives to incorporate FPRW into educational curricula.

Child labor: Review countries’ progress in fulfilling the Mar del Plata commitment to eradicate the worst forms of child labor by no later that 2020, including sharing information about the policies and strategies that have been implemented in support of this goal and the challenges encountered.

Regarding Labor Relations and Social Dialogue

Undertake workshops to exchange information on national and regional experiences with social dialogue, with an emphasis on examining specific initiatives and programs that have improved the participation of the social partners.

Provide successful experiences of a strengthened role for MOLs in facilitating social dialogue for inclusion in the RIAL Portfolio of Programs.

Explore possible sources of funding to support the participation of COSATE and CEATAL in the activities of the IACML.

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Share results of experiences with social dialogue in other parts of the OAS.

Regarding Enforcement of Labor Laws

Exchange experiences on initiatives to improve the effective enforcement of labor laws, with particular attention to labor inspectorates in sub-central and central locations, and to promote a culture of compliance with labor laws and regulations, including through outreach to and participation by trade unions and employers. Consider in particular, programs that respond to the obstacles resulting from the serious resource constraints and frequent personnel turnover faced by labor inspectorates.

Conduct a review of legal and procedural reforms aimed at improving and expediting the administration of labor justice.

Exchange best practices of effective policy and program implementation to address the challenges of the informal employment, particularly as they relate to incorporation of non-registered workers into formal employment and the extension of social protections to informal workers. Share information about ministry of labor programs to increase productivity in micro and small, with special attention to gender equity and to support entrepreneurship, with emphasis on women’s entrepreneurial development.

Review best practices by ministries of labor and those implemented by employers and trade unions that are designed to eliminate discrimination in the workplace, including through the results of technical cooperation projects. Consider models for evaluating the effectiveness of approaches, including those that target specific vulnerable groups, both pre- and post-employment.

NOTE on Social Security Incorporate capacity building recommendations based on the discussions during the RIAL Workshop “Towards a new model of sustainable, comprehensive and inclusive social protection”, organized by the Ministries of Labor of Chile and Uruguay.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.9/07 September 11-13, 2007 20 August 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Original: Spanish

REPORT OF THE TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT TO THE XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF LABOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background................................................................................................................... 11. Creation of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL)……. 2

1.1 Five hemispheric-level exchange activities………….……………............. 31.2 First call for proposals and activities of the RIAL Cooperation Fund……....61.3 Preparation of first technical study.. ……………………………………... 71.4 Redefinition and updating of the Portfolio of Programs ………………..... 8 1.5 Information and dissemination………………………………………...….. 8

2. Coordination and planning of IACML activities……………………………….... 83. Support and strengthening of Working Groups …………………………………. 94. Consolidation of tripartite dialogue within the IACML framework…………….…105. Exchange between the IACML and the PAHO Directing Council…………….... 116. Inter-agency cooperation and dialogue…………………………………………... 11Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………...12

Background

The Technical Secretariat of the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) is submitting this report to the XV IACML to follow up on commitments made and activities developed pursuant to the Plan of Action of Mexico adopted during the XIV IACML held in Mexico City in September of 2005.

Until December of 2005 the OAS Office of Education, Science and Technology (OEST) was the Technical Secretariat of the IACML. At that time and in response to the priority given to the topics of social development and employment, the Department of Social Development and Employment (DSDE) was created within the OAS Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI). The DSDE is currently the Technical Secretariat for the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) and its advisory bodies, COSATE and CEATAL, as well as the Inter-American Committee on Social Development, the Meeting of Ministers of Social Development, the Social Network of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Joint Working Group of the Permanent Council and CEPCIDI charged with drawing up the Social Charter of the Americas and its Plan of Action.

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Before reporting on activities carried out, we must emphasize that the IACML is integrated with the Summits of the Americas process and has made its priorities and plans of action consistent with the mandates of the Heads of State and Government of the Americas, even as far back as the First Summit in 1994. This integration is even more important now than ever since the IV Summit of the Americas held in Mar del Plata, Argentina in November of 2005 focused on “Creating Jobs to Fight Poverty and Strengthen Democratic Governance.” Prior to that Summit, the IACML provided important input and several of the region’s Ministers of Labor participated actively in the negotiations regarding the Declaration and Plan of Action of Mar del Plata. Subsequently, the principles of the Summit have been carefully followed in all IACML activities included in this report and several of the summit mandates have been met.

The Technical Secretariat’s principal responsibilities include coordinating and organizing meetings and activities of the IACML, COSATE, and CEATAL; supporting the Chair pro tempore in implementing the Plan of Action; coordinating the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL); and maintaining inter-agency dialogue and cooperation with the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in particular, as well as with other organizations.

In developing its functions, the Secretariat coordinates its work completely with past, present, and future Chairs of the IACML, which until the XV IACML are the Ministries of Labor of Brazil, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as with the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Working Groups made up of the Ministries of Argentina, El Salvador, Chile, Costa Rica, the United States, and Uruguay. The Secretariat gives special recognition to the work of these authorities, whose spirit of collaboration and commitment to political dialogue at the hemispheric level have made it possible to carry out the activities proposed for the IACML. The Secretariat wishes to express its particular thanks to the Acting Chair of the XIV IACML presided over by the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico.

Following the specific mandates of the Plan of Action of Mexico from the XIV IACML and the Plan of Action of Mar del Plata from the IV Summit of the Americas and exercising the responsibilities entrusted to it, the Technical Secretariat has carried out the following activities:

1. Creation of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL)

The establishment and implementation of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL) is the most important achievement of the XIV IACML in that it gave the Conference a permanent horizontal cooperation and technical assistance mechanism for strengthening the institutional and human capabilities of the hemisphere’s Ministries of Labor.

The creation of RIAL is a response to mandates from the IV Summit of the Americas, particularly Article 72 of the Declaration of Mar del Plata and Article 19 of its Plan of Action. These mandates refer to strengthening cooperative mechanisms within the framework of the OAS, particularly the IACML. The creation of the RIAL also responds to a mandate from the Plan of Action of the XIV IACML ordering this Technical Secretariat to explore funding sources for the RIAL.

The Technical Secretariat has signed three financing agreements for the RIAL with the Labor Program of the Ministry of Labor and Human Resources of Canada, which has granted US$580,000. This support made it possible to launch the RIAL and carry out most of the activities detailed below.

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The Secretariat wishes to give special recognition to the government of Canada for this financing as well as to the governments of the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil for their contributions in funds or in kind to the activities of the RIAL.

The origins of the RIAL date back to a joint proposal made by the OAS and the ILO and submitted to the Preparatory Meeting for the XIV IACML. The proposal was based on a feasibility study entrusted to international experts after the XIII IACML in 2004. Since that time, it has been determined that the RIAL will develop the following activities:

a. Identify, organize and disseminate the experience and knowledge of the Ministries of Labor of the hemisphere.

b. Collect and systematize information regarding programs and projects in priority topics for labor administration.  

c. Foster critical transfer of the various experiences and lessons learned through workshops and cooperation activities among countries.

d. Facilitate communication between Ministries of Labor, international organizations, financial agencies and workers and employers representatives and civil society.

e. Improve the ability of the Ministries of Labor to identify their institutional needs and to formulate proposals that will allow them to receive technical and financial assistance.

f. Strengthen coordination and collaboration among international organizations and cooperation agencies.

In slightly over a year in operation, which should be counted from the first workshop to exchange experiences in May 2006, the RIAL has engaged in numerous activities, shown results, and established the foundations for its enormous potential. All these activities were organized and coordinated by the Technical Secretariat of the IACML, with participation from various strategic partners.

1.1 Five hemispheric-level exchange activities

Second Hemispheric Workshop on Occupational Health and Safety “The Challenges of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in relation to the IV Summit of the Americas Mandates and Subregional Experiences,” San Salvador, El Salvador, May 16-17, 2006. Inaugurated by the President of El Salvador, Elías Antonio Saca, this workshop was co-organized by the OAS, PAHO, the ILO, the Ministries of Labor of El Salvador and Canada, and Fundacersso, demonstrating authentic and fruitful inter-agency coordination. Participants included representatives from 23 of the region’s Ministries of Labor, experts in OHS, representatives from COSATE and CEATAL, from OHS collaborating centers, and international organizations. The workshop followed up on commitments made during the First Hemispheric Workshop on OHS in May 2004, responding to Mandate 33 of the Declaration and Mandate 16 of the Plan of Action of the IV Summit and Mandate 10(c) of the Plan of Action of the XIV IACML. These mandates refer to making headway on national and subregional action to promote healthy work environments and better health conditions for workers.

During the workshop, strategic guidelines were approved with respect to three topics: OHS management systems; mechanisms to strengthen OHS information systems; and HIV in the workplace. These will be used to guide the work of governments, OHS centers, and international

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organizations on these topics through actions taken at the national, subregional, and hemispheric levels. These guidelines give specific recognition to the fact that the tripartite approach is essential to the implementation of national OHS systems, based on the premise of shared responsibility; the need to strengthen inspection systems through better planning and higher human resources qualifications; the recommendation to revise and update standards; and the recognition that OHS management systems allow for continuous improvement in the well-being of workers and in the productivity and competitiveness of companies. At the end of the workshop, the Secretariat developed a web page with all the information from the workshop: http://www.sedi.oas.org/ddse/fundacersso.

Seminar on “Employment Services and Labor Market Observatories: Opportunities and Challenges in the Hemisphere,” Cocoyoc, Morelos, Mexico, November 7, 2006. Under the auspices of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico, this seminar analyzed the experiences of Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, the United States, and Europe on the subject of labor market observatories and employment services. Participants included representatives from the IDB, the ILO, WAPES, and the OAS. In this respect, the seminar followed up on mandates relating to labor market political activities, particularly Articles 22, 41, and 56 of the Declaration and Articles 3 and 14 of the Plan of Action from the IV Summit and Articles 7(g) and 10(f) of the Plan of Action from the XIV IACML. These mandates refer to implementing programs to help labor markets operate efficiently and transparently; facilitating access to and reincorporation in the labor market; expanding the coverage and improving the quality of employment-related information services and counseling.

Among the most important conclusions of the seminar is the recognition that employment services systems and labor observatories are essential to ensure the proper operation of the labor market, primarily by correcting information asymmetries. However, their results in the area of employment are limited and they must, therefore, be an integral part of a broader job creation strategy that involves economic, social, labor, education, and other policies. The seminar emphasized that employment services have evolved considerably over the last five to ten years, transitioning from a paternalistic view to a customer-service orientation. They have evolved toward new integration schemes supported by the use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs), allowing for greater coverage and reduced costs. They have decentralized their operations, increasing services provided at the local level. The seminar identified some challenges for employment services such as the need to adapt and respond to two new realities in the labor market: the expansion of the informal sector and the increase in migration flows. They must respond to private sector needs and effectively reach the most vulnerable populations that face the greatest difficulties in entering the labor market. All the information on the workshop is available at: http://www.sedi.oas.org/ddse/servempleo.

Workshop on “Migrant Workers: Protection of Labor Rights and Labor Market Programs,” Ottawa, Canada, November 28-29, 2006. With the participation of 28 of the hemisphere’s Ministries of Labor and representatives from the ILO, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the North-South Institute, and the OAS, this workshop was held to promote dialogue and cooperation among the Ministries of Labor on promoting the labor rights of migrant workers and on migration processes undertaken by States according to their national legal systems; to share experiences and programs on the promotion and protection of labor rights of migrant workers and labor market programs, with special emphasis on Canada 's temporary foreign workers programs; and to identify lessons

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learned and key guidelines for future inter-American action on this topic. This workshop is a direct response to mandates 20, 21, and 23 of the Plan of Action from the IV Summit, and mandate 7(h) of the Plan of Action from the XIV IACML on strengthening constructive dialogue on migration.

