By Staff Reporter
In a departure from what almost became a norm in past regimes, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Sunday took his time to salute the country’s workforce in keeping Malawi’s socio-economic drive steady amid challenges.
The President joined workers in the country in commemorating the 2022 Labour Day whose main event was held in Mzuzu under the theme: Workers Rights, Prerequisite for Inclusive Development.
While the tradition in the past would see the presidency defending attacks from labour unions and employers alike on seemingly faulty policy direction affecting the sector, Chakwera instead chose the moment to praise the workforce and acknowledged existing gaps in upholding workers’ rights in the country.
“I want you to know that I am aware that most of you continue to be underpaid; others seemingly can’t breathe under the strenuous weight of increasing high prices of goods and services, and yes, others feel we [government] haven’t been helpful enough in your various causes.
“Much as all those highlighted are real challenges affecting workers rights in the country, I would like to take this opportunity to praise you all for being resilient through all the difficulties we have been through as a nation. It is that spirit of ‘never give up ‘ that have built nations since time immemorial,” Chakwera said.
The President also praised employers for what he termed as “staying true to the country’s notion of _umunthu_ made manifest through the former’s reluctance to release their respective workers amid Covid-19.
He explained: “Business has been slow and at a time we all thought it would pick up, then came the cyclones, with Anna the most devastating.
“And yet, you still clung to your workers at a time it would have been understandable to lay them off. I would therefore be failing in my duties if I don’t salute that spirit in our employers as well for prioritising the welfare of the workers at the expense of profit-making.”
Chakwera’ sentiments were echoed in an earlier address by Employers Consultaive Association of Malawi (Ecama) board chairperson, Zandile Shaba.
She highlighted the rising cost of doing business in the country; albeit the continued distruptions in the global supply chains and other policy gaps in administering labour laws in the country as some areas that have been hindering other employers from realising their maximum potential.
“Also, Mr Pesident, we are appalled to hear reports prevalence of gender-based violence including sexual harassment in the workplace to this day.
” You may agree with me that such is a deterent to some hardworking workforce who would have otherwise helped in steering the country’s economic fortunes. May you kindly help curb such incidences so as we have secure and safe working environments, especially for our women,” Shaba said.
The Ecama board chairperson, however, hailed government for creating an enabling environment for doing business in the country; the employee-employer dialogue between the key highlight.
“We ask for this to continue. We need to constantly engage each other, including the vital role the line ministry plays.
“Dialogue always builds. As employers, we need workers and the worker needs the employer. In the end, we are all working towards a common goal. Together, we can make Malawi find its lost glory again,” said Shaba.
The commemorations in Mzuzu were preceded by a solidarity march for workers where Chakwera was joined by other top government officials including Minister of Unity Timothy Mtambo and his Labour counterpart, Vera Kamtukule.
International Labour Day, also known as Workers or May Day, is celebrated across the globe on 1 May every year.
Mainly, events commemorating the day seek to advocate for meaningful unionism among workers.
Chakwera has since vowed to uphold workers rights throughout his reign to ensure the country’s workforce is freed from any ills hibernating their potential.
This was recently manifested when the President ordered an upward revision of salaries in the civil service by 12 per cent owing to the crushing effects of a surge in commodity and services’ pricing across the globe.
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