Ethiopia: Experts Advocate for Minimum Wage in Horticulture Sector

– Establishing a minimum wage in Ethiopia’s horticulture sector is a significant step toward improving and sustaining the livelihoods of its workers, according to experts.

A one-day consultative workshop held yesterday brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, trade unions, and industry leaders, to discuss the establishment of a sector-specific minimum wage. The event, organized by Fairtrade Africa, aimed to facilitate dialogue on evidence, experiences, and best practices related to wage-setting mechanisms and living wage initiatives.

Meselech Degene, an expert from the Ministry of Labor and Skills, emphasized that a peaceful and collaborative relationship between workers and employers is crucial for creating a productive work environment.

“By working together, we can address existing gaps in workers’ rights and ensure decent working conditions and fair wages for horticulture employees,” she stated.

Meselech noted that stakeholder meetings are vital for harmonizing industrial relations. “We are working to improve the relationship between workers and employers and provide recognition for their collaboration to boost productivity,” she explained. The ministry is also providing training for both employers and employees to mitigate workplace challenges.

Yohanes Abebe, an advisor at the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA), affirmed the association’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of both workers and employers while attracting long-term investment.