MLC: Hopes for a New Era of Cooperation

The Mauritius Labour Congress (MLC) held a meeting with Minister Reza Uteem at his office on Monday, December 9, discussing crucial topics such as workers’ rights, salary compensation, and disciplinary practices. The MLC delegation was led by Haniff Peerun, the union’s president.

During the meeting, Peerun expressed hope for a new era of cooperation with the minister.

“We shared our vision with him, and we found that he shares similar views, particularly on defending workers’ interests,” Peerun said.

One of the main issues discussed was the 14th-month salary and salary compensation.

The MLC representatives emphasized the need for urgent action to address this problem. Peerun suggested a innovative solution:

“We propose that a portion be paid in cash and the other in company shares, a practice that has been adopted in the past, ensuring a win-win situation.”

Regarding labor laws, Peerun welcomed the minister’s intention to introduce significant changes.

Reza Uteem expressed his plan to create a team of professionals to head disciplinary committees, ensuring their independence.

The minister also met Fayzal Ally Beegun, president of the Textile Manufacturing & Allied Industrial Workers Union.

Beegun recalled their past collaborations, including their fight for better working conditions for Bangladeshi workers over 20 years ago.

During their meeting, Beegun raised concerns about recurring issues, including regular warnings from the United States about the living conditions of foreign workers in Mauritius.

“Exploitation of foreign workers must stop,” Beegun said.

“I informed the minister that these workers have been paying for their accommodation and food over the past few years, despite this not being mentioned in their contracts. He was shocked to learn this.”

The recruitment of Bangladeshi workers was also discussed.

“Over the past few months, their recruitment had been suspended without clear explanations,” Beegun said.

“We demanded more transparency and order in the recruitment process, as the proliferation of recruitment agents facilitates human trafficking practices.”

A follow-up meeting between the minister and Beegun is planned to discuss these issues further.

Foreign Workers’ Plight: A Concerning Reality

Fayzal Ally Beegun has once again been approached by foreign workers who are being exploited and treated poorly.

In one case, Malagasy employees working at a fast-food chain in the capital reported abusive practices.

“Their passports were confiscated, an illegal measure that limits their freedom of movement,” Beegun said.

“Worse still, these workers sleep on the floor without any comfort or respect for their human dignity.”

In another case, foreign workers employed by a supermarket chain live in infested dormitories.

“These infestations are not only unsanitary but also pose health risks,” Beegun explained.

“Relations between employees and employers have deteriorated significantly, with some workers fleeing unable to tolerate such working and living conditions.”

Alarmed by these alarming situations, Beegun quickly contacted the specialized unit for foreign workers at Victoria House.

“I requested a thorough investigation not only into salaries but also into working and living conditions,” he said.

“It is urgent to ensure that these workers are treated with respect and fairness.”

Beegun also emphasized the need to review mechanisms for controlling employers, particularly to prevent confiscation of workers’ personal documents and to ensure that their accommodations meet minimum standards of safety and hygiene.

According to Beegun, the specialized unit has already begun examining these cases.

“We hope that these investigations will lead to concrete actions to address these blatant abuses. Every worker, regardless of origin, deserves decent working and living conditions.”

Source: l’Express