Grow the economy to safeguard people’s jobs
By Staff Reporter
FORUM for Democracy Development (FDD) chairperson for labour Yotam Mtayachalo has called for economic growth that creates and safeguards jobs for the majority Zambians.
In a statement, Mtayachalo said Zambia needed viable economic policies to trigger real job creation rather than implementing labour reforms which may potentially worsen the already high levels of unemployment in the country.
Mtayachalo said any efforts intended to enhance production, which include improved conditions of service for workers such as the recent announcement for increased minimum wage was commendable.
“I have expressed hope that key stakeholders as stated by the Minister were fully consulted in this regard and that employers will be able to pay the new revised minimum wage without any difficulties following the signing of statutory Instruments number 69 and 70 by the Minister of Labour Joyce Simukoko in respect of Domestic and Shop Workers respectively,” said Mtayachalo
Mtayachalo, however hoped the imposed regulatory measures would not lead to workers losing their jobs due economic challenges faced by businesses in the country.
“It must also be taken into account that the cost of living and doing business in the country has generally escalated over the past few years and this has led to reduced disposable income for many households hence possibilities of lay-offs cannot be ruled out completely in view of the revision in the minimum wage,” he said.