The major topics addressed included specific recognition of the importance of designing and implementing national programs to achieve orderly management of migration; support for bilateral or multilateral conventions affording social security coverage to migrant workers and their families; recognition that dissemination and communication strategies are an effective method for informing migrant workers of their rights and responsibilities; the importance of involving various agents in civil society, such as churches, in implementing strategies; the key role played by Ministries of Labor in developing national migration policies, such as providing information on the labor market in order to facilitate decision-making on migration, promoting the participation of social actors in the formulation of migration policy, enforcing labor law and respect for the labor rights of migrants. Those in attendance made some recommendations that were approved by the IACML Working Groups at their meeting in May 2007. These recommendations include identifying and analyzing valuable experiences in the management of migration at the national and regional level and following up on international and regional meetings and initiatives on the subject. All the information on the workshop is available at: http://www.sedi.oas.org/ddse/migrantes.

Technical Assistance Workshop, San Jose, Costa Rica, May 8, 2007. In response to repeated requests from various members of the IACML, this workshop was held to provide Ministries of Labor with a better understanding of technical assistance channels and priorities, to identify specific problems faced by the Ministries of Labor when interacting with donors, and to define topics in the management of technical assistance on which Ministries of Labor require more training. The workshop responded to mandate 10(b) of the Plan of Action from the XIV IACML establishing some actions for promoting sustainability of cooperative activities within the IACML framework.

During the workshop, various countries and donor institutions (Canada, the Untied States, AECI, IDB) and various countries executing technical assistance discussed their experiences and those in attendance received training on the basic components of a successful technical assistance proposal. The conclusions and lessons learned from the workshop emphasize the evolution of technical assistance toward capacity-building; the need to respond to the challenges of sustainability and strategic planning in assistance projects; and how important it is for these projects to be part of broader national and regional strategies in order to have greater impact. Areas for future work on this topic include the need to analyze the results of south-south cooperation, which has been broad among the region’s Ministries of Labor, and more training for Ministry of Labor staff in project planning and management. All the information on this workshop can be found at: http://www.sedi.oas.org/ddse/asistec.

Workshop on the Labor Dimension of Free Trade Agreements and Regional Integration Processes, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, July 10, 2007. Held in conjunction with the Preparatory Meeting for the XV IACML, this workshop analyzed two topics: 1) the specific components of labor provisions (chapters, parallel agreements, memoranda of understanding, declarations) that have been incorporated in various bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements; and 2) labor provisions and advances in various sub-regional integration processes.

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The first workshop topic included presentations from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Chile, and El Salvador on the labor provisions of NAFTA and CAFTA as well as various bilateral FTAs. Particular note was made of dispute settlement mechanisms, labor standards, and provisions on labor cooperation in these FTAs as well as other provisions. The second topic included analysis of the labor dimension of MERCOSUR, the Andean Community, and CARICOM, with emphasis on their institutions, social dialogue mechanisms, harmonizing and developing standards, certification of competence and occupations, migration, and processes toward the free movement of workers. The general view is that the labor dimension in the FTAs and in regional integration is a gradual building process above and beyond the harmonization of laws and practice in which social dialogue plays a fundamental role. All the information on this workshop can be found at: http://www.sedi.oas.org/ddse/dimension.

1.2 First call for proposals and activities of the RIAL Cooperation FundThe RIAL Cooperation Fund was created in January 2007 for the purpose of facilitating cooperative activities among the Ministries of Labor in the Americas, making possible analyses and exchanges of experience, technical assistance, and strengthened labor-related programs and initiatives. The activities financed by the Fund are identified and negotiated directly by the Ministries.

Through open bidding for financing, the Fund covers the travel costs of Ministry representatives who wish to conduct on-site or expert visits. On-site visits allow them to obtain information, observe the operation of a specific management program or process in the field, or to learn directly about a successful practice in the country where it is being developed. Expert visits, on the other hand, are technical assistance activities conducted in the country requesting such guidance.

The First Call for Proposals of the RIAL Cooperation Fund was opened from January 25, 2007 to March 15, 2007 with funds from the Ministries of Labor of the United States and Canada, through projects in support of the IACML executed by the ILO and the OAS. Twenty-eight funding applications were received in this first call for proposals, nine of them with complete documentation. Of these nine requests, five cooperative activities were selected initially, as detailed below:

•  On-site visit by the Dominican Republic to Argentina, May 29-31, 2007 on Labor Conciliation. Three officials from the Secretariat of Labor of the Dominican Republic traveled to Buenos Aires to gain first-hand knowledge regarding the operation of Argentina’s Mandatory Labor Conciliation Service (SECLO), the mediation system, and mediator training activities.

•  On-site visit by Costa Rica to Argentina, June 4-6, 2007 on Alternative Resolution of Labor Disputes. Two officials from Costa Rica’s Ministry of Labor received training on conflict management techniques, communication strategies, and negotiation and learned about the operations of SECLO.

•  On-site visit by Paraguay to Brazil, July 23-27, 2007 to support the structural and operational reorganization of Paraguay’s Ministry of Justice and Labor (MJT). Six officials from the Paraguayan MJT with decision-making and planning responsibilities visited Brazil’s Ministry of Labor and Employment to learn about the operations of the latter’s inspection, workplace health, labor relations, employment policies, qualification, and planning units or secretariats. This visit was very important given the ongoing reorganization of Paraguay’s MJT.

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•  On-site visit by Argentina to Brazil, August 6-10, 2007 on inspection in maritime and fluvial activities. Ten Argentine officials received training on port and maritime inspection from inspectors and experts at the Ministry of Labor and Employment of Brazil and participated as observers during maritime inspections in Rio de Janeiro. This visit is extremely important given that vessels inspected in Brazil are often also inspected in Argentina, and it is thus advisable to harmonize standards and practices.

•  Visit of experts from Argentina to Peru, August 6-10, 2007 on the National Plan for Work Regularization. Two Argentine experts traveled to Peru to provide training on this plan developed by the Argentine government to deal with unregistered labor; to achieve greater efficiency in detecting and correcting violations of labor and social security regulations ; and to include excluded workers within the social security system, in addition to other purposes.

1.3 Preparation of first technical study

Within the RIAL framework, a study called “Gender Equality for Decent Work” was developed to summarize the current situation regarding inclusion of the gender perspective in labor policies, identify requirements for strengthening labor management in this area, and propose some strategic guidelines that the IACML could develop in this area. The document was coordinated by the Secretariat based on terms of reference prepared by experts from the ILO and the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM). It also included input from a group of experts from the ILO, the IDB and the OAS as well as Ministries of Labor in the hemisphere and national mechanisms for women that the IACML and CIM Secretariats consulted regarding ongoing programs and experiences.

This technical document suggests strategic guidelines for strengthening the capabilities of Ministries of Labor in terms of including the gender perspective in the actions of their institutions and helping to reduce the gap between men and women in employment. These strategic guidelines will be developed within the RIAL framework and will be considered during the XV IACML.

The preparation of this technical document demonstrates technical expertise, inter-agency coordination, and dialogue with the Ministries of Labor, characteristics that the Technical Secretariat wishes to incorporate in all studies prepared within the RIAL framework.

1.4 Redefinition and updating of the Portfolio of Programs

This Portfolio is an essential component of the RIAL given that it brings together programs with some history and stability that Ministries of Labor wish to share with their peers. The Technical Secretariat has redefined the categories in the Portfolio, which now encompass all areas in which the Ministries of Labor are involved, so as to provide greater flexibility and continuity. In addition, the Secretariat sent an update request to IACML members in July of 2007 and is now receiving and systematizing this information. The updated version of the Portfolio will be prepared and distributed when the Secretariat has received responses from at least ten of the region’s Ministries of Labor.

1.5 Information and dissemination

The Secretariat has kept the IACML website up to date at all times regarding initiatives and activities developed and planned. This has been widely appreciated and recognized by the region’s Ministries of Labor, COSATE, CEATAL, and organizations close to the IACML. In addition, the Secretariat

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prepared and distributed at various IACML activities the RIAL informative brochure that describes its objectives, tools, and priority topics. Recently, it also prepared the first RIAL Newsletter to report on activities carried out during its first year in operation.

2. Coordination and planning of IACML activities

The Secretariat organized and hosted a planning meeting in Washington D.C. in December 2005 to tie down in the form of concrete actions the mandates contained in the Declaration and Plan of Action of Mexico. The specific objectives of the meeting in this respect were to establish the 2005-2007 Calendar of Activities of the IACML, ensure coordination among the major actors, define their responsibilities, and ensure linkage with the Summit of the Americas process. Participants at the meeting included the Ministries of Labor heading up the IACML (past, present, and future Chairs, and officials in its Working Groups) and international organizations involved in the process. This meeting, which has been held after each Conference since 2003, again proved to be an effective method for delineating activities and establishing financial or in-kind commitments in support of the IACML.

The 2005-2007 Calendar of Activities approved in December 2005 was continuously updated by the Technical Secretariat and distributed to all members of the IACML on various occasions. This allowed for a current overview at all times during the course of these two years with respect to IACML activities carried out, planned, and pending.

3. Support and strengthening of Working Groups

The Working Groups are the Conference’s fundamental tool for analyzing and discussing important issues, identifying areas of consensus, developing recommendations on future actions, and monitoring national and subregional activities. The Plan of Action from the XIV IACML renamed and redirected the work of the two Working Groups as follows:

Working Group 1 “Decent work as an instrument for development and democracy in the context of globalization” considers decent work as a main focus of its activities, from a perspective that envisages greater integration of economic, social, and labor policies, in order to promote labor and employment as crosscutting themes of public policies. In this sense, the Working Group continues to build on the work of former Working Group 1, “Labor Dimensions of the Summit of the Americas Process,” and will continue to examine the social and labor dimensions of globalization.

Working Group 2 “Strengthening the capacities of Ministries of Labor to respond to the challenges of promoting decent work in the context of globalization” continues making efforts to increase the institutional capacity of the Ministries of Labor, with a view to strengthening the promotion of decent work in the context of globalization. In this sense, the Group continues to build on the work of former Working Group 2, “Building the Capacity of Labor Ministries”.

During the XIV IACML, the Working Groups were led by the following Ministries of Labor: Working Group 1 – Chair: Argentina and Vice-Chairs: Costa Rica and Chile. Working Group 2 – Chair: El Salvador and Vice-Chairs: United States and Uruguay. The Technical Secretariat maintained close communication with each of them.

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Between the XIV and XV IACML, the Working Groups met on two occasions under the coordination of and with technical support from the OAS, and with funding and in-kind contributions from the governments of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada. Canada financed the second meeting of the Working Groups since it was held in conjunction with a RIAL workshop. The first meeting of the Working Groups within the framework of the XIV IACML was held in April 2006 in Mexico City under the auspices of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico; the second was held in May 2007 in San Jose under the auspices of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica. The topics discussed, the major conclusions, areas of consensus, and recommendations that emerged from these meetings are contained in the final reports that these Working Groups are submitting to the XV IACML (TRABAJO/doc.7/07 and TRABAJO/doc.8/07).

Working Group 1 focused its analysis and discussions on integrating labor, social, and economic policies; promoting policies designed to generate decent employment; labor rights of migrant workers; job creation strategies, particularly for youth; strategies to deal with the informal sector; incorporating the gender perspective in labor and employment policies; and on promoting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Working Group 2 focused its discussions on the following topics: institutional strengthening of labor management, and within this a consideration of the RIAL; implementing labor law; employment services, promoting the 1998 ILO Declaration, particularly on combating child labor; and labor relations and social dialogue. Supplementing the topics analyzed by Working Group 2, a half-day workshop was held during its April 2006 meeting in Mexico City on Mexico’s experience with the National Labor Awards granted to companies committed to innovation, productivity, and competitiveness, as well as quality employment.

In analyzing each of the topics addressed, Working Group and Technical Secretariat officials attentively followed the mandates in the Plans of Action from the IV Summit and the XIV IACML, seeking to fulfill these mandates directly or give the Ministries of Labor the tools they need to fulfill these commitments at the national level.

The recommendations that emerged from the Working Groups, included in their final reports, were the basis for the activities established in the Plan of Action of the XV IACML. This ensures that the Working Groups will provide continuity for the topics addressed, move ahead in their discussions and actions, avoid duplication or repetition of efforts, and continue to strengthen the IACML as a forum for exchange, dialogue, and decision-making on labor issues at the hemispheric level.

4. Consolidation of tripartite dialogue within the IACML framework

The participation of social actors and tripartite dialogue in the activities of the Conference have continued to increase since its inception at the XII IACML in Ottawa in 2001. This participation has been facilitated through the two advisory bodies of the Conference: the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) and the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL), which group together, respectively, the major unions and employer associations in the hemisphere.

Advances made in tripartite dialogue within the IACML framework respond to mandates 36 and 37 of the Declaration and mandates 11 and 24 of the Plan of Action of the IV Summit of the Americas

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and mandate 28 of the Declaration from the XIV IACML, which relate to the commitment to promote and facilitate tripartite dialogue at the national, subregional, and hemispheric level.

All the activities carried out between the XIV and XV IACML, including the RIAL workshops, meetings of the Working Groups, and the negotiations on the 2007 Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain relied on the participation of representatives from COSATE and CEATAL. They had specific opportunities within the agenda of all meetings to make presentations and had ample opportunity to participate in discussions. This facilitated a true exchange with the Ministries of Labor and allow us to assert that tripartite dialogue continues to strengthen within the Conference framework.

The Technical Secretariat, through resources negotiated and received from the government of Canada, was able to finance the participation of at least one representative from each advisory body in each IACML activity. The government of Mexico also covered travel costs for representatives from these bodies at the workshop on employment services. This fulfills mandate 3 of the Plan of Action of Mexico, which establishes that the Member States should devote available economic, technical, and logistical resources to facilitate the participation of COSATE and CEATAL.

It should be noted that COSATE and CEATAL were represented by their Chairs and Vice-Chairs in most activities, but also by subject experts as in the case of the Hemispheric Workshop on Occupational Health and Safety.

5. Exchange between the IACML and the PAHO Directing Council

The dialogue initiated in 2004 between the IACML and the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which brings together the Ministries of Health of the hemisphere, continued with the involvement of a representative from that Council at the XIV IACML in 2005 and the participation of the Chair pro tempore of the XIV IACML at the 47th PAHO Directing Council in September 2006.

In effect, Francisco Javier Salazar, Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico and Chair pro tempore of the XIV IACML, addressed the plenary session at the 47th PAHO Directing Council as part of the panel on the “Strategic Alliance for Attainment of the Millennium Development Goals,” in which the OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, also participated. That session reiterated the Conference’s commitment to intersectoral dialogue, particularly with respect to continued efforts to improve workers’ health and safety conditions.

6. Inter-agency cooperation and dialogue

The Technical Secretariat maintains ongoing communications with other international agencies, understanding that inter-agency coordination and dialogue are essential to strengthen the Conference’s actions, avoid duplication of efforts, and achieve informed and constructive dialogue among the members of the IACML.

This relationship is closer with the ILO given its leadership, history, and international preeminence in all the subjects that concern the Conference. The relationship between the ILO and the IACML is long-standing but now finds renewed impetus in the Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2005 between the ILO led by its Director-General, Juan Somavía, and the General

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Secretariat of the OAS led by Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, to be supplemented by a new memorandum during the XV IACML in September 2007. These memoranda establish that the organizations will work in collaboration on issues related to the promotion of decent work, following up IACML and Summit of the Americas commitments. The most recent memorandum gives priority to one issue in particular by establishing the commitment to work in collaboration to promote gender equality. In this respect, the ILO and the OAS will work on technical assistance studies, preparation of studies, development of workshops, and other activities regarding inclusion of the gender perspective in the policies, programs, and institutional activities of the Ministries of Labor and the advisory bodies of the IACML.

The Secretariat also maintains active communications with PAHO, with which it has planned and developed RIAL activities. Also to be noted is the participation of the IDB, AECI, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), CARICOM, and the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) in various RIAL activities

Conclusion

Since the XIV IACML in September 2005, this Conference has been gaining strength as a hemispheric forum for political dialogue and technical exchange on labor-related issues. The most important development in these last two years has been the creation of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL), which will allow the Ministries of Labor to strengthen their institutional and human capabilities through horizontal cooperation and technical assistance. The many activities that the RIAL has developed to date have demonstrated its enormous potential.

In addition to establishing the RIAL, the Conference, under the coordination of its Technical Secretariat, has validated its Working Groups as tools for analysis and discussion, has consolidated tripartite dialogue in its activities; has maintained close communications with other international agencies; and has continued to develop its planning and financing mechanisms.

In addition, the IACML has incorporated the mandates from the IV Summit of the Americas in its various activities and is making progress on following up those mandates. The 2007 Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain not only takes up several of these commitments but also goes further on several of them with respect to social dialogue, gender equality, youth employment, and other issues.

Looking to the future, under the leadership of the Ministry of Labor and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago, the Conference should continue to define and promote the RIAL, expanding inter-agency and inter-sectoral coordination and supporting the participation of social actors in fulfilling the mandates and objectives of the 2007 Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain. The OAS, as the Technical Secretariat of the IACML, will continue to support this process decisively and with commitment, in the belief that political dialogue, the search for areas of consensus, and cooperation among Ministries of Labor in the region are essential for ensuring democratic governance and for collectively meeting the hemisphere’s most pressing social and labor challenges.

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APPENDIX III – ADVISORY BODIES MEETINGS

Agenda for the Meeting of the Technical Permanent Commission on Labor Matters (COTPAL)

Report of the Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee on Labor Matters (COTPAL)

Agenda for the Permanent Executive Committee of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE)

Report of the Meeting of the Permanent Executive Committee of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE)

Agenda for the Permanent Executive Committee of the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)

Report of the Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)

Report on the Joint Meetings of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) and the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.11/07 rev.1 September 11-13, 2007 11 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: Spanish

AGENDA FOR THE MEETING OF THE TECHNICAL PERMANENT COMMISSION ON LABOR MATTERS (COTPAL)

(Approved during the COTPAL meeting of September 11, 2007)

1. Initiation of the session by the Chair of COTPAL, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico

2. Approval of the Agenda

3. Introductory Remarks by IACML Technical Secretariat

4. Consideration of the document: “Strategic guidelines of the XV IACML for advancing gender equality within a decent work framework”

5. Final consideration of the Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain 2007

6. Definition of the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Working Groups, and the Chair of the XVI IACML

7. Election of authorities of COTPAL (Organization Plan of COTPAL, art. 13)

8. Other business

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FIFTEENTH INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.25/07September 11-13, 2007 16 November 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Original: Spanish

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PERMANENT TECHNICAL COMMITTEEON LABOR MATTERS (COTPAL)

The Permanent Technical Committee on Labor Matters (COTPAL) met on September 11, 2007, at 9:00 a.m., in the context of the Fifteenth Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML).

The representative of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico, Ms. Anel Valencia, served as Chair of the meeting. The OAS acted as Technical Secretariat.

I. Opening of the meeting

The Chair welcomed the participants and thanked the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago for organizing the Fifteenth Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor.

II. Adoption of the agenda

The Chair of COTPAL presented the agenda, which was adopted by the Plenary.

III. Introductory remarks by the Technical Secretariat of the IACML

Mr. Alfonso Quiñonez, Executive Secretary for Integral Development of the OAS, thanked the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for preparing and organizing the IACML. He stressed that this meeting of COTPAL was the culmination of a long preparatory process in which delegations had participated extensively and that had produced important points of consensus and agreements. Lastly, he congratulated the Government of Mexico on its leadership in chairing the Fourteenth IACML.

Mr. Francisco Pilotti, Director of the Department of Social Development and Employment, of the OAS/SEDI, gave an account of the preparations for the Fifteenth IACML, which had begun over a year ago with the first proposal of topics, by Trinidad and Tobago. He explained that two preparatory meetings had been held (in May and July 2007) and the IACML’s Virtual Forum had been opened for discussion of the Draft Declaration and Draft Plan of Action. This had allowed in-depth dialogue among delegations and the definition of solid points of consensus. He congratulated the Government of Trinidad and Tobago on its early initiation of this process, which he said would surely lead to the success of the Fifteenth IACML.

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IV. Consideration of the document “Strategic Guidelines of the XV IACML for Advancing Gender Equality and Non-discrimination within a Decent Work Framework”

Mr. Francisco Pilotti explained that the “Strategic Guidelines” (TRABAJO/doc.10/07) were in response to a mandate of the Fourteenth IACML to strengthen the capacity of the ministries of labor to address gender issues in a cross-cutting manner. In addressing this mandate, the Secretariat drew upon two of its comparative advantages: its close relationship with the ILO and with the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM); and the existence of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL). In conjunction with the ILO and the CIM, it was decided to perform a study to guide IACML actions in this area. The study, distributed at this meeting, produced the “Strategic Guidelines,” consisting of: (1) policy dialogue among officers of the IACML and the CIM; (2) horizontal cooperation through the RIAL; (3) analyzing the gender-related institutional arrangements of the ministries; (4) hemispheric observatory on gender issues. He recalled that a preliminary version of the guidelines document had been sent to all delegations beforehand, and that the comments issued by Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, the United States, and Barbados through the Virtual Forum had been reflected in the version distributed. Lastly, he mentioned that brackets had been placed on paragraph 6.d of the Plan of Action because delegations were unfamiliar with the document at the last preparatory meeting.

The Chair opened the floor for statements.

The Canadian delegate expressed wholehearted support for the strategic guidelines and suggested defining more concrete actions in support of the ministries in the gender issues area. Such measures could include preparing model documents or guides or pilot projects to complement the hemispheric guidelines.

The United States delegate felt that the strategic guidelines were useful for guiding the work of the IACML. She suggested looking into the CIM’s activities and grounding the guidelines in more specific measures, which could be defined at the planning meeting according to the countries’ requirements.

The Mexican delegate thanked the Technical Secretariat for preparing the document, which he considered a first step toward defining IACML actions on gender issues. He agreed that the topic should be addressed at the planning meeting.

The delegate of Barbados recalled her comments on the Virtual Forum. The Secretariat said these would be taken into account in the future development of the strategic guidelines.

The delegate of the Dominican Republic commented that his ministry was incorporating a gender perspective, and that therefore this document was very relevant. He supported the proposal that the IACML should move forward in this area.

The delegate of Trinidad and Tobago congratulated the Secretariat on the document and suggested removing the brackets from the Plan of Action.

The delegate of El Salvador offered congratulations on the document and emphasized that it provided some foundations for addressing the topic. He recalled that the white paper prepared by the

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CAFTA-RD countries identified the gender issue. He emphasized that the strategic guidelines would be very useful in pursuing this issue.

The delegate of Brazil congratulated the Secretariat on the document, which it called a good point of reference for moving forward in this area. He mentioned that a Tripartite Commission on Equal Opportunity had been created in Brazil in 2004 and was now being modified. He supported the proposal to remove the brackets from the Plan of Action.

