She made the comment in a speech at a workshop entitled: “Towards People-Centred Development: Social Dialogue as the Key Driver”. She said, "If we are to treat adequately with all dimensions of our society, then all voices and all views are important."
Persad-Bissessar said the negative effects of the global economic and financial crisis have forced Governments and social partners alike to recognise that economic and social problems cannot be solved without collaboration, partnership and joint effort.
"The experiences of countries such as Ireland, Mauritius and Singapore and our CARICOM sister, Barbados in the 1990’s highlight the importance and value of social dialogue as a mechanism for developing and implementing measures to address economic and social difficulties," she said.
In Barbados, the tripartite parties have focused on improving competiveness and productivity and have accepted wage freezes until the corresponding productivity gains are achieved, she said.
"To date, the Social Partnership in Barbados, has adopted six (6) protocols which are based on certain principles and values including:
- sustained economic growth, a restructured economy and increased production
- fostering and maintaining good labour-management relations
- prices and incomes policy and maintaining the parity of the Barbados dollar
- employment, training, social equity, public sector reform and social inclusion
- maintenance of a stable industrial relations climate
- reduction of social disparities through employment
- fostering national commitment to increased competitiveness through improved productivity and efficiency in the workplace."
She said her Government is committed to promoting and ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining, the creation of stable policies and a climate conducive for employers’ and workers’ organizations to operate freely, without fear or reprisal.
"Issues of wages, productivity, unemployment, economic growth, inflation, crime and so on can all be addressed comprehensively if Government and employers’ and workers’ representatives sit together in a “non-crisis” mode within an institutionalized structure to discuss, debate, agree, disagree, compromise, and ultimately find the best solutions to our economic, social and labour market challenges," she said.
"My Government is cognizant of the fact that in embarking on the process of developing a Social Partnership Agreement, the key elements of sound social partnerships should be promoted and adhered to from the onset. These include:
"Issues of wages, productivity, unemployment, economic growth, inflation, crime and so on can all be addressed comprehensively if Government and employers’ and workers’ representatives sit together in a “non-crisis” mode within an institutionalized structure to discuss, debate, agree, disagree, compromise, and ultimately find the best solutions to our economic, social and labour market challenges," she said.
"My Government is cognizant of the fact that in embarking on the process of developing a Social Partnership Agreement, the key elements of sound social partnerships should be promoted and adhered to from the onset. These include:
- Building trust among the partners
- Developing a structure to facilitate the Partnership
- Focusing on long-term interests and the common good of the people of Trinidad and TobagoDeveloping shared goals, vision, values etc.
- Clearly identified responsibilities of the social partners in developing and implementing social pacts
- Co-operation
- Openness
- Risk-sharing
- Embracing change
- Addressing conflict
- Respecting differences
- Recognizing diversity
"Let me caution though that I am not here to offer a “perfect solution” to fix our social and economic problems overnight...for the social dialogue process to be successful and work for the benefit of the Trinidad and Tobago, it requires a common understanding that some things must change and a willingness to make that change."
She said the Government looks forward to "sitting together with our stakeholders to chart the best course, within our constraints, for our people and the generations to come. I look do forward to working with all of you as we strive towards decent work for all, prosperity, respect for human rights and rule of law for the welfare of our society."
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL SPEECH
She said the Government looks forward to "sitting together with our stakeholders to chart the best course, within our constraints, for our people and the generations to come. I look do forward to working with all of you as we strive towards decent work for all, prosperity, respect for human rights and rule of law for the welfare of our society."
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL SPEECH
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