Minister Hayward Attends ILO Regional Meeting

Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward recently attended the International Labour Organisation’s 20th Regional Meeting for the Americas in the Dominican Republic.

A Government spokesperson said, “The Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, represented Bermuda at the International Labour Organisation’s [ILO] 20th Regional Meeting for the Americas [ARM], held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from 1–3 October 2025. This meeting was the first Regional meeting since 2018 in Panama.

“Delegates from ILO Member States across the Americas, representing governments, employers’ organisations, and workers’ organisations, gathered under the theme “Democracy, Peace, Decent Work and Social Dialogue: Uniting the Americas for a Future with Sustainable Development and Social Justice.” The meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment to democracy, peace, social justice, sustainable development, growth, and decent work, with social dialogue recognised as central to the ILO’s mandate.

“Over three days, discussions focused on four key areas:

1. Job Creation, Social Protection and Sustainable Development
   • The importance of transitioning from informal to formal employment.
   • Building comprehensive, equitable and sustainable social protection systems.
   • Supporting the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
2. Strengthening Democratic Institutions, Rights and Social Dialogue
   • Promoting freedom of association and collective bargaining.
   • Reinforcing the importance of tripartite dialogue.
   • Renewing commitments to eliminate violence, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace.
3. Just Transition Towards Resilient Societies
   • Encouraging decent work in emerging sectors.
   • Integrating climate resilience into labour and employment policies.
   • Promoting tripartite cooperation in job creation and labour market development.
4. Public Policy Strategies for Skills and Vocational Training
   • Enhancing national learning systems, including vocational training and skills certification.
   • Facilitating smooth transitions for young people from education to employment.
   • Promoting strategies to retain skills critical to the long-term sustainability of economies.

“The Regional Meeting presented an unmissable opportunity to reaffirm the stakeholders’ commitment to forging a social contract based on equality, inclusion, and sustainability. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Putnam Cana Declaration for democracy, peace, decent work, and social dialogue: Uniting the Americas for a future with sustainable development and social justice. This declaration sets priorities for a regional agenda for decent work and social justice, as well as guidelines for future action.

“Minister Hayward also engaged in a bilateral meeting with the Director-General for the ILO, Mr Gilbert F Houngbo. This opportunity reaffirmed Bermuda’s support for the ILO’s mandate, conventions, and recommendations. It endorsed the notion that social justice is not just an abstract aspiration, but an urgent and tangible need that must guide economic, social, and labour policies. The Minister also highlighted the unique perspective of overseas territories and discussed with the Director-General the mechanisms required to strengthen the voice of overseas territories within the region, to aid in their meaningful contribution to the ILO’s work programme.”

Reflecting on the meeting, Minister Hayward explained, “Bermuda is proud to stand alongside our regional partners in advancing the principles of decent work, democracy, and social justice. This meeting was an important opportunity not only to reaffirm our collective commitment but also to ensure that the unique voices of Overseas Territories are heard and represented in shaping the future of labour policy in the Americas.”

A Government spokesperson added, “Minister Hayward was accompanied by Gabrielle Cann, Director of the Department of Labour.”

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