By CHARITY MOONGA –
THE International Labour Day, which is celebrated on May 1, every year 2018, offers a platform for workers and trade unions to reflect on challenges that affect the welfare of the working class.
Every year, thousands of workers across Zambia take to the streets and participate in marching to commemorate the International Workers’ Day.
In many countries, May Day is an official holiday, and it is particularly important for labour unions who advocate for workers’ rights.
Labour Day is usually a celebration of workers and promoting their rights against violations such as long work hours, poor conditions and child labour.
The late-19th century, socialists, communists and trade unionists chose May 1 to become International Workers’ Day.
The date was symbolic, commemorating the Haymarket affair, which took place in Chicago, in the United States (US), in 1886.
According to research, for years, the working class was usually forced to work up to 16 hours a day in unsafe conditions and had been fighting for an eight-hour workday.
In October 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions of the United States and Canada decided that May 1, in 1886, would mark the first day that an eight-hour workday would go into effect.
International Labour Day is celebrated yearly as an official holiday all over the world to celebrate the accomplishments of workers.
President Edgar Lungu, as guest of honour at the previous celebrations, has reaffirmed government’s determination to ensure decent work for all.
Mr Lungu says government intends to create thousands of jobs annually with serious commitment to promotion of decent work.
“As government, we are determined to actualize decent work for all by implementing policies, strategies and programmes that would foster sustainable development,” Mr Lungu says.
The President explained that Government attached great importance to promotion and realization of decent wok without which no sustainable development can occur.
He further added that Zambia is determined to realize Sustainable Development Goal number eight which focuses on decent work and economic growth.
And International Labour Organization (ILO) Director , Alexio Musindo said that the ILO World Employment and Social Outlook 2017 estimated that global unemployment rate was expected to rise modestly from 5.7 to 5.8 per cent in 2017 representing an increase of 3.4 million in the number of jobless people.
Mr Musindo added that the number of unemployed persons globally in 2017 forecast stood at just over 201 million with an additional rise of 2.7 million expected in 2018 as the pace of labour force growth outstrips job creation.
He echoed the ILO Director General, Mr Guys Ryder who also noted with concern that the figures were worrisome and that more effort is needed by all governments, employers’ and workers organisations to reduce the number of unemployed, and generate enough jobs.
ILO takes cognisance of Labour Day, to celebrate and appreciate the workers whose remarkable efforts are undeniably outstanding to contributing to efforts thereby improving Zambia’s social and economic development.
“Our appreciation would be incomplete if I fail to recognise the cardinal role employers play in clearing opportunities for decent work and sustainable enterprises,” Mr Musindo said.
He recognised and appreciated the tripartite partnership between the ILO and the government, workers’ and employers’ organisations.
“The partnership has profoundly contributed to unlocking respective potential in working, collectively, towards making decent work a reality for all Zambians,” Mr Musindo said.
He noted some of the key achievements with the tripartite partners which, included Supporting the drafting of National Employment Policy and support to key strategic employment plans such as the Youth Employment Action Plan and Supporting the launch of the new Sustainable Housing Guidelines for Zambia.
Additionally, there was the construction of 74 low and middle income demonstration houses built using green building principles, practices, services, products and technologies with the support of private and public sector partners in building construction to mention but a few.
Zambia Federations of Employers (ZFE) president Wesley Chishimba said provision of decent work should be promoted as it guarantees dignity for workers.
Mr Chishimba said ZFE and its members remain committed to ensuring that decent jobs are created for Zambians.
Zambia Congress of Trade Unions Secretary General Cosmas Mukuka also reiterated that Zambians need decent jobs for them to work hard to better the national’s economy.
Mr Mukuka said to promote sustainable development and growth in Zambia, there was need for workers to be fairly paid and to be on full time employment.
He also added that the government needed to articulate and strategise on ways of how to turn the country’s economy around to benefit workers and the people of Zambia. He called upon government to expedite the conclusion of salary negotiation for the sake of industrial harmony and increased productivity.
As Zambia celebrates May Day this year, the role of workers is becoming more important amidst the nation’s drive towards a developed status by the year 2030.
There is need for continued workers’ commitment and dedication to ensure that the country meets its development goals.
Employees, wherever they are engaged, contribute massively to the growth of the economy and it is important that they have their own day to reflect on their achievements and chart the way forward.
There is also need to uphold unity among workers to ensure that their rights are protected.
The labour movement should continue to regularly engage with Government and other employers to find solutions to challenges workers face.
There are still some workers whose conditions of service exist only by word of mouth and it is such employees the trade union movement should offer help to address their challenges.
It is also sad that some employees have continued to suffer at the hands of their employers who deny them the minimum wage.
Other employees are also subjected to hazardous conditions and they toil without any safety clothing and therefore they also need support from the labour unions and the government.
Women have also been identified as other employees who continue to suffer quietly at the hands of some sexually immoral employers who end up sexually abusing them in exchange for a good job or money.
There is need for the labour movement to devise mechanisms that will go a long way in assisting the workers even as the country celebrates International Labour Day this year.
Upholding workers rights will definitely ensure development of industries and the country as a whole.