Malawi celebrates Labour Day: APM calls upon employers to comply to regulation on labour issues

President Peter Mutharika on Sunday joined Malawians in paying tribute to contributions and achievements – both social and economic- of workers in the country as he  led Malawians in celebrating the International Labour Day which falls on May 1.

The International Labour Day was set aside to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers across the world.

The event which is organized by Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) was held at Masintha Ground in Kawale, Lilongwe.

Speaking at the function the President called upon all employers in the country to comply to government’s standards in terms of labour issues some of which are minimum wage, safety and health, social protection, rights at work and social dialogue.

He sternly vowed that any non-complying employer will face the long arm of the law.

“Employers should strive to pay a decent wage to their workers. Many studies show us that workers who are well paid become highly productive. Decent wages and incentives are an investment. Employers, wherever possible, let us invest in labour. Let us not go to the extent of exploiting our workers,” he pointed out.

The head of state reiterated his government’s commitment to create many skills in tandem with all key areas of the economy.

“Skilled Malawians can create industries to employ themselves and employ others. Malawi must be a nation of skilled and industrious people if we are to become truly self-dependent. We must be a skilled and industrious people if we are to make Malawi a producing and exporting nation,” he said. President

Mutharika added: “We are establishing community colleges in every part of the country in order to create a skilled labour force in this country. This is my formula to job creation. Skills and manpower
development is a foundation for the Foreign Direct Investment program. We create jobs by inviting investors who find a skilled labour force here at home.”

The Malawi leader strongly urged all employers and managers to promote the national core values of patriotism, integrity and hard work in every work place.

He asked employers to integrate these national pillars of progress into institutional core values.

Before commencement of the event at Masintha, the President marched to the venue with workers in solidarity to the their cause in championing workers’ rights and end problems of sorts experienced in work places.

Afterwards, he visited pavilions mounted by several companies Macra, Tevet, ESCOM, National Library Service and Illovo.

There were also a demonstration and a presentation by Chisamba School of paper recycling projects and Tenancy Labour advocates who are fighting for reforms in tobacco farms against exploitation of tenants.

International Labour Day is commemorated in 80 countries in the world and this year’s event was held under the theme “Decent work and reforms, a key to economic growth.”

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