Mr. Alfonso Quiñonez reiterated the commitment of SEDI/OAS to strengthening the ministries of labor and developing effective government gender mainstreaming policies, as provided in the strategic guidelines.

The Chair announced that the document was approved, with the notation that specific activities in the area would be defined at the planning meeting.

V. Final consideration of the Draft Declaration and Draft Plan of Action of Port of Spain, 2007

The Technical Secretariat commented that CEATAL had suggested amending Article 33 of the Draft Declaration, provided in document TRABAJO/doc.19/07. The change would allow for more balanced treatment of workers’ organizations and the private sector in the text.

The delegates of Argentina and the Dominican Republic supported the new wording presented by CEATAL for paragraph 33 and it was approved in that form.

The Minister of Labor of Costa Rica suggested incorporating the concept of economic democracy into Article 32 of the draft. The Secretariat and the Chair specified that the draft had been subjected to an extensive consultation process to strike a balance in the terminology employed. The Minister said that he would not suggest an amended text for Article 32, but requested that the record show his interest in incorporating the concept of economic democracy and equitable distribution of the benefits of development.

The delegate of Barbados suggested repeating the word “access” in Article 23, after the word “including.” The Chair explained that this would be examined by the Style Committee.

The Minister of Labor of Uruguay said he shared the view of economic democracy proposed by the Minister of Costa Rica. His ivew, however, was that this was reflected in Article 3 of the Draft Declaration. Moreover, he said, it was a profound concept whose inclusion required extensive discussions that could not take place now, at the end of the process. The delegate of Trinidad and Tobago agreed with the Minister of Uruguay.

There being no further comments, the Chair declared the Draft Declaration of Port of Spain 2007 adopted and proceeded to the consideration of the Draft Plan of Action.

The Technical Secretariat explained that the only paragraph in brackets was Article 6.d, which referred to the topic of gender, since at the last preparatory meeting the delegations had been unfamiliar with the study on the topic and with the strategic guidelines that had been discussed prior to this meeting.

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The delegate of the United States suggested an alternate text for Article 6.d, which referred to progress in gender equality and nondiscrimination against women, taking into account the strategic guidelines.

The delegate of The Bahamas suggested beginning the paragraph with “to support and advance” toward gender equality.

The delegate of Canada suggested that the language be more prescriptive and refer to specific measures. He reiterated that Canada supported the strategic guidelines but suggested the actions be measurable and concrete, which would also make it easier for his delegation to grant funding.

The delegate of Argentina said the important thing at this point was to find language reflecting the fact that strategic guidelines have been adopted, but recognizing that a specific proposal was not yet on the table. He recalled that the specific measures would be defined at the planning meeting.

After the suggestions by Argentina and Brazil, Article 6.d was adopted as follows: “To support concrete actions in the scope of the project on gender and employment in the framework of the RIAL/IACML which has been developed by the Technical Secretariat, aimed at identifying and systematizing experiences on the issue, and achieving gender mainstreaming on labor and employment policies.”

The draft Plan of Action was adopted with the amendment to Article 6.d.

VI. Election of the chair and vice chairs of the working groups and the chair of the Sixteenth IACML

The Technical Secretariat explained that during the second preparatory meeting for the Fifteenth IACML (July 2007) it had been decided that Working Group 1 would be chaired by Brazil, and Working Group 2 by El Salvador. As for the vice chairs, several countries announced their candidacies. Later, a means of confirming them had been instituted on the Virtual Forum. The Secretariat reported the following candidacies for vice chair: for Working Group 1, the United States and Uruguay; for Working Group 2, Canada and Guyana.

The delegate of Panama asked whether candidacies could still be accepted for vice chair. The Secretariat recalled that the final decision on the officers was to be taken at the “preparatory” meeting of that afternoon. The delegate of the Dominican Republic recalled that at the preparatory meeting there had been mention of the possibility of amending the rules of procedure to increase the number of vice chairs. He consulted the Secretariat on the matter. The Secretariat clarified that the rules of procedure could be amended by decision of the delegations, but noted that the number of vice chairs already had been increased at the Fourteenth IACML. The delegate of Panama expressed his delegation’s interest in serving as one of the vice chairs, following a direct consultation by the delegate of Argentina.

The Chair invited those delegations that were running for vice chairs to conduct an informal dialogue. These delegations proposed that the groups be formed as follows, and the plenary agreed: GT1 – Brazil (chair), United States and Guyana (vice chairs); GT2 - El Salvador (chair), Canada and Uruguay (vice chairs).

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VII. Election of new officers of COTPAL (Article 13 of the Organization Plan of COTPAL)

In accordance with Article 13 of the Organization Plan of COTPAL, the new officers were elected. The Chair nominated Trinidad and Tobago for chair and Argentina and Mexico for vice chairs; all were elected by acclamation.

VIII. Other business

The Chair clarified that the final reports of the working groups, upon which ample commentary had been received at the second preparatory meeting for the Fifteenth IACML, had been distributed.

Mr. Francisco Pilotti thanked the delegations for their readiness for dialogue and congratulated them on the excellent preparatory process.

There being no further items to discuss, the Chair thanked the delegations and called the COTPAL meeting to a close.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.12/07 rev.1September 11-13, 2007 11 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: Spanish

AGENDA FOR THEPERMANENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTE OF THE

TRADE UNION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (COSATE)

(Adopted by the meeting held September 11, 2007)

1. Report of the Chairman of COSATE.

2. Composition and Election of the Executive Committee of COSATE.

3. Considerations regarding the presentation by COSATE to the Plenary Conference.

4. Other Business.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.15/07September 11-13, 2007 25 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Original: Spanish

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE PERMANENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

TRADE UNION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (COSATE)

The Permanent Executive Committee of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) met on September 11, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in the framework of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor. Representatives of a number of trade union organizations attended the meeting. The Organization of American States attended in its capacity as the Technical Secretariat of COSATE.

I. Inauguration

The President of COSATE, Mr. Salvador Medina, inaugurated the COSATE meeting. The officers of the meeting were Mr. Medina and Mrs. María Claudia Camacho, the representative of the OAS Technical Secretariat.

II. Report of the President of COSATE

Mr. Salvador Medina said he was pleased with the results of the work done over the past two years. He began by thanking the members of COSATE for all their support during his presidency, which started in September 2005 in the framework of the XIV IACML. He went on to emphasize the need to generate stable, highly productive, well paid jobs with adequate social protection in order to break the vicious circle of exclusion and inequality afflicting the region and to consolidate democratic governance and respect for the rights of workers.

He then described the activities carried out by COSATE in the past two years. They included the meeting to plan the XIV IACML, the first and second meetings of the working groups, one seminar and three workshops, including, in particular, the Workshop on Occupational Health and Safety, in which Mr. Vicente Juárez of the Confederation of Mexican Workers took part as an expert and as the COSATE representative. Representatives of COSATE also participated in the first and second preparatory meeting for the XV IACML.

COSATE participation was especially important at the Fourth Summit of the Americas, held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 2005. The President and Ms. Marta Pujadas, Vice President of COSATE, had the opportunity to convey their position and concerns to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of Labor attending the Summit.

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Mr. Medina underscored the importance of the support received from the OAS, especially its technical secretariat and Mr. Francisco Pilotti and Ms. María Claudia Camacho for technical and financial support of a number of activities.

He also paid tribute to the Executive Committee of the Business Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL) for the successful joint work accomplished over the past two years.

Finally, he commented on the letter received from the Ministry of Labor of the Government of Venezuela encouraging COSATE and workers to play a more active part in the different forums and activities of the OAS. Mr. Medina said that in its reply to the Ministry, COSATE thanked it for its letter and for its support of workers.

Mention was made of OAS General Assembly resolution 2315, which emphasizes greater worker participation in all OAS activities. Ms. Pujadas then read out the operative section of that resolution.

III. Composition and election of the Executive Committee of COSATE

The new Executive Committee of COSATE was then elected, with the following results:

President:Robert Giuseppi of Trinidad and Tobago

Vice chairs:Marta Pujadas of ArgentinaSalvador Medina of MexicoEulogia Familia of the Dominican RepublicStanley Gacek of the United StatesJosé Elías Torres of VenezuelaNilton Sossa of Brazil

Coordinator:Hassan Yussuf of Canada

IV. Discussion of the statement by COSATE to be presented to the Ministers of Labor

There was then a discussion of the Joint COSATE – CEATAL Statement, the result of a major effort to achieve consensus and adoption of the statement as the joint meeting of these two bodies. Ms. Marta Pujadas of the General Federation of Labor of Argentina was asked to summarize the statement and the proposed amendments to it.

Ms. Pujadas described the joint statement as the product of a joint effort by COSATE and CEATAL. Given that the ultimate objective is to achieve greater participation by social groups, she asked that CEATAL participation in the OAS be institutionalized. She then described the negotiations that took place in order to reach a consensus.

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Regarding paragraph 11, which focuses on promotion by Labor Ministers of effective social dialogue, some delegations recommended eliminating the reference to the Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, given that not all OAS member states take part in that Summit and that specifying one particular forum would be restrictive. It was therefore suggested that reference be made to all the hemispheric forums and summits so as to broaden the spectrum.

Mr. Apecides Alviz, of the Colombian Workers Confederation mentioned that an important topic to be addressed in the statement might be the employment relationship in the sense established by the ILO at its 95th Annual Conference. Ms. Pujadas stressed that it was indeed a core topic, although it was a conceptually controversial issue, on which a consensus would have to be worked out with the business sector. It was also emphasized that this statement does not preclude topics that are not specifically mentioned and that it should be enriched over the next two years in the run up to the next IACML, to be held in Argentina in 2009.

The statement was presented in English and in Spanish and the delegates agreed with its contents. Mr. Salvador Medina reminded those present that preparation of this Statement was accompanied by extensive conceptual debate and he recommended that the delegations approve it after making any pertinent changes to it at the joint meeting with CEATAL.

V. Other business

The ORIT representative, Rubén Cortina, first congratulated the President on his work and then the members of COSATE for the statement that had been drawn up and the agreements reached over the past two years. He reiterated ORIT’s support for the incoming President and stressed that operational, rather than conceptual, points of consensus are necessary and that there is a pressing need to generate social dialogue. He mentioned that this dialogue had to be accompanied, for evaluation purposes, by a monitoring mechanism, ongoing follow-up, and specific targets and deadlines.

Mr. George Fyffe of the Jamaican Confederation of Trade Unions thanked his colleagues for their support and cooperation over the past two years. He noted the important part played by the Caribbean countries in COSATE processes and activities and congratulated the incoming President on his election, saying that COSATE would grow stronger over the coming years.

Mr. Robert Giuseppi, the incoming President of COSATE, thanked his colleagues for entrusting him with the post and said COSATE would grow in importance. He said that in Trinidad and Tobago, the National Trade Union Centre, NATUC, would work closely with the Government and that dialogue would be an essential ingredient of the relationship. Finally, he emphasized the importance of including economic issues in COSATE debates and assured his audience that he will foster such inclusion during his term as President.

The meeting was declared closed at 10:00 a.m.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.13/07 rev.1September 11-13, 2007 11 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: Spanish

AGENDA FOR THEPERMANENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THEBUSINESS TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

ON LABOR MATTERS (CEATAL)

(Adoped at the meeting held September 11, 2007)

1. Approval of the Agenda

2. Report of the Chairman of CEATAL Mr. Daniel Funes de Rioja on CEATAL’s main activities during the XIV IACML

3. Composition and election of the Executive Committee. Nomination and election of officers of the Executive Committee

4. Considerations of the presentation by the Chairman of CEATAL to the Plenary of the Conference

5. Other business

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.23/07September 11-13, 2007 25 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Original: Spanish

REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LABOR MATTERS (CEATAL)

The Permanent Executive Committee of the Business Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL) met on September 11, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the framework of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor. The meeting was attended by representatives of various employers’ organizations and of the International Labour Organization. The Organization of American States attended in its capacity as the Technical Secretariat of CEATAL.

