By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, January 29, Mana: The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU), has commended Ministry of Labour for intensifying labour inspections which have brought to light multitudes of decent work deficits and violations that workers in the country are being subjected to.

According to a statement  signed by the Union’s President, Charles Kumchenga, and Secretary General, Madalitso Njolomole, on Wednesday MCTU has commended Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba, for leading an impact labour inspection.

The statement explained that the labour inspections will enhance working conditions for Malawian workers and at the same time identify employers who fail to comply with the country’s labour laws and policies.

“From these inspections, it is evident that many employers subject their workers to inhumane conditions, including but not limited to, inadequate or poor provision of protective equipment, unhygienic work environments, low wages and insufficient representation of workers’ rights,” reads the statement.

“To keep the momentum towards the advancement of workers’ rights, MCTU has called for increased budget allocation to the Ministry of Labour which, they say, will effect effectiveness of labour inspections and expansion.

MCTU has asked for strengthening of worker representation, promotion of employer compliance, enhanced union membership and formalization of the informal economy in a quest to enhancing access to justice for the country’s labour force.

According to MCTU, the Malawi labour and employment sector should use the strides registered by the Ministry to join hands to ensure a healthy and motivated workforce that will in turn, boost workplace productivity towards national development.