The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is leading the charge among Government agencies by the launch of its Sexual Harassment and Disability Policies on April 14, 2015.
Speaking at the launch, the Hon Sandrea Falconer, Minister with responsibility for Information said, “I commend the UDC for being among the pace-setters in the development of these policies. “It is important that all agencies within the Government, not only consider the health and safety of their employees a priority, but that they move with dispatch to implement similar policies”
In his address, Senator KD Knight, OJ, Chairman of the UDC’s board noted, ‘UDC has always believed that people are at the heart of development and everything revolves around ensuring that we create and maintain harmonious environments that facilitate excellence. It is critical therefore that our staff members who are the engines of the Corporation be allowed to work in an environment that releases their full potential and not debilitate their functions'
Desmond Malcolm, UDC General in his remarks highlighted also that “the launch of these policies comes at a time when human rights are a core focus in the global space. The protection of these rights is crucial as a harmonious working environment is mandatory in order to create business innovation and value added services.
The UDC launched both policies in consideration of the health and safety of employees as being one of its main priorities. The move also forms part of the Corporation’s on-going transformational leadership programme which aims to make it an Employer of Choice providing a workplace free from hazards, discrimination and/or harassment and prohibitions to physical mobility.
Both policies are also in compliance with the applicable laws of the Jamaican Government, and guidelines of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Corporation has also committed to continual review of the policies in line with the legal environment and a sustained internal staff education programme to ensure full engagement and understanding of the tenets of the policies.