Parliament committee to examine flexible work as fuel costs strain Jamaicans

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Alando Terrelonge, who chairs Parliament’s Economy and Production Committee, says the committee will carry out a broad assessment of flexible working hours and work-from-home arrangements while energy costs remain unsettled because of continuing geopolitical tensions.

In a statement issued Thursday, Terrelonge said the exercise forms part of wider work to find practical responses that can lift productivity, make the economy more resilient, and improve everyday living conditions for Jamaicans.

The review is being launched as the world faces greater economic uncertainty, instability linked to conflicts including the US/Israel war against Iran, and higher fuel prices. Those pressures, he said, continue to affect companies, employees and national economies.

Terrelonge said the circumstances have again pushed countries to consider how work should be organised, and whether newer workplace systems can help cut costs, raise efficiency and support long-term economic growth.

“Jamaica must remain responsive to the changing realities of the global economy. As fuel and transportation costs continue to affect households and businesses, it is important that we examine innovative and practical approaches that can support productivity while improving the everyday lives of our people,” said the Member of Parliament.

“The committee intends to engage stakeholders in a serious, evidence-based discussion on the opportunities and challenges associated with flexible work arrangements and their potential applicability within the Jamaican context,” he added.

According to Terrelonge, the committee will look at several flexible work models used overseas to improve how organisations perform, support employee well-being and make operations more efficient.

The process will invite views from public-sector and private-sector representatives, labour groups, academics and relevant government bodies. Terrelonge said that approach is meant to ensure any proposals are realistic, balanced, sustainable and grounded in Jamaican conditions.

“This is ultimately about productivity and national competitiveness. If there are ways to help workers spend less time in traffic, reduce transportation costs, improve work-life balance, and simultaneously increase efficiency and output, then it is a discussion worth having,” he said.

Terrelonge also said, “Jamaica cannot afford to ignore technological advancements and innovations that may strengthen our economy and improve the daily lives of our citizens.”

The Economy and Production Committee is expected to open consultations within the next few weeks before later submitting its findings and recommendations to Parliament.