By ROGERS KALERO
THE Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), has called for the ratification of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocol on employment and labour to promote fair labour practices, and improved working conditions within the region.
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The protocol aims to ensure that workers’ rights are upheld and protected, thereby enhancing economic and social development in member states.
ZCTU First Deputy President, Joseph Chewe, has said the protocol also holds the potential to increase investment and economic growth, improve productivity, and create a stable and conducive environment for businesses to thrive which would in turn lead to job creation and poverty reduction.
Mr. Chewe, who is also Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) President said ratifying the protocol would contribute to the creation of a level playing field for workers across the SADC region by establishing common standards for employment and labour practices, such as fair wages, decent working conditions, and the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Mr. Chewe was speaking when he led a delegation of labour leaders on behalf of the Southern African Trade Unions Coordination Council (SATUCC) at the just ended three-day meeting of the SADC Employment and Labour Sector (ELS) joint Tripartite Technical Committee held in South Africa.
“As the labour movement continue to face many challenges, it is important that we stand firm and united in defending and protecting the interests of the workers.
As we strive to remain united to defend and protect workers’ rights, it is important that we ratify protocols which will promote fair labour practices, and improved working condition within the region, and one such protocol is the Southern African Development Community protocol,” Mr Chewe said.
And Mr. Chewe has noted that the ongoing green and digital transition presents immense opportunities for job creation and economic growth among the SADC member states.
Mr. Chewe said there was need for SADC member states to embrace the transition and ensure that the workforce has the necessary skills and knowledge to serve a changing world. He has since called for collaborative efforts among governments, employers, and employees in finding innovative solutions that lead to a prosperous future.
He also urged member states to share the best practices to harness the potential in these transitions and unlock new eras of inclusiveness and sustainable growth.
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