FORT PORTAL CITY TO HOST THE NATIONAL LABOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2024

 

THEME: "IMPROVING ACCESS TO LABOUR JUSTICE: A PREREQUISITE FOR INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY."

Museveni to officiate Labour Day Celebrations

eagle.co.ug, April 30, 2024 | President Yoweri Museveni is set to officiate at International Labour Day celebrations.  The revelation was made by Esther Davinia Anyakