By Chisomo Phiri
Employer’s Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAM) has commended President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, and his administration for assenting into law, Labour Relations (Amendment) Act, and the Employment (Amendment) Act of 2021.
Speaking on Monday at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe where President Chakwera was presiding over the International Labour Day Commemoration, ECAM President Annie Chavula said two years down the line, the two pieces of legislation are working towards promoting job creation as well as the welfare of workers across the country.
Chavula said the two laws make Malawi progressive in managing labour relations while also dealing away with forced and child labour.
“Employers are a critical energy in driving decent work.
“As Employers, we look forward to further policy interaction and dialogue,” she said.
On his part, Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) President Charles Kumchenga also joined ECAM in thanking President for tirelessly instilling hope among Malawians who were affected by the devastating Tropical Cyclone Freddy.Kumchenga has since described the Malawi leader as a visionary, inspiring and caring leader Malawi has ever had.
In his speech at the event,President Lazarus Chakwera said in view of the country’s development agenda, workers remain an integral component in the implementation of short, medium and long-term projections informed by the Malawi2063 vision.
He disclosed that he has restated his administration’s untiring efforts to listen to and act on persistent appeals by national stakeholders, both in public and private sector, for more jobs, good wages and all other accompanying benefits.
Said Chakwera:”My administration will always remain compliant to the Sustainable Development Goal Number 8 which seeks to “Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.”
This year, the day is was commemorated under the theme “Natural Disasters a Threat to Livelihoods and Decent Work: Creating Decent Jobs and Extending Social Protection is Key to Sustainable Recovery”
The theme was carefully selected to highlight the significant role of workers in recovery efforts following socio-economic devastation rendered by Cyclone Freddy early this year.