I. Inauguration

The Chair, Mr. Daniel Funes de Rioja, began the meeting of CEATAL with a word of thanks to the Government of Trinidad for having provided an opportunity to share points of view with participants from all parts of the Hemisphere, in particular with participants from the Caribbean. He also thanked the OAS and ILO’s Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACTEMP/ILO) for their ongoing and resolute support for this Committee. He stressed that communication between the OAS and CEATAL had improved, and that this had facilitated a more extensive exchange of opinions and enhanced their joint work, particularly in periods between meetings.

Mr. Funes de Rioja pointed out that this year it had proved very difficult to prepare a proposed joint declaration with workers, not for lack of willingness, but because of the innate complexity of the task. He emphasized that, for the OAS and the ILO to combine efforts, there has to be considerable good will on both sides and that this was achieved thanks to these organizations’ determination to work together.

Finally, he pointed to the commendable work of the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and its secretariat, especially that of its outgoing advisor, Andrés Yurén, and he welcomed María Paz Anzorreguy, who has been a very effective coordinator of CEATAL.

II. Adoption of the agenda

The Chair presented the proposed agenda for the meeting, which was approved and adopted in its entirety.

III. Report of the Chair of CEATAL

Mr. Funes de Rioja underscored the cooperation received from all the participants with respect to the agenda of the meeting and to the preparatory meetings. He thanked everyone for their willingness and readiness to take part in the process and he emphasized that ever since the XII IACML, held in Canada in 2001, that participation has grown and resulted in subsequent meetings. He also underscored the value of the contributions and the technically effective and politically well

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coordinated manner in which they were delivered. He maintained that the Secretariat had made it possible to achieve a high level of consistency and satisfaction with respect to CEATAL’s management and specifically with regard to the previously established objectives.

He mentioned that the hurdles encountered in the preparation of the joint declaration with the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) were overcome, thanks to intense work by Mr. Rafael Gijón. He stressed that the subject of joint declarations with workers in the region was vital and that reciting the need for social dialogue without practicing it was by no means ideal and something that the region was rejecting. Mr. Funes de Rioja said that it was problematic in the region that ministerial declarations are not always applicable to real circumstances in our countries, which often differ, and that they point to a lack of positive actions of an inclusive nature.

He stressed that social dialogue must be used as a mechanism for reaching understanding with our respective societies and that it, in turn, must be the cornerstone for constructing dialogue at the regional level. He highlighted the need for greater emphasis on harmonious dialogue, not dialectical confrontation.

He pointed out that a discussion had arisen regarding the relatively higher status accorded to COSATE, rather than CEATAL, in the resolution adopted by the OAS General Assembly, which recognizes COSATE as the workers’ interlocutor vis-à-vis the OAS. He told the meeting of a letter sent to the OAS Secretary General on the disparity generated by this fact and of his conversation on the subject with the Secretary General in Chile. He also assured participants that workers backed the petition to accord CEATAL and COSATE equal treatment in the Declaration of the XV IACML.

He emphasized the importance of Sustainable Enterprises as the basis for the region’s development and that among the essential conditions for the proliferation of such enterprises are political democracy, a market economy, and sustainable development with social inclusion, which helps generate productive employment and decent work.

Mr. Funes de Rioja finally proposed forging a new model in which the OAS could act as the principal forum for debate and foster the extensive and active participation of the subregions, providing them with the opportunity to express their points of view.

Speaking on behalf of the Technical Secretariat of the OAS, Ms. María Claudia Camacho underscored the work of the past two years that has consolidated CEATAL participation in each and every one of the IACML activities. She stressed that the Conference has increasingly established itself as a forum for political dialogue in the Hemisphere and that it has made considerable headway with respect to technical assistance and cooperation, especially with the creation of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (INLA/RIAL). This Network will lend added weight to the IACML as a forum for cooperation and exchange of ideas.

Ms. Camacho mentioned that five major thematic workshops were held in the INLA framework, in all of which CEATAL played an active part. She highlighted the usefulness of having business sector experts attend these workshops, as illustrated by the Hemispheric Workshop on Occupational Health and Safety, in which CEATAL’s representative was an expert in those matters working for the FEMSA Group in Mexico.

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She emphasized that exchange activities really had benefited from a tripartite dialogue and that the conclusions and decisions reached were indeed influenced by CEATAL’s views. Finally, Ms. Camacho invited the Committee to take part in activities other than those geared to political dialogue: in other words, INLA activities; and she assured participants that the OAS is redoubling its efforts to provide more funding for CEATAL participation in the various activities.

The CEATAL coordinator, Ms. María Paz Anzorreguy, then moved on to the report on the appointment of representatives of business organizations in the Hemisphere and asked the organizations that had not already done so to ratify their representatives. She stressed the importance of representativeness and legitimacy in such roles, bearing in mind that on previous occasions it was government that appointed the representatives, whereas now organizations had the opportunity to elect their delegates. Ms. Anzorreguy delivered an updated list of CEATAL delegates to the Technical Secretariat.

IV. Election of the Executive Committee

Mr. Rafael Gijón, an ACTEMP/ILO specialist in employers’ activities, presented a proposal on the composition of the Executive Committee, based on prior consultation with employers’ organizations.

The proposal presented by Mr. Gijón was approved by acclamation, which meant that the Executive Committee of CEATAL comprised the following:

Chair:Daniel Funes de Rioja, Unión Industrial Argentina

First Vice Chair:Adam Green, United States Council for International Business

Second Vice Chairs:Octavio Carvajal, Mexican United States Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN)Dagoberto Lima Godoy, Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI)

Members:Brian Burkett, Canadian Employers CouncilJacqueline Coke-Lloyd, Jamaica Employers’ FederationMarcel Meyer, Suriname Trade and Industry AssociationArmando Urtecho, Honduran Council for Private Enterprise (COHEP)Juan Mailhos, National Chamber of Commerce and Services of UruguayJuan José Fraschini, National Chamber of Industries of Uruguay, alternate member for Mr. MailhosJosé Manuel González de Tovar, Venezuelan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEDECAMARAS)Coordinator:María Paz Anzorreguy, International Organization of Employers (IOE)

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V. Discussion of the statement by CEATAL to be presented to the Ministers of labor

Mr. Funes de Rioja emphasized that the work that has been done is teamwork and is now genuinely much more representative. He stressed the importance of the active presence of the Caribbean and reiterated that there are no exclusively Latin American topics, but rather topics that apply to the Americas as a whole.

He said that democracy was currently threatened and underscored the imperative need for grater participation in a more active social dialogue on a tripartite basis. He acknowledged the great challenges confronting the Hemisphere and underlined the importance of passing feasible and enforceable, not just nominal, laws.

Mr. Alberto Echavarría of Colombia’s National Association of Industries (ANDI) emphasized the importance of free enterprise for economic development and, hence, for social satisfaction and employment generation. He stressed that free enterprise is vital for social wellbeing and urged the members of CEATAL to incorporate respect for private property in future declarations.

VI. Other business

Mr. Dagoberto Lima Godoy thanked the members of CEATAL for electing him Vice Chair. He reiterated the importance of the participation of the Caribbean countries and urged them to play a more active part in the framework of the International Organization of Employers.

Mr. Brian Burkett endorsed the tribute paid to Mr. Funes de Rioja for his work as Chair of CEATAL.

Mr. Funes de Rioja thanked participants for their kind words and reminded them that a change had been made to paragraph 11 of the joint declaration in order to make the sentence broader and more inclusive.

Juan José Fraschini congratulated the new Executive Committee and suggested adding “for all the parties” in reference to effective social dialogue in the joint declaration. For his part, Mr. Armando Urtecho López explained that it would be best to add the phrases “in the Americas” to paragraph 11.

The participants accepted the joint declaration as presented and the meeting was declared closed at 11:00 a.m.

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.24/07September 11-13, 2007 25 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Original: Spanish

REPORT OF THE JOINT MEETINGS OF THE TRADE UNION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (COSATE) AND THE BUSINESS TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON

LABOR MATTERS (CEATAL)

The Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) and the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL) held a joint meeting on September 11, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., in the framework of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor, where they signed the Joint Declaration. Later that day, at 2:30 p.m., they had a special meeting with the Ministers of Labor.

Following is a brief account of those two meetings.

JOINT MEETING OF COSATE AND CEATAL

Mr. Alfonso Quiñónez, Executive Secretary for Integral Development of the OAS, pointed out in his opening remarks that this meeting was evidence of a special and unique mechanism of the IACML that enables workers and employers to engage in dialogue and take part as advisors in the establishment of the region’s labor-related priorities. He reaffirmed the importance of tripartism and congratulated COSATE and CEATAL on their work and their joint statement.

In his capacity as the outgoing President of COSATE, Mr. Salvador Medina reported on the elections held in the Council and stressed that, as the new President, Mr. Robert Giuseppi will foster participation by the Caribbean in COSATE and IACML activities. He thanked CEATAL for its cooperation in the work of the past two years and the Technical Secretariat of the OAS for all its support during his presidency.

Mr. Robert Giuseppi, the incoming President of COSATE, emphasized the excellent relations between CEATAL and COSATE and said he was sure that they will continue to thrive. He paid special tribute to CEATAL and underscored the importance of it being recognized in the OAS as the principal interlocutor of employers. He announced that COSATE would focus in the coming years on the economic aspects of social dialogue in an effort to expand its horizons and acquire new analytic tools.

Mr. Daniel Funes de Rioja, Chair of CEATAL, underlined the mutual respect felt between COSATE and CEATAL and reaffirmed his desire to continue the cooperation between them. He stressed that social dialogue was a difficult, but highly necessary, exercise, which presupposes commitment on the part of governments and a sense of responsibility on the part of workers and employers. He recognized that workers are the necessary counterpart for effective social dialogue

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and for that reason he welcomed the fact that in the OAS social dialogue is with the stakeholders themselves and is not confused with dialogue with civil society. Accordingly, he confirmed CEATAL’s commitment to that dialogue and to the Americas as a whole. He underlines three indispensable conditions for social dialogue: political democracy, the market economy, and decent work, and he highlighted the need, also, for sustainable enterprises. Finally, he reiterated the request that the OAS grant equal treatment to workers and employers in its activities, because following a resolution on the subject adopted at the OAS General Assembly in 2007 the two were not being treated on an equal footing. He acknowledged, too, that COSATE supported this request, an achievement which in itself was undoubtedly a product of social dialogue.

Mr. Octavio Carvajal, Vice Chair of CEATAL, acknowledged the role of CEATAL and COSATE as social interlocutors and reminded participants that this responsibility entails establishing truly representative, authentic, path-breaking organizations, imbued with a commitment to their countries and conscious of the set of issues facing them.

Mr. Rubén Cortina, the COSATE representative, reiterated that effective social dialogue is essential in this new growth phase and that deadlines were needed for targets capable of being monitored. He re-asserted the need for sustainable enterprises and called for corporate social responsibility. He also stressed that political democracy had to go deeper and improve if it is to live up to the labor relations challenges of the future. He mentioned the need to continue discussing a change of paradigm, involving definition of a new role for the State.

