Later, President Hichilema addressed the gathering, urging employers to take care of employees to enhance productivity.
“Workers are the engine of the economy; they are the ones that function. Employers, investors let’s take care of employees so that we can have a happier day next year. We must work hard to rebuild this economy,” he said.
In responding to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Country Office Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Mr. Wellington Chibebe’s call for dialogue over the Cabinet’s decision to transition the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIMA) from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to the Ministry of Health, President Hichilema directed Minister of Labour and Social Security Mrs Brenda Tambatamba MP to schedule a meeting with employers and workers organisations to resolve the disputes raised by all parties.
Earlier, Mr. Chibebe said the theme for this year’s Labour Day celebrations resonated with ILO’s resolve of supporting and rebuilding the real economies through sustained economic growth, using a human-centred approach, and was also in line with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and Vision 2030.
“We also believe that this must be tied to the creation of decent jobs and protection of workers’ rights. In addition, these measures must be climate sensitive and based on a Just Transition, negotiated by the social partners,” he said. “ILO further believe that the economic recovery process ought to incorporate a universal social protection floor, including universal access to basic healthcare. Social dialogue should be at the heart of building resilience in the economic recovery process.”
Mr. Chibebe added that ILO’s areas of work for the year would focus on supporting the government towards enhancing productivity levels across all segments of the economy, especially the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, which are key to the growth and development of Zambia’s economy.
“We strongly believe that MSMEs are a major source of job creation, innovation, and economic growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Mr. Blake Mulala said there could be no economic growth if workers were ignored and there was need for hard work to turn around the economy.
Mr. Mulala said though the government had stood strong to counter challenges caused by many factors, including drought, workers wanted policies that would alleviate people’s suffering.
And Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) President Mrs. Myra Sakala-Ngoma advised the government to involving workers in resolving economic challenges.
Mrs. Ngoma called for increased engagement between industries and other relevant stakeholders in skills development.
In Malawi, President Lazarous Chakwera, who officiated at the ceremony held on 01 May 2024 in Blantyre, urged the Ministry of Labour to ensure that International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 was ratified and expedite the implementation of the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection initiative.
President Chakwera also responded to the delayed remittance of pension premiums and urged the Ministry of Labour to ensure that the amended Labour Relations Act of 2021 was being enforced.
“We also amended the Pension Act which established the Workers Compensation Fund whose board has already been instituted,” he said. “If anyone asks about challenges relating to your pension, tell them that the challenges are temporary, and we are dealing with them.”
Meanwhile, Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) President Mr. Charles Kumchenga condemned some employers in the country for continuing to pay workers below the new K9000 (about USD 52) minimum wage.
Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM) President Ms. Anne Chavula urged government to continue leading the tripartite advisory council comprising government and MCTU so that labour disputes were resolved with speed.
This year’s International Labour Day in Malawi was commemorated under the theme ‘Investing in social protection to achieve decent work for all’. The celebrations started with a solidarity march from Clock Tower Roundabout to Njamba Freedom Park through the Masauko Chipembere Highyway.
In Mozambique on 01 May 2024, President Mr. Filipe Nyusi said that his government would continue to improve decent work conditions by promoting fundamental principles and rights.
Meanwhile, Mozambican Workers’ Organisation (OTM) chairperson Mr. Samuel Matsinhe said the minimum wages in force in the country were far below meeting the basic needs of the workers and their families.
Mr. Matsinhe explained that the monthly food basket for a family of five stood at 18,000 meticais (about USD 300), but the minimum wage in the country was still at 4,300 meticais (about USD 68).
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