By Pempho Kantayeni

Lilongwe, January 31, Mana: Minister of Labor, Vitumbiko Mumba has said that his ministry has the mandate to enforce labour laws and protect both employees and employers for better working conditions and environment.

Speaking during the Boma Likutinji press briefing Friday, in Lilongwe, Mumba said the ministry acknowledges various challenges employees face in work places across the country and expressed his concern that a lot of labours do not know their rights.

He said the ministry of labour intends to create awareness campaigns where many employees will to be educated of their rights as employee’s so that they should not be taken for granted.

“1 May will not just be a mere labours day celebration but will be the launch of workers’ rights awareness campaign, so will work with Malawi Congress Trade Union (MCTU), Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM), other unions and stake holders to raise awareness on employee workers’ rights” he Said.

Mumba further said his office is working on reviewing some labour laws as he has noticed with great concern that there are gaps in some of the labour laws and regulations and there is need to address the matter to improve the welfare of the people of Malawi.

“The main aim is to ensure that labour laws are effectively implemented, fairly protected, and that workers rights are upheld,” he said.

He also emphasised that a nations strength is built on the dignity of its labourers therefore it is important of uplift the livelihood of labourers as it helps uplift the economy and secure a better future.