MINISTER of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba (MP), has urged the labour movement to take part in transforming the informal economy to a formal economy.
Ms. Tambatamba said the informal economy takes up a large share of the labour market and currently stands at 70% while the formal sector only takes up 30%.
The minister was speaking when she opened the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions Biannual Conference, yesterday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Ms. Tambatamba further said human capital is crucial for economic growth, hence the need to foster employee welfare.
“We want to see a movement that will promote the well being of workers. We need to work hard as tripartite partners to transform the informal sector. Be proactive in policy implementation, bring new ideas to the table,” she said.
Ms. Tambatamba re-assured the public of President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to creating more jobs to expand economic growth, as employment opportunities bring relief in Worker households.
The Minister said Government’s dedication to job creation has been demonstrated through the unprecedented re-awakening of the dead mining industry.
Ms. Tambatamba also indicated that Government is refining the National Pension’s Scheme (NAPSA) Act to provide a harmonized pension system for enhanced member’s benefits.
She urged the labour movement to remodel their processes in order to avoid fragmentation, as it hampers worker representation.
Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa said government cannot be faulted for registering unions, as preventing the formulation of unions will amount to abrogating the law.
He said the labour movement should come up with proposals on how to manage the multiplicity of unions, which will be considered by the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC).
Earlier, ZCTU president Blake Mulala expressed concern that proliferation has weakened the labour movement.
However, he commended government for promoting good governance.
By PR Unit,
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
