Trade Unions: 5 Urgent Labour Day Reforms Demands for Fairer Work Future

On this Labour Day, the stark realities of the working world are laid bare as unions and employers present a disheartening tableau. Persistent inequalities, labour shortages, inadequate wages, and the looming spectre of climate change fuel urgent calls for profound reforms aimed at creating a more equitable, sustainable economy that respects workers’ rights.

Radhakrishna Sadien, President of the State and Other Employees Federation, has issued a clarion call for a comprehensive overhaul of the public service.

“Labour Day should not merely pay homage to the pioneers of the trade union movement; it must also compel us to reflect on the current challenges and how we might address them,” he asserted.

He highlights the glaring absence of salary adjustments within the public sector, despite multiple revisions to the national minimum wage since 2021, which he identifies as a significant source of frustration.

“This deeply demotivates public service employees,” he lamented.

Furthermore, he pointed to a critical shortage of personnel across various ministries, particularly among workers, technical staff, medical professionals, paramedics, and non-teaching personnel.

“An audit of human resources, recommended by the Pay Research Bureau as far back as 2016, has yet to be conducted,” he reminded us.

Among his key proposals are the establishment of a collective bargaining mechanism, an independent disciplinary committee, and the urgent adoption of the Public Service Bill to shield civil servants from political pressures.

He also called for constitutional amendments to ensure transparency within the Public Service Commission.

“Unions must be involved in decision-making not only in the workplace but also at the national level,” he insisted, urging the reactivation of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).

Moreover, he raised alarms about the implications of artificial intelligence, climate change, inflation, and food security, advocating for a strengthened union mobilisation.

“Unions must speak with one voice and be better prepared to confront the challenges ahead,” he declared.

Haniff Peerun, President of the Mauritius Labour Congress, echoed these sentiments, advocating for improved working conditions.

“We must elevate workers through favourable conditions, recognising their contributions to our nation’s development.”

He stressed the need to revise labour laws to better protect employees.

“Every worker deserves fair treatment, whether in the private or public sector.”

Peerun condemns the lack of employer willingness to address recurring demands:

“The same grievances arise year after year because employers are solely focused on profits.”

He vehemently opposed the exploitation of foreign workers, labelling it “modern-day slavery.”

In light of the challenges posed by mechanisation, artificial intelligence, and climate change, he called for proactive measures.

“We must anticipate the impact of these phenomena on the world of work and safeguard our workers.”

On this Labour Day, Jane Ragoo, spokesperson for the Confederation of Private and Public Sector Workers (CTSP), denounced the ongoing inequalities and demands recognition of the service time of private sector employees “on par with their public sector counterparts.”

The unionist underscores the paramount importance of health and safety at work.

“Health and safety for all citizens must take precedence over profits.” During periods of torrential rain, the CTSP calls for the enactment of a singular law applicable to all workers, regardless of their sector.

She expressed concern over Business Mauritius’s intention to repeal Article 94 of the Employment Relations Act, urging for broad consultations before any legal amendments are made.

Furthermore, she advocated for governance reform within parastatal bodies, suggesting the appointment of competent and committed managers to more effectively address the realities on the ground.

As the echoes of Labour Day resonate, the clarion call for reform rings louder than ever, demanding a collective response to the pressing challenges that beset the world of work.

Source: Defi Media