Mr. Dagoberto Lima Godoy, Vice Chair of CEATAL, requested that in future these meetings be conducted in the four official languages of the OAS. He emphasized that social dialogue in the context of labor and production relations is a tripartite dialogue among governments, workers, and employers and that these social players should not allow other organizations to intervene that do not have the same commitment. He underscored the need for effective social dialogue objectives and results that can be monitored.

Ms. Marta Pujadas, Vice President of COSATE, referred to the Joint Statement and commented on its development over time since the first joint statements of the two bodies. She recognized the achievements resulting from the effective participation of COSATE and CEATAL before, after, and during IACML activities. She said she considered it necessary to ensure that in coming years the President/Chair of each body, together with two additional representatives, are present in the various activities of the IACML in order to organize, monitor, and follow up more thoroughly on subsequent statements.

Mr. Juan José Fraschini, on behalf of CEATAL, congratulated the President and Chair for their prolific work in all the activities carried out. He applauded workers and employers for their attitude and good will with respect to efforts to foster a social dialogue and he reiterated the commitment of employers to make such dialogue effective in the long run.

Mr. Lincoln Lewis of COSATE asserted that it is up to workers and employees to take into account the poverty afflicting the region and he stressed the importance of a commitment by both parties to developing an integral program to fight it.

Ms. Marta Pujadas then read out the Joint Statement by COSATE and CEATAL, which was adopted by acclamation by those present and signed by the President of COSATE and the Chair of

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CEATAL in the presence of the Director-General of the ILO, Juan Somavía, and of the Executive Secretary for Integral Development of the OAS, Alfonso Quiñonez.

Shortly before the meeting ended, Mr. Juan Somavía addressed a few words to participants. He welcomed the signing of the Joint COSATE-CEATAL Statement, which represented, he said, a major effort of consensus-building and dialogue. He emphasized the fundamental role of social dialogue in the forging of truly democratic societies and mentioned the ILO report “Decent work in the Americas: An agenda for the Hemisphere, 2006-2015,” adopted in 2006 during the Sixteenth American Regional Meeting of the ILO. He emphasized that, based on that Agenda, Decent Work Country Programs are being drawn up, which will facilitate the convergence of public and private efforts to systematically incorporate a decent work agenda in national development policies. He also thanked COSATE and CEATAL for inviting him to witness the signing of the Joint Statement.

MEETING OF COSATE AND CEATAL WITH THE MINISTERS OF LABOR

At 2:30 p.m. on September 11, 2007, representatives of COSATE and CEATAL held a special meeting with the Ministers of Labor attending the XV IACML.

The Honorable Javier Lozano Alarcón, Secretary for Labor and Social Security of Mexico and the pro tempore President of the XIV IACML, welcomed the Ministers of Labor and the representatives of COSATE and CEATAL. He underscored the importance of dialogue between the factors of production and governments and he stressed that dialogue with the productive sectors is the best way to forge appropriate public policies capable of achieving the Hemisphere’s shared objectives. He then yielded the floor to Mr. Daniel Funes de Rioja, Chair of CEATAL, and Mr. Robert Giuseppi, President of COSATE, and to representatives of the two advisory bodies.

Mr. Funes de Rioja recalled that just a few hours earlier a new joint statement had been signed by the region’s workers and employers that not only reaffirms joint goals but also testifies to the commitment to dialogue and to the quest for harmonization of the objectives pursued by the social sectors. He recognized organized labor as the natural counterpart in the social dialogue. He emphasized that without political democracy none of the ideals of a modern enterprise can be fulfilled and he underlined the pre-eminence of sustainable enterprise and decent work as the basis for progress and well-being in the Hemisphere. He also stressed the importance of increasingly formal economies with well established rules and standards. He reaffirmed the commitment of entrepreneurs in the Americas to engage responsibly in social dialogue and he reiterated the importance of the OAS as the appropriate framework in the region for facilitating a form of social dialogue that is both practical and effective.

Mr. Giuseppi pondered the changes brought about by globalization and the issues it raises for the region as a whole. He spoke emphatically of the need for concrete progress and the need to plan, not just in terms of tasks to be accomplished, but also with respect to methods and deadlines for correcting such social ills as poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities. He called upon Labor Ministries not just to examine standards and functions, but to give priority to social dialogue and to regard it as a core component of cooperation with the workers’ movement and the business sector. He reiterated COSATE’s commitment to play a significant part in the Conference and to work in conjunction with CEATAL in support of the Conference’s objectives.

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Mr. Octavio Carvajal, Vice Chair of CEATAL, pointed out that one of the basic conditions for achieving decent work, with dignity and humanity, is the avoidance of occupational hazards. He stressed that countries’ productivity and competitiveness are directly impaired by accidents at work and occupational illnesses and he urged ministries of labor to act as catalysts and coordinators of actions and regulations designed to prevent occupational hazards.

Mr. Dagoberto Lima Godoy, Vice Chair of CEATAL, referred to social dialogue as a tripartite dialogue between government authorities and representatives legitimately chosen by enterprises and by workers. He emphasized that collective bargaining is the fundamental mechanism for conciliation among social actors and underscored the importance of sustainable development and stronger labor ministries in order to confront the challenges posed by competition in a globalized world.

Mr. Salvador Medina, Vice President of COSATE, then emphasized the pressing need to generate stable, highly productive, well paid jobs with adequate social protection in order to break the vicious circle of exclusion and inequality afflicting the region and to consolidate democratic governance and respect for the rights of workers. He said it was essential to heed international agreements based on values that can restore proper working conditions and he proposed a strategy whereby each State would develop its own national capabilities by regulating economic activities without neglecting the rank and file in such a way as to ensure that everyone in that society benefits from globalization.

Ms. Marta Pujadas, on behalf of COSATE, reaffirmed that the joint statement signed by COSATE and CEATAL is one the cornerstones of the commitment of workers and employers to effective, ongoing social dialogue. She reiterated the importance of drawing up an agenda for institutionalizing such dialogue and urged governments to call upon social actors to take part in the design of and quest for national solutions.

Ms. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, Minister of Labor of Antigua and Barbuda, noted that gender-mainstreaming is a key part of gender equality and that this topic must be included in the decent work agenda.

The meeting was declared closed at 3:30 p.m. after Secretary of State Lozano Alarcón congratulated COSATE and CEATAL on their outstanding commitment to social dialogue throughout the Hemisphere.

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APPENDIX IV – OTHER DOCUMENTS

Work Schedule for the XV IACML

List of Participants

List of Documents Registered by the General Secretariat

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XV INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE OEA/Ser.K/XII.15.1OF MINISTERS OF LABOR TRABAJO/doc.3/07 rev.4September 11-13, 2007 12 September 2007Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Original: English

SCHEDULE FOR THE XV IACML

(Approved during the first plenary session held September 11, 2007)

”Making Decent Work central to social and economic development”

Hilton Trinidad & Conference CentreLady Young Road – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

September 10

8:00 - 18:00 Registration and Reception of the Delegations

September 11

8:00 - 18:00 Registration of the Delegations

9:00 - 13:00 MEETINGS OF ADVISORY BODIES

9:00 - 13:00 Meeting of the Technical Permanent Commission for Labor Issues – COTPAL – For representatives of the Ministries of Labor - Ballroom

9:00 – 10:00 Meeting of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council – COSATE Scarlet Ibis Room

10:00 – 11:00 Meeting of the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters – CEATAL - Scarlet Ibis Room

11:00 – 13:00 Joint Meeting of COSATE and CEATAL - Scarlet Ibis Room

13:00 - 14:30 Lunch

14:30 – 15:30 Meeting of the Ministers of Labor and members of COSATE and CEATAL - Ballroom

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15:30 - 16:30 PREPARATORY SESSION FOR MINISTERS ONLY (art. 31 of the Rules of Procedure)a. Establishment of the order of precedence;b. Decision on rules of procedure;c. Decision on election of the Chairman of the Conference;d. Decision on the agenda;e. Decision on the Committee on Credentials and the Style Committee;f. Decision on the working method and the makeup of working groups;g. Deadline for the presentation of proposals;

h. Consideration of the distribution of documents by working groups and of the drafts that are not clearly related to the topics of the agenda;

i. Decision on the approximate duration of the Conference, andj. Other business.

17:00 – 17:30 Transportation will be provided from Hilton Hotel to Queen’s Hall for all delegates by the Ministry of Labor and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago

18:00 - 19:00 INAUGURAL SESSION – Queen´s Hall Remarks by Mr. Carl Francis, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour

and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago

Remarks by His Excellency José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States

Remarks by His Excellency Juan Somavía, Director General of the International Labor Organization

Remarks by the Honorable Javier Lozano Alarcon, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico, Chair of the XIV IACML

Remarks by the Honorable Fitzgerald Hinds, Minister of States in the Ministry of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago

19:00 – 19:15 Group Picture and Signature of the Memorandum of Understanding between the OAS and the ILO

19:00 – 21:00 Cocktail Reception hosted by Senator the Honourable Danny Montano, Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago – Queen´s Hall

20:45 – 21:30 Transportation will be provided from Queen’s Hal to Hilton Hotel for all delegates by the Ministry of Labor and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago

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September 12

9:00 - 10:15 FIRST PLENARY SESSION: Follow-up Reports - Ballroom

Ratification of the agreements adopted during the Preparatory Session

Report of the OAS, on the follow-up of the Plan of Action of the XIV IACML, by Francisco Pilotti, Director of the Department of Social Development and Employment, SEDI, OAS

Report of the ILO on the support provided to the IACML, by Jean Maninat, ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean

Presentation on the process of the Summit of the Americas and its relationship with the XV IACML, by Carmen Marina Gutierrez, Director of the Summits of the Americas Secretariat

Intervention of the Chair of COSATE

Intervention of the Chair of CEATAL

10:15 - 11:30 SECOND PLENARY SESSION: Decent work challenges in the Hemisphere

10:15 – 11:00 Introductory Presentations Minister Javier Lozano Alarcón, Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare

of Mexico

Minister Danny Montano, Minister of Labor and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago

Vice-Minister Ronaldo Lessa, Executive Secretary, Ministry of Labor and Employment of Brazil

Vice-Minister Anina del Castillo, Ministry of Labor of the Dominican Republic

11:00 – 11:30 Ministerial Dialogue

11:30 - 11:45 Coffee Break

11:45 - 1:00 THIRD PLENARY SESSION: Strengthening the capacities of Ministries of Labour

11:45 – 12:30 Introductory presentations Minister Manzoor Nadir, Ministry of Labour, Human Services and

Social Security of Guyana Vice-Minister Rafael Chacon, Ministry of the Popular Authority on

Labor and Social Security of Venezuela

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Director General Anthony Giles, International and Intergovernmental Labour Affairs, Labour Program, Human Resources and Social Development Canada

12:30 – 13:00 Ministerial Dialogue

13:00 - 15:00 Luncheon for Ministers and Heads of Delegation  hosted by Senator the Honourable Danny Montano, Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago -  Scarlet Ibis Room

Luncheon for Delegates  hosted by Mr. Carl Francis, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago -  Savannah Terrace

15:00 - 16:15 FOURTH PLENARY SESSION: Gender Mainstreaming

15:00 – 15:45 Introductory presentations Minister Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, Minister of Labor of Antigua and

Barbuda

15:45 – 16:15 Ministerial Dialogue

16:15 - 16:30 Coffee Break

16:30 - 17:45 FIFTH PLENARY SESSION: Creation of employment with emphasis on youth

16:30 – 17:15 Introductory presentations Minister Francisco Morales Hernández, Minister of Labor and Social

Security of Costa Rica

Vice-Minister Zarko Cosme Luksic Sandoval, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Chile

Deputy Undersecretary Charlotte Ponticelli, Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, United States Department of Labor

Permanent Secretary Carston Simmons, Ministry of Labour and Civil Service of Barbados

Undersecretary Leonardo Chiriboga, Undersecretary of Labor and Employment for the Amazon Region, Ministry of Labor and Employment of Ecuador

17:15 – 17:45 Ministerial Dialogue

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September 13

9:00 - 10:15 SIXTH PLENARY SESSION: Social Dialogue

9:00 – 9:45 Introductory presentations Minister Eduardo Bonomi, Minister of Labor and Social Security of

Uruguay

Minister Carlos Alfonso Tomada, Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security of Argentina

Minister Dion A. Foulkes, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Labor of Bahamas

Minister Edwin Salamin, Minister of Labor and Labor Development of Panama

9:45 – 10:15 Ministerial Dialogue

10:15 – 10:30 Coffee Break

10:30 - 12:00 CLOSING SESSION

Election of the Chair pro tempore of the XVI IACML

Remarks by the Chair pro tempore of the XVI IACML

Adoption of the Declaration and Plan of Action of Port of Spain

Closing Remarks by Danny Montano, Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago, Chair of the XV IACML

14:00 Press Conference offered by the Chair pro tempore of the XV IACML, the OAS General Secretariat and the ILO. All delegations are invited to attend as observers.

