By Tikondane Vega

Lilongwe, September 5, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Chikondano Mussa says government is committed to provide decent working conditions among Malawians in line with international standards.

Mussa was speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday during the opening of a two-day labour laws consultative meeting which will among others look at the Labour Relations Act of 1996, the Employment Act of 2000 as well as the prohibition of hazardous work for children order of 2012.

She said it is high time Malawi reviewed its labour laws and several emerging issues need to be incorporated to enhance service delivery and respect human rights.

“We need laws that cater for emerging challenges and at the same time should promote decent and productive work. So, government believe the only way to do that is to solicit views from relevant stakeholders.

“At the end of the day, we need labor laws that align with the international conventions Malawi has signed to foster economic development,” said Mussa.

She mentioned that some of the laws currently under review have created gaps in the working environment, as they do not address the current conditions.

She added,” At the end of everything we believe Malawi can have labour laws that can shape the relationship between employers and workers.

On his part, Secretary General of Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU), Madalisto Njolomole said over 50 percent of Malawians work in the informal sector hence reviewing laws is a welcome development that can create a conducive working environment.

Njolomole noted that previous reviews of similar laws failed to address major challenges and has since urged participants to take the matter seriously saying matters related to labour laws are dynamic and diverse.

“We commend the government that has considered to review some labour laws in the country. The review is overdue and need to be speed up if people are to enjoy themselves in their working places. Malawi needs to domesticate all international conventions,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Employers Consultative Association of Malawi's past President, Emmanuel Banda feels the review of the laws will enhance best workplace practices that would contribute positively to the development of Malawi.

Banda said such gatherings create a platform to get diverse views from relevant stakeholders that are interested in the welfare of both workers and employers.

“We need to properly look at the laws and make necessary changes where possible with a clear mind,” he said.