President Banda lauds labour union movement in Malawi

A member of MCTU presents a gift of books to President Joyce Banda
A member of MCTU presents a gift of books to President Joyce Banda

President Joyce Banda has lauded the labour union movement in Malawi for unrelentingly fighting for better working conditions and rights for workers.

Fresh from unveiling an audit report, otherwise known as the State of the Nation Address on May 17, 2013, of a successful year and a promise of an assured future, President Banda has urged all Malawian workers to recharge for the new challenge of ensuring that the country finds its better days.

Speaking when she met in audience the leadership of the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) on Monday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, the Head of State said her administration pays due regard to the workers because she realizes labour capital investment is critical to development.

In this regard, she said under her leadership, she will always ensure that workers reap the benefits of their contribution to the social economic development of the country.

Edifying her reputation as a leader who keeps her word having promised on Labour Day, May 1, that she will grant the MCTU leadership audience, President Banda called for a symbiotic relationship between employers and workers saying none can succeed without the other.

“I challenge you to step up sensitization efforts of your members; the employees should not fear the employees in the trade union movement and vice versa. There must be that symbiotic relationship and that you must strive for a harmonious approach to solving labour disputes,” advised the President.

The President, who has been invited to address an International Labour Organization (ILO) annual general conference in Geneva in June, requested the MCTU to come up with relevant and pertinent issues for presentation at the meeting as it would present a rare opportunity to lobby the international community to support the labour movement in Malawi.

According to MCTU President Chauluka Muwake, the delegation went to see the President to thank her “most sincerely for sparing your precious time to attend Labour Day commemoration event” on May 1, 2013 in Blantyre.

They were also thankful to the Head of State for financial assistance offered towards the celebrations and als

The MCTU delegation told the President as labour movement, they believe in collective bargaining while following rules, “but without compromising and tampering with the rights of a worker”.

“Your Excellency, as a socio-economic partner, MCTU has an open-door policy to work hand in hand with the government of the day without fear or favour in ensuring that the rights of workers are not infringed upon,” said the MCTU President.

The President listens to some of the remarks
The President listens to some of the remarks
Leaders of MCTU confer at Kamuzu Palace during their meeting with President Joyce Banda
Leaders of MCTU confer at Kamuzu Palace during their meeting with President Joyce Banda
Lady members of MCTU listen to remarks by President Joyce Banda
Lady members of MCTU listen to remarks by President Joyce Banda
Labour Ministry PS James Kalilangwe and other senior government officials attended the meeting
Labour Ministry PS James Kalilangwe and other senior government officials attended the meeting

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