Improved wages, better incentives and more protective rights are some of the promises made by governments around Africa in observance of International Workers Day on Thursday.
May 1st has been marked against the backdrop of disenchantment by Africa’s army of the employed in the public and private sectors still clamouring for better wages, improved working conditions and incentives for personal growth.
In Eritrea, Abdu Saleh, head of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers (NCEW) branch said the purpose of the day was to honour workers demonstrating the value of work and remember those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s sovereignty.
There have been efforts in Eritrea to improve the overall capacity and living conditions of workers, through the provision of vocational training to 225 women in Tokombia semi-urban center. Others have benefited from a soft loan program.
In South Sudan, President Salva Kiir promised to improve the working conditions of government workers while paying tribute to their hard work and sacrifice even in the face of economic hardship.
”The government acknowledges the challenges you endure, and I assure you we remain committed to improving your working condition, ensuring timely salary payments, and implementing sustainable reforms to uplift the public service” President Kiir promised.
Ghana’s President John Mahama said his government is preoccupied with policies that ensure sustainable development and the realisation of decent work and wages for all Ghanaians.
He vowed to lead moves aimed at strengthening the country’s labour laws, enforcing occupational safety and health regulations, while promoting social dialogue between employers and employees.
”Of course, we recognise that inflation, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure are challenges. But the government is determined to address these challenges head-on as we build Ghana together” he said.
”We are investing in education and skills training to equip our workforce with the necessary tools to succeed in a modern economy. We are working to improve our infrastructure, including roads and energy, to facilitate trade and economic growth” he added.
Mahama said since his return to power four months ago, his government has been pursuing policies to stabilise the country’s troubled economy, promote industrialisation, and creating new jobs.
In Nigeria, labour day is being marked amid biting economic realities despite past promises by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve wages, provide jobs and protect workers’ rights.
Interior minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo reiterated the government’s resolve to implement to the letter Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which is meant to enhance workers welfare and build one of Africa’s two biggest economies to the benefit of all Nigerians.
Kenyan leader William Ruto said his government is ”taking bold and measurable steps to make Kenya truly self-reliant by growing the economy, supporting enterprises and uplifting workers”.
He said by boosting the salaries of workers, employers have been instructed to ”apply tax reliefs and exemptions directly when calculating PAYE, eliminating delays for employees”.
The Kenyan leader also said ”all pension and gratuity payments — public and private — will be tax-exempt, honouring our retirees and protecting their dignity”.
He paid tribute to the contribution of the Kenyan workforce to making the country East Africa’s biggest economy and the sixth-largest in Africa.
WN/as/APA
