Namibia has made good progress in advancing workers’ rights
Govt pays tribute to workers' crucial role
The fight for freedom in Namibia has its origins in the demands of workers for fair labour practices and better working conditions for the black majority.
During the liberation struggle, 1 May, Workers’ Day, was an occasion for the oppressed workers of Namibia to unite and sharpen their resolve to accelerate their fight against the apartheid regime and to break the chains of oppression.
As a nation that was birthed out of a history of sacrifices and workers' struggles, Namibia values the role of workers in the fight for liberty, unity and justice. Workers are a precious resource in the history and development of our nation.
Therefore, by joining the rest of the international community in commemorating International Workers Day under the theme ‘Workers united in ensuring productivity for national economic growth and guarding against unfair labour practices in the world of work’, the government of the Republic of Namibia pays tribute to the crucial role that workers play in advancing socio-economic development and shared prosperity for the Namibian people.
Foundation
Thirty-three years after independence, working in a triumvirate that includes government, trade unions and the private sector, Namibia has made good progress in advancing workers' rights, consistent with the letter and spirit of the Namibian Constitution as a foundation of the Namibian House.
I urge all stakeholders to deliver on their mandate of upholding and protecting workers' rights and interests by promoting sound labour relations and fair employment practices.
In accordance with our processes, systems and institutions, employers should promote conducive working environments and fair benefits for workers. In the same vein, stakeholders should engage in good faith in collective bargaining to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn on workers and must at all times resolve labour disputes in a spirit that advances the interests of Namibia.
Playing its part
Through the ministry of labour, industrial relations and employment creation, the government will continue to play its part by paying special attention to occupational diseases, hazards, hygiene in the workplace and life-threatening health issues that may affect the quality and conditions of Namibian workers.
As the world is rapidly changing, and with it the future of work - through the intensification of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence - more demands are placed on Namibian workers to retool and reskill.
By establishing the 4IR task force in 2021, which has since completed its work by making recommendations, I urge the private sector and trade unions to accompany the Namibian government in preparing workers for the future of work.
Dialogue and collaboration are key. You can never go wrong with dialogue and consultation.
After all, I always say that when diplomacy fails, people go to war. Therefore, let us guard against any issue that could threaten peace. At no point should we take for granted the peace and stability we enjoy.
The government remains conscious of the fact that unemployment disproportionately affects the youth and the unskilled. The government cannot do it alone. Yes, the government will continue to create a conducive environment for jobs to be created. But to succeed in that endeavour, the private sector must be a major driving force in reducing unemployment, which is an important pillar in the fight against poverty.
Pay tribute
May Day is a fitting occasion for Namibia to pay tribute to all the fallen trade unionists who advocated for the recognition of labour rights and whose activism laid the foundation for a just and inclusive Namibia.
May Day is also a fitting occasion for us to hold hands and remind ourselves of the efforts we should undertake to improve - through hard work - the living conditions of each and every Namibian.
In our collective journey towards shared prosperity in the Namibian House, I thank Namibian workers for their sacrifices, resilience and hard work towards socio-economic emancipation. Happy International Workers Day!
During the liberation struggle, 1 May, Workers’ Day, was an occasion for the oppressed workers of Namibia to unite and sharpen their resolve to accelerate their fight against the apartheid regime and to break the chains of oppression.
As a nation that was birthed out of a history of sacrifices and workers' struggles, Namibia values the role of workers in the fight for liberty, unity and justice. Workers are a precious resource in the history and development of our nation.
Therefore, by joining the rest of the international community in commemorating International Workers Day under the theme ‘Workers united in ensuring productivity for national economic growth and guarding against unfair labour practices in the world of work’, the government of the Republic of Namibia pays tribute to the crucial role that workers play in advancing socio-economic development and shared prosperity for the Namibian people.
Foundation
Thirty-three years after independence, working in a triumvirate that includes government, trade unions and the private sector, Namibia has made good progress in advancing workers' rights, consistent with the letter and spirit of the Namibian Constitution as a foundation of the Namibian House.
I urge all stakeholders to deliver on their mandate of upholding and protecting workers' rights and interests by promoting sound labour relations and fair employment practices.
In accordance with our processes, systems and institutions, employers should promote conducive working environments and fair benefits for workers. In the same vein, stakeholders should engage in good faith in collective bargaining to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn on workers and must at all times resolve labour disputes in a spirit that advances the interests of Namibia.
Playing its part
Through the ministry of labour, industrial relations and employment creation, the government will continue to play its part by paying special attention to occupational diseases, hazards, hygiene in the workplace and life-threatening health issues that may affect the quality and conditions of Namibian workers.
As the world is rapidly changing, and with it the future of work - through the intensification of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence - more demands are placed on Namibian workers to retool and reskill.
By establishing the 4IR task force in 2021, which has since completed its work by making recommendations, I urge the private sector and trade unions to accompany the Namibian government in preparing workers for the future of work.
Dialogue and collaboration are key. You can never go wrong with dialogue and consultation.
After all, I always say that when diplomacy fails, people go to war. Therefore, let us guard against any issue that could threaten peace. At no point should we take for granted the peace and stability we enjoy.
The government remains conscious of the fact that unemployment disproportionately affects the youth and the unskilled. The government cannot do it alone. Yes, the government will continue to create a conducive environment for jobs to be created. But to succeed in that endeavour, the private sector must be a major driving force in reducing unemployment, which is an important pillar in the fight against poverty.
Pay tribute
May Day is a fitting occasion for Namibia to pay tribute to all the fallen trade unionists who advocated for the recognition of labour rights and whose activism laid the foundation for a just and inclusive Namibia.
May Day is also a fitting occasion for us to hold hands and remind ourselves of the efforts we should undertake to improve - through hard work - the living conditions of each and every Namibian.
In our collective journey towards shared prosperity in the Namibian House, I thank Namibian workers for their sacrifices, resilience and hard work towards socio-economic emancipation. Happy International Workers Day!
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article