By Staff Reporter
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed government’s determination to improve labour practices, laws, policies, and conditions to create decent work for all workers.
Speaking during this year’s Labour Day celebrations at Njamba Freedom Park, Chakwera said he recognises the hardworking spirit that Malawians have.
Chakwera hailed the important role workers play in the country’s development agenda and urged those who have gotten jobs through government initiatives and programmes such as Mega Farms, NEEF, the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), construction projects and other initiatives in both the public and private sectors, to work hard so that they deliver in the programmes and provide opportunities to others who are seeking jobs.
He said government is working tirelessly to elevate the challenges workers are facing in the country through frameworks such as the amended Labour Relations Act and Pensions Act.
Chakwera also said government will continue to institute programmes such as AIP, the distribution of food aid, Social Cash Transfer, and other social protection programmes to help Malawians deal with different shocks.
“If someone reminds you of the food insecurity in the country, tell them that this is temporary,” he said.
In her statement, Minister of Labour, Agnes Nyalonje, hailed President Chakwera for creating employment through different strategies, programmes and projects. She also applauded the President for ensuring decent work in a safe environment for all, which she said is paramount to increasing productivity for socio-economic development.
President of Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU), Charles Kumchenga commended President Chakwera for standing in solidarity with MCTU since assuming office and for engaging the union during the revision of civil servants salaries. He also hailed government for recruiting and promoting teachers in the country.
Rabecca Adda-Dontoh, United Nations Resident Coordinator, described labour as human capital which is paramount to socio-economic development and wealth creation and reaffirmed UN-Malawi’s commitment to standing in solidarity with Malawi in supporting government’s efforts to create decent work for all workers in Malawi.
While commending government for revising and and creating frameworks for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of workers in the country such as the amendment of the Pension Act 2023, President of Employers’ Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM), Anne Chavula, called for collaborative efforts from both employees and employers to create the necessary frameworks and labour standards to promote decent work for all in the country.
President Chakwera, First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera and Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima joined a solidarity walk by workers and other stakeholders. They joined the walk at Kwacha roundabout and proceeded to Njamba Freedom Park.
Chakwera also toured stalls and pavilions and presented awards to the best employers.
