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Labor Policies Promoting Population Health: Where does Latin America Stand?
DATA/METHODS: We analyzed original legislation and secondary sources to develop a comparative, quantitatively analyzable database of laws and policies that have proven effects on adult and child health.
RESULTS: In several important areas, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are doing well at promoting health by improving social conditions related to work: 97% of countries have established a minimum wage, provide income protection during periods of unemployment, and guarantee paid maternal leave, and 90% guarantee paid sick leave. However, LAC countries could be performing better on other important areas: only 24% of countries meet the ILO’s minimum requirement for paid maternal leave; just 30% guarantee any paid paternal leave; 38% do not guarantee breastfeeding breaks for new mothers when they return to work; and only 16% of the region provides leave that can be used to care for children’s health needs.
CONCLUSIONS: While the evidence of the impact of working conditions on health is substantial, available research on the extent to which needed policies are in place has been limited. There has been very little readily accessible and easily comparable information on national policies and laws, making assessments of progress difficult. This study contributes to filling this knowledge gap, and shows that much more can be done to measure and facilitate national action on social determinants of health.
Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practicePublic health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Evaluate where Latin America and the Caribbean stand on enacting key policies related to work and working conditions that play a critical role in shaping population health.
Compare countries across Latin America and the Caribbean to identify leaders and laggards in terms of laws and policies that governments can implement to make a difference in people’s wellbeing.
List 8 important policy areas related to labor that have proven effects on adult and child health.
Keyword(s): Public Policy, Labor
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: At the WORLD policy Analysis Center (UCLA), and the Institute for Health and Social Policy (McGill) before that, I have analyzed the impact of different laws and policies on population health. Having also worked for the Colombian government, I have deep insights into the processes of formulating laws and policies in the Latin American region.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.