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LISTA DE PARTICIPANTES/LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

ESTADOS MIEMBROS/MEMBER STATES

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Head of Delegation

Jacqui Quinn-LeandroMinister of Public Administration, Labour and Empowerment

ARGENTINA

Jefe de Delegación

Carlos TomadaMinistro de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social

Representantes

Norberto CiaravinoJefe de Gabinete del MinistroMinisterio de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social

Julio RosalesDirector de Asuntos InternacionalesMinisterio de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social

Alejandro NegroDirector CeremonialMinisterio de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social

Mónica GuidiSecretaria Privada del MinistroMinisterio de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social

BAHAMAS, COMMONWEALTH OF THE

Head of Delegation

Dion A. FoulkesMinister of Maritime Affairs and Labour

Representatives

Donald SymonetteUnder Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Labour

Harcourt BrownDirector of Labor, Department of Labour

Althea AlburyAssistant Director of Labour, Department of Labour

BARBADOS

Head of Delegation

Carston SimmonsPermanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Civil Service

Representative

Edla LoweChief Labour Officer, Ministry of Labour and Civil Service

BRASIL

Jefe de Delegación

Ronaldo LessaSecretario Ejecutivo, Ministerio de Trabajo y Empleo

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Representantes

Mario Dos Santos BarbosaAsesor Especial del Ministro de Trabajo y Empleo

Marcílio Ribeiro de Sant’AnaSociólogo, Ministerio de Trabajo y Empleo

Mõnica NasserMinistra ConsejeraEmbajada de Brasil en Trinidad and Tobago

CANADA

Head of Delegation

Anthony GilesDirector General International and Intergovernmental Labour Affairs, Labour Program, HRSDC

Representatives

Pierre BouchardDirector, Office for Inter-American Labour Cooperation Human Resources and Social Development Canada

Kim OliverDeputy Director, Office for Inter-American Labour Cooperation Human Resources and Social Development Canada

Sarah Fountain SmithDirector, Inter-American Relations and Regional PolicyDepartment of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Paul R. WilliamsCoordinator, Summit of the Americas ProcessDepartment of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Ingrid KnutsonCounsellor and Alternate RepresentativePermanent Mission of Canada to the OAS

Howard StraussHigh Commissioner of Canada and Trinidad and Tobago

CHILE

Jefe de Delegación

Zarko Cosme Luksic SandovalSubsecretario del TrabajoMinisterio del Trabajo y Previsión Social

Representantes

Sebastián Farías HinostrozaAsesor de Relaciones InternacionalesMinisterio del Trabajo y Previsión Social

COLOMBIA

Jefe de DelegaciónDiego Palacio Betancourt Ministro Ministerio de la Protección Social

COSTA RICA

Jefe de Delegación

Francisco Morales HernándezMinistroMinisterio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social

Representante

Ricardo Thompson ThompsonEmbajadorEmbajada de Costa Rica en Trinidad y Tobago

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ECUADOR

Jefe de Delegación

Leonardo Chiriboga Subsecretario Ministerio de Trabajo y Empleo

EL SALVADOR

Jefe de Delegación

Carmen Elisa Sosa de CallejasViceministraMinisterio de Trabajo y Previsión Social

Representante

Carlos Hernández ZúñigaJefe Unidad de Administración Laboral de TLC’sMinisterio de Trabajo y Previsión Social

GUATEMALA

Jefe de Delegación

Cándida González Chipir Segunda ViceministraMinisterio de Trabajo y Previsión Social

GUYANA

Head of Delegation

Manzoor NadirMinisterMinistry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security

JAMAICA

Representative

Cherett CambellCounsellorEmbassy of Jamaica in Trinidad and Tobago

MÉXICO

Jefe de Delegación

Javier Lozano AlarcónSecretarioSecretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social

Representantes

Jorge Rodríguez CastañedaJefe de la Unidad de Asuntos InternacionalesSecretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social

Héctor Alcudia GoyaDirector General de Comunicación SocialSecretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social

Claudia Anel Valencia CarmonaSubcoordinadora de Política Laboral HemisféricaSecretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social

Eduardo Velasquillo HerreraDirector de Asuntos Políticos Hemisféricos Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social

Luz Elena BuenoEmbajadoraEmbajada de México en Trinidad y Tobago

Eduardo BacaConsejero y Jefe de CancilleríaEmbajada de México en Trinidad y Tobago

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PANAMÁ

Jefe de Delegación

Edwin Salamín JaénMinistroMinisterio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral

Representantes

Ricardo Aguilar Asesor de Asuntos InternacionalesMinisterio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral

Gerardo MaloneyEmbajador Embajada de Panamá en Trinidad y Tobago

PARAGUAY

Jefe de Delegación

Derlis Céspedes AguileraMinistroMinisterio de Justicia y Trabajo

PERÚ

Jefe de Delegación

Jorge Elisban Villasante AranibarDirector Nacional de Inspección del TrabajoMinisterio de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo

REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA

Jefe de Delegación

Anina del CastilloSub-SecretarioSecretaría de Estado de Trabajo

Representantes

Nelson Reyes UreñaDirector de Relaciones InternacionalesSecretaría de Estado de Trabajo

José Manuel CastilloEmbajadorEmbajada de República Dominicana en Trinidad y Tobago

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

Head of Delegarion

Ivor BlakeAssistant Secretary Ministry of National Security, Immigration and Labour

Representative

Spencer AmoryLabour Commissioner (Ag).Ministry of National Security, Immigration and Labour

SAINT LUCIA

Representative

Gregor BrathwaiteAssistant Labour CommissionerDepartment of Labour Relations

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

Head of Delegation

Andreas WickhamPermanent SecretaryMinistry of Urban Development, Culture, Labour and Electoral Matters

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SURINAME

Head of Delegation

Joyce Dorothy Amarello-WilliamsMinisterMinistry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment

Representative

Claudette HiwatDeputy Secretary, Labour Market DepartmentMinistry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Head of Delegation

Danny MontanoMinisterMinistry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Representatives

Carl FrancisPermanent Secretary (Ag)Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Aldington Spencer Secretary for the Division of Settlements and LabourTobago House of Assembly

Paul HuijzendveldExecutive DirectorOccupational Safety and Health AgencyMinistry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Selby Brathwaithe Director of Labour AdministrationMinistry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Sandra McIntyre TrotmanDirector, Bilateral RelationsMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago

Elizabeth SealyChief Manpower OfficerMinistry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Shanmatee SinghDirector, Research and Planning (Ag.)Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Erol CaesarAdministrator, Division of Settlements and Labour,Tobago House of Assembly

Frances SeignoretCounsellor, Alternate Representative Permanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the OAS

Lynda Johnson-BobbSenior Planning Officer (Ag.)Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Marcia RampersadSenior Programme OfficerMinistry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Omalisa BaldeoSenior Research OfficerMinistry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Jerome C. JosephForeign OfficerMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago

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Shivani MaharajInternational Relations OfficerMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago

Sharifa Ali-AbdullahSenior CoordinatorNational Secretariat for V Summit of the AmericasOffice of the Primer Minister

UNITED STATES

Head of Delegation

Charlotte M. PonticelliDeputy Undersecretary for International AffairsU.S. Department of Labor

Representatives

Jeri JensenDeputy Assistant, U.S. Trade Representative for Labor

Jane RichardsInternational EconomistBureau of International Labor AffairsU.S. Department of Labor

Kristin LipkeInternational Relations AnalystBureau of International Labor AffairsU.S. Department of Labor

Melissa J. KopolowAlternate RepresentativeUnited States Permanent Mission to the OASU.S. Department of State

Michael D. PuccettiDeputy National Summit CoordinatorEconomic Policy and Summit Coordination OfficeU.S. Department of State

Gabriella RiggPolicy AdvisorBureau of Democracy, Human Rights and LaborU.S. Department of State

John CushingPolitical ChiefU.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago

James KueblerPolitical OfficerU.S Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago

Debra CoryatPolitical AssistantU.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago

URUGUAY

Jefe de Delegación

Edison Eduardo Bonomi VarelaMinistroMinisterio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social

VENEZUELA

Jefe de Delegación

Rafael ChacónViceministro de Trabajo Ministerio del Poder Popular para el Trabajo y la Seguridad Social

Representantes

Rafael D´ArmasAsesor del MinistroMinisterio del Poder Popular para el Trabajo y la Seguridad Social

Mario Salazar RodríguezAsesor en Materias de OrganizacionesMinisterio del Poder Popular para el Trabajo y la Seguridad Social

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ÓRGANOS ASESORES DE LA CONFERENCIA /ADVISORY BODIES OF THE CONFERENCE

Comisión Empresarial de Asesoramiento Técnico en Asuntos Laborales / Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)

Daniel Funes de RiojaPresidente CEATALUnión Industrial Argentina Argentina

Dagoberto Lima GodoyVicepresidente CEATALConfederação Nacional da Industria (CNI)Brasil

Brian BurkettVocal CEATAL Executive Director, Canadian Employers Council (CEC)Canada

Alberto Echavarría SaldarriagaVicepresidente de Asuntos Jurídicos y SocialesAsociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia (ANDI)Colombia

Octavio Carvajal BustamenteVicepresidente CEATALConfederación de Cámaras Industriales de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (CONCAMIN)México

Callistus GillPresident, St. Lucia Employers’ FederationSaint Lucia

Maria Paz AnzorreguyCoordinadora CEATALConsejera, Organización Internacional de Empleadores (OIE)Suiza

Juan María Mailhos GutiérrezVocal CEATALGerente Asuntos LaboralesCámara Nacional de Comercio y ServiciosUruguay Juan José Fraschini ChalarVocal Suplente CEATALCámara de Industrias del Uruguay (CIU)Uruguay

Armando Urtecho LópezVocal CEATALConsejero Legal, Consejo Hondureño de la Empresa Privada (COHEP)Honduras

Gerand PinardDirectorEmployers’ Consultative Association of Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago

José Manuel González de TovarVocal CEATALPresidente, Federación de Cámaras y Asociaciones de Comercio y Producción (FEDECAMARAS)Venezuela

Patrick SterlingMember, Jamaica Employers’ FederationJamaica

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Consejo Sindical de Asesoramiento Técnico / Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE)

Robert GiuseppiPresident COSATETrinidad and Tobago

Salvador Medina TorresVicepresidente de COSATEConfederación de Trabajadores de México (CTM)México

Marta PujadasVicepresidenta de COSATEConfederación General del Trabajo (CGT)República Argentina

