By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, February 24, Mana: Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba, says his ministry is committed to promoting workers welfare to ensure they remain healthy and productive.
He was speaking at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe Monday evening.
He said Malawi has no room for investors who exploit workers particularly those in the mining and tea industries.
"For instance, tea estates that were served with prohibition notices have constructed toilets convenient to the workers. They have also made provision of portable water through distribution of water using water bowers and have drilled boreholes,” he said.
Mumba added that his ministry is focused on ensuring that workers are provided with conditions that align with the country's labour laws.
"My Ministry will continue to closely monitor all workplaces to ensure full compliance with labour laws.
“I would like to emphasize that the closure is not punitive but a step towards fostering a safer and more compliant workplace environment in line with government’s commitment to the well being of all workers in Malawi,” he stated.
He highlighted the collaboration and consultation among his ministry, Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) and Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM) in line with convention 144 on tripartite consultation, which has been ratified among many other conventions.
"The consultations are done through various structures including the Tripartite Labour Advisory Council which is the highest body that advises the Minister on all employment and Labour matters.
“At the international scene, Malawi’s participation in Regional and International fora has elevated the visibility and influence of the country on policy and standards. As stated earlier Malawi is a member of International Labour Organisation Governing Body representing SADC countries as titular member,” he said.
He, therefore, emphasised government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of workers and promoting a fair and equitable labour environment in Malawi.
