Workers from the University Teaching Hospitals take part in the Labour Day parade in Lusaka, Zambia, May 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
Zambia on Monday joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year's International Workers' Day, also known as Labor Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema underscoring the importance of harmony in the labor sector for economic growth and job creation.
LUSAKA, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Monday joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year's International Workers' Day, also known as Labor Day, with President Hakainde Hichilema underscoring the importance of harmony in the labor sector for economic growth and job creation.
Hichilema said it will be difficult to create jobs without economic growth which could be disrupted when there is disharmony between employers and employees.
"When we have industrial disharmony, it means that you are slowing transactions, it means that you are suspending transactions, it means that you are suspending medical services. And when you do these things in many industries, you basically slow the economy down, and when you slow the economy down, you will basically not create any jobs," he said during the main event held in the capital Lusaka.
The theme for this year's event is "Accelerating economic growth for job creation." The event was marked by a march past by workers and an exhibition of the various products and services offered by both the public and private sectors.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema speaks during the Labour Day parade in Lusaka, Zambia, May 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
The Zambian president said enhancing and improving conditions for employees will only be realized if businesses are operating profitably and making money for reinvesting.
He commended the employees in the country for their hard work and the industrial harmony that has existed in the country in the past year between employers and employees.
He further said the government is keen to ensure improved working conditions for workers and is currently working on laws to ensure that this becomes a reality.
Peneyambeko Alina Munkawa, officer-in-charge at the International Labor Office Country Office for Zambia, said economic and social systems should not only focus on achieving statistical targets but also address human needs and aspirations.
Girls take part in the Labour Day parade in Lusaka, Zambia, May 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
She said providing quality jobs is the best way to fight inequality and poverty, adding that quality jobs will enable people to support themselves and build their own futures.
Blake Mulala, president of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, said the unemployment rate in the country is a source of concern and needs to be tackled because many people who are eligible for employment currently do not have jobs.
He further called for the strengthening of laws to ensure better working conditions for workers, adding that the labor union will not tolerate investors who are only interested in making profits at the expense of workers.
Brenda Tambatamba, minister of labor and social security, said her ministry will continue to work with other stakeholders to promote decent work agenda in the country.
The government, she said, is committed to seeing improved job creation because it is evident that a well-managed labor sector is key to the economy's performance. ■
