Membership is open to ALL domestic workers across Jamaica. What's app for more info!
Join the movement for fair labor conditions and support domestic worker rights through the Jamaica Household Workers Union.
The Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) is a non-government, non-partisan, voluntary organization established in 1991 to advocate for the needs and interests of household workers.
The aim of the Union is to:
- Ensure fair labor conditions and just wages for household workers
- Protect the domestic worker rights of all individuals in the domestic service
- Inform household workers about their labour rights and regulations
- Provide skills training in household management and other life skills
- Empower its members to achieve their goals both on the job and in their personal lives
The organization developed from a series of training workshops sponsored by the Bureau of Women's Affairs in 1990. Over 175 household workers attended, many of whom united to form an independent Association of household workers, which eventually evolved into the Jamaica Household Workers Union we know today. With 14 chapters across Jamaica, the Union remains dedicated to the empowerment of all domestic workers.
The Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) is a non-government, non-partisan, voluntary organization established in 1991 to advocate for the needs and interests of household workers.
The aim of the Union is to:
- Ensure fair labor conditions and just wages for household workers
- Protect the domestic worker rights of all individuals in the domestic service
- Inform household workers about their labour rights and regulations
- Provide skills training in household management and other life skills
- Empower its members to achieve their goals both on the job and in their personal lives
The organization developed from a series of training workshops sponsored by the Bureau of Women's Affairs in 1990. Over 175 household workers attended, many of whom united to form an independent Association of household workers, which eventually evolved into the Jamaica Household Workers Union we know today. With 14 chapters across Jamaica, the Union remains dedicated to the empowerment of all domestic workers.
At the Jamaica Household Workers Union, we advocate for domestic worker rights, ensuring fairness, equality, and justice for all. Our commitment to creating safe and supportive workplaces for our members drives us to fight tirelessly for their rights and fair labor conditions.
JHWU:
- Informs household workers about their labour rights and regulations.
- Provides training opportunities for household workers.
- Shares updates on job opportunities in domestic services and other occupations.
- Connects household workers with potential employers.
- Offers a support network for household workers.
Our union, the Jamaica Household Workers Union, is led by a team of dedicated and experienced leaders who are committed to championing domestic worker rights and ensuring fair labor conditions. Meet our leadership team and learn more about their backgrounds and areas of expertise.
President - Elaine Duncan
General Secretary - Shirley Pryce
Vice President - Moreen Smith
The leadership team also includes the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, PRO, Assistant PRO, and Core Members.
Get info or advice on:
- Vacation and maternity leave
- Minimum wage and fair labor conditions
- Sexual harassment and abuse on the job, ensuring domestic worker rights are upheld
- Laws and rights regarding termination
- National Insurance (NIS)
- National Housing Trust (NHT)
For more information, consider reaching out to the Jamaica Household Workers Union.
Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) has been successful in advocating for domestic worker rights, including lobbying for a fair increase in the minimum wage, a mission they will continue to pursue in the future. They have also established a 'helpline' service aimed at providing job opportunities for domestic workers and assisting household workers in crisis situations. Additionally, JHWU refers unresolved employer/employee disputes to the Ministry of Labour when necessary. Moreover, the union has set up chapters in 14 other parishes, including Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, and St. Thomas, to promote fair labor conditions across the region.
Get info or advice on:
- Vacation and maternity leave
- Minimum wage and fair labor conditions
- Sexual harassment and abuse on the job, ensuring domestic worker rights are upheld
- Laws and rights regarding termination
- National Insurance (NIS)
- National Housing Trust (NHT)
For more information, consider reaching out to the Jamaica Household Workers Union.
Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) has been successful in advocating for domestic worker rights, including lobbying for a fair increase in the minimum wage, a mission they will continue to pursue in the future. They have also established a 'helpline' service aimed at providing job opportunities for domestic workers and assisting household workers in crisis situations. Additionally, JHWU refers unresolved employer/employee disputes to the Ministry of Labour when necessary. Moreover, the union has set up chapters in 14 other parishes, including Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, and St. Thomas, to promote fair labor conditions across the region.
Household workers ages 18-65 in Jamaica are required to make NIS and NHT contributions, which is essential for ensuring fair labor conditions. Both the domestic worker and the employer are responsible for making these contributions weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. By contributing to the NIS, household workers are entitled to benefits such as Retirement Income Benefit, Funeral Grant, and Widows/Widowers Benefit, which are crucial for understanding domestic worker rights. Additionally, regular contributors to the NHT can apply for mortgage loans from this institution. It is advisable for household workers to confirm that their employers file returns on their behalf, and they may seek assistance from the Jamaica Household Workers Union for any concerns.