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Organization of American States (OAS)

Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML)

Para más información sobre los proyectos o cooperación del Ministerio de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos de América, favor de llamar a: 202-693-4906.

The Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) is a forum, under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS), in which the Western Hemisphere's Labor Ministers promote hemispheric cooperation on labor and employment issues. Ministers of Labor in the region meet approximately every two years and adopt a Declaration and two-year Plan of Action that sets out priorities, policies, and programs. Representatives from the labor and private sector advisory groups in the region (COSATE and CEATAL), and international organizations also participate.

 

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November 11-12, 2013: XVIII Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) of the OAS — Medellín, Colombia

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris led the U.S. delegation at the XVIII IACML. The ministers of labor from the Americas and delegates from more than 27 OAS member states attended, including the vice president of Colombia and more than 80 worker, employer, and international organization representatives in the region. The theme for the XVIII IACML was "50 years of Inter-American dialogue for the promotion of social justice and decent work: progress and challenges towards sustainable development." The ministers of labor discussed youth employment, coordination of economic and labor policies, social security, equality, social dialogue, and the protection of workers' rights. The IACML adopted a Declaration and Plan of Action.

April 17-19, 2013: Second Meeting of the Working Groups of the XVII IACML and First Preparatory Meeting for the XVIII IACML — Nassau, Bahamas

The Ministries of Labor of the Americas and other invited guests exchanged information on poverty and inequality, social protection, gender mainstreaming, occupational safety and health, and labor inspection systems. On April 19th, the delegates approved the theme and topics of the XVIII IACML, which is to take place in Colombia in November.

April 16, 2013: Hemispheric Workshop on Fairer Labor Conditions — Nassau, Bahamas

This one-day workshop identified key lessons learned and policy recommendations to promote labor inclusion of the most vulnerable populations, who have traditionally been marginalized or discriminated against in the labor market.

February 21-22, 2013: Hemispheric Workshop Against Child Labor — San José, Costa Rica

Government officials, workers, employers, and member of civil society exchanged information, with the goal of eradicating the worst forms of child labor by 2016. The participants drafted recommendations to be considered for the Third Global Child Labor Conference confirmed to take place in Brazil in October 2013.

October 9-11, 2012: XVII IACML Working Group Meetings and Seminar on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining — Washington, DC

The Ministries of Labor from the Americas met to discuss job creation, youth employment, green jobs, current and future labor market needs, and employment services on October 9-10, 2012. They also explored options for regional labor cooperation and institution strengthening. Department of Labor officials from International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) participated in the event. On October 11, governments, workers, and employers from the region discussed public policies, programs, and challenges at a one day seminar entitled "Freedom of Association, Collective Bargaining, and Sustainable Development in a context of Economic Crisis."

February 7, 2012: XVII IACML Planning Meeting — Washington, DC

The Ministries of Labor leading the IACML Troika (El Salvador, Argentina, Colombia) and Working Group Chairs and Vice-Chairs (Brazil, Canada, United States, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Bahamas), COSATE, CEATAL and key international organizations met on February 7, 2012 in Washington, DC to agree upon the IACML Calandar of Activities, determine responsibilities and discuss financial considerations for the IACML's future activities.

October 31 – November 1, 2011: XVII IACML Ministerial Meeting — San Salvador, El Salvador

The government of El Salvador hosted the XVII IACML Ministerial Meetings on October 31-November 1. The President of El Salvador and the OAS Secretary General welcomed the group. Participants included Ministers of Labor from the Western Hemisphere, representatives of labor and private sector advisory groups (COSATE and CEATAL), and experts from the International Labor Organization. The theme of the Ministerial was "Advancing economic and social recovery with suitable development, decent work and social inclusion." Ministers agreed on a Declaration, Plan of Action, and other Resolutions.

Contact

C. Gay 
(202) 693-4906

Para asistencia en español favor de llamar a: 202-693-4906.

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