Cicero Pereira da SilvaAdjunto Secretaria de Integração para as AméricasCentral Latino Americana de Trabalhadores (CLAT-UGT)Brasil

Rubén CortinaDirector de Gabinete, Organización Regional Interamericana de Trabajadores (ORIT)Argentina

George Fyffe

Vice-President COSATE. General Secretary JCTUJamaican Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU)JamaicaJulio Roberto Gómez EsguerraPresidente, Central Latinoamericana de Trabajadores (CLAT)Colombia

Apecides Alviz Fernández Presidente, Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia (CTC)

Luís Alfonso Velásquez RicoMiembro del Comité Ejecutivo, Central Unitaria de Trabajadores Colombia

Lewis LincolnMember, Caribbean Congress of LabourGuyana

José Elías Torres VirguesMiembro del Comité Ejecutivo, Confederación de Trabajadores de Venezuela (CTV)Venezuela

Jacqueline Jack President, Caribbean Congress of LabourTrinidad and Tobago

OBSERVADORES

ORGANISMOS REGIONALES E INTERNACIONALES /REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) /International Labour Organization (ILO)

Juan SomavíaDirector General (ILO)Switzerland

Rafael Diez de Medina

Consejero Principal para América Latina y el Caribe, Oficina del Director GeneralGinebra

Annette Marie ChingSenior Advisor in the Office of the Director-General (ILO)Switzerland

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Ana Teresa RomeroDirector, ILO Subregional Office for the CaribbeanTrinidad and Tobago

Mary ReadDeputy Director, ILO Subregional Office for the CaribbeanTrinidad and Tobago

Jean ManinatDirector Regional (OIT)Oficina de la OIT para América Latina y el CaribePerú

Virgilio LevaggiDeputy Regional Director for the Americas International Labour Organization (ILO)Perú

Armand PereiraDirector - Washington OfficeInternational Labour Organization (OIT)United StatesRafael GijónEspecialista en actividades para empleadores ACTEMP / OITSuiza

Luesette HowellSenior Specialist-Employers’ Activities, ILO Subregional Office for the CaribbeanTrinidad and Tobago

Carol-Ann SenahNational Project Coordinator, ILO/USDOL HIV/AIDS Workplace Education ProgrammeILO Subregional Office for the CaribbeanTrinidad and Tobago

Madhuri SupersadRegional Focal Point HIV/AIDS and the World of Work, ILO Subregional Office for the CaribbeanTrinidad and Tobago

Yuka Ujita

Technical Officer Occupational Safety and Health, ILO Subregional Office for the CaribbeanTrinidad and Tobago

Reynold SimonsSenior Specialist, Employment and Labour Market Policies, ILO Subregional Office for the CaribbeanTrinidad and Tobago

Sandra AgarratProgramme Officer, Subregional Office for the Caribbean (ILO)Trinidad and Tobago

Roma Wong SangInformation Officer, ILO Subregional Office for the CaribbeanTrinidad and Tobago

Oscar ValverdeEspecialista Actividades Trabajadores (OIT)Perú

Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo BID/Inter-American Development Bank IDB

William RobinsonBank Representative Trinidad and Tobago

Jorge O. TorresEspecialista Desarrollo SocialTrinidad y Tobago

Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Myrna Bernard Director, Human DevelopmentCARICOM Secretariat

Steven Mac AndrewSpecialist, Movement of Skills/LabourCARICOM Secretariat

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Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL) / Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Neil PierreDelegate

Comisión Interamericana de Mujeres / Interamerican Comisión on Women Mujeres (CIM)

Yasmín Solitahe OdlumEspecialista, Comisión Interamericana de Mujeres (CIM)United States

Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) /Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)Carissa Etienne, MD, MSCAssistant Director, Pan American Health Organization United States

Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM) / International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Thomas SinkovitsChief of MissionInternational Organization for Migration Trinidad and Tobago

INVITADOS ESPECIALES /SPECIAL GUESTS

Jóvenes Empresarios de las Américas / Young Americas Business Trust

Roy ThomassonChief Executive OfficerOAS Young Americas Business Trust (OAS)

Luis ViguriaDeputy Executive DirectorOAS Young Americas Business Trust (OAS)

Rafael PintoProgram ManagerYoung Americas Business Trust (OAS)

Nahuel Velazquez ViardProgram ManagerYoung Americas Business Trust (OAS)

Zakaria El GoumiriSecretaría Ejecutiva para el Desarrollo Integral (SEDI-OAS)

SECRETARÍA GENERAL DE LA ORGANIZACIÓN DE LOS ESTADOS AMERICANOS (OEA) / GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

(OAS)

José Miguel Insulza Secretario General

Alfonso Quiñónez Secretario Ejecutivo para el Desarrollo Integral

Francisco PilottiDirector, Departamento de Desarrollo Social y Empleo

Carmen Marina GutiérrezDirectora, Secretaría de Cumbres de las Américas

Paloma AdamsAsesora del Secretario General

Mónica VillegasSecretaria de Comisión del Consejo Interamericano para el Desarrollo Integral

María Claudia CamachoEspecialista LaboralDepartamento de Desarrollo Social y Empleo

Julie NurseEspecialista en Desarrollo SocialDepartamento de Desarrollo Social y Empleo

Ana Gabriela GarzaDepartamento de Desarrollo Social y Empleo

Rosine Plank-BrumbackEspecialista PrincipalSecretaría de Cumbres de las Américas

Ian EdwardsEspecialista Departamento de Información Pública

LIST OF DOCUMENTS REGISTERED BY THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT

TRABAJO/doc.2/07rev.1 Agenda of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor

Español: English: Portuges: Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00059S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00059E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00059P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00059F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.3/07rev.4 Work Schedule of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor

Español: English: Portuges: Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00061S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00061E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00061P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00061F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.4/07rev.1 Declaration of Port of Spain 2007

Español:English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00054S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00054E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00054P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00054F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.5/07rev.2 Plan of Action of Port of Spain 2007

Español:English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00071S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00071E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00071P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00071F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.6/07rev.1 Rules of Procedure of the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00058S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00058E04.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00058P04.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00058F04.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.7/07 Final Report of Working Group 1

Español: English: Portuges:Français

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00033S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00033E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00033P08.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00033F08.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.8/07 Final Report of Working Group 2

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00034S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00034E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00034P08.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00034F10.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.9/07 Report of the Technical Secretariat to the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00036S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00036E08.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00036P08.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00036F08.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.10/07 Strategic Guidelines of the XV IACML for Advancing Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination within a Decent Work Framework

Español: English:Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00037S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00037S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00037P10.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00037F08.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.11/07rev.1 Agenda for the Meeting of the Technical Permanent Commission on Labor Matters (COTPAL)

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00062S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00062E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00062P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00062F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.12/07rev.1 Agenda for the Permanent Executive Committe of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE)

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00087S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00087E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00087P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00087F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.13/07rev.1 Agenda for the Permanent Executive Committee of the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00088S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00088E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00088P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00088F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.14/07rev.1Agenda for the Joint Meeting of COSATE and CEATAL

Español: English: Portuges:Français :

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00089S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00089E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00089P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00089F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.15/07 Report of the Meeting of the Permanent Executive Committe of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE)

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00042S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00042E09.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00042P06.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00042F06.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.16/07 Organization Plan of the Permanent Technical Committee on Labor Matters (COTPAL)

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00043S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00043E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00043P02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00043F02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.17/07 Organization Plan of the Permanent Executive Committe of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE)

Español: English:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00044S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00044E02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.18/07 Organization Plan of the Permanent Executive Committee of the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL) Español: English:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00045S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00045E02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.19/07 Request from the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL) for Modification of Paragraph 33 of the Draft Declaration of Port of Spain 2007

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00046S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00046E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00046P06.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00046F06.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.20/07Joint CEATAL –COSATE Declaration

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00051S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00051E02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00051P04.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00051F04.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.21/07rev.1 List of Participants XV IACML

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00090T02.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.23/07 Report of the Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Business Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)

Español: English:Portuges:Français

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00085S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00085E07.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00085P06.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00085F06.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.24/07 Report of the Joint Meetings of the Trade Union Technical Advisory Council (COSATE) and the Business Technical Advisory Committee on Labor Matters (CEATAL)

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00086S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00086E06.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00086P09.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00086F08.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.25/07 Report of the Meeting of the Permanent Technical Committee on Labor Matters (COTPAL)

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00092S02.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00092E06.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00092P09.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00092F08.DOC

TRABAJO/doc.26/07 Final Report “XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor of the Organization of American States”

Español: English: Portuges:Français:

http://scm.oas.org/pdfs/2007/DDSE00094S01.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00094E05.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00094P09.DOChttp://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00094F08.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.1/07 Gender Equality for Decent Work

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00035S02.DOCEnglish: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00035E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.2/07 Remarks by Robert Giuseppi to the XV Inter-American Conference of

Ministers of Labour of the Organization of American States on 12th September 2007 at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre.

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00050E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.3/07 Remarks by Charlotte M. Ponticelli, Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, United States Department of Labor

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00055E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.4/07 Remarks of Hon. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Labour, Public Administration and Empowerment and President of the Inter-American Commission on Women (CIM) (Powerpoint Presentation)

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00056S02.DOCEnglish: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00056E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.5/07 Remarks of OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza, at the opening ceremony of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00063S02.DOCEnglish: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00063E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.6/07 Remarks by Vice-Minister Zarko Cosme Luksic Sandoval, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Chile- “Challenges relating to Youth Employment. Chile´s Case”

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00064S02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.7/07 Remarks by Vice-Minister Anina del Castillo, Ministry of Labor of the Dominican Republic- “ Asumming the challenge of Promoting Decent Work”

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00065S02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.8/07 Remarks by Minister Javier Lozano Alarcón, Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare of Mexico at the opening ceremony of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00066S02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.9/07 Remarks by the Minister Mr. Manzoor Nadir, Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security of Guyana

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00072E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.10/07 Remarks by Minister Carlos Alfonso Tomada, Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security of Argentina

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00073S02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.11/07 Remarks by the Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, Ministry of National Security of the

Trinidad and Tobago at the opening ceremony of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00074E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.12/07 Remarks by Juan Somavía, Director General of the International Labor

Organization at the opening ceremony of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00075S02.DOCEnglish: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00075E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.13/07 Remarks by Vice-Minister Rafael Chacon, Ministry of the Popular Authority

on Labor and Social Security of Venezuela

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00076S02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.14/07 Remarks by Minister Edwin Salamin, Minister of Labor and Labor Development of Panama

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00077S02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.15/07 Remarks by the Minister Dion A. Foulkes, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Labor of Bahamas

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00078E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.16/07 Remarks by Minister Danny Montano, Ministery of Labour and Small and

Micro Entreprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00079E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.17/07 Remarks by Minister Danny Montano, Ministry of Labour and Small and

Micro Entreprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago accepting the Presidency of the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00080E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.18/07 Remarks by COSATE Vice-Chair, Mr. Salvador Medina Torres, Confederación de Trabajadores de México (CTM)

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00081S02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.19/07 Remarks by Permanent Secretary Carl Francis, Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Entreprise Development of Trinidad and Tobago

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00083E02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.20/07 Remarks by Minister Francisco Morales Hernández, Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00084S02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.21/07 Remarks by Director General Anthony Giles, International and Intergovernmental Labour Affairs, Labour Program, Human Resources and Social Development Canada

English: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00091T02.DOC

TRABAJO/INF.22/07 Remarks by Minister Eduardo Bonomi, Minister of Labor and Social Security of Uruguay

Español: http://SCM.OAS.ORG/PDFS/2007/DDSE00093S02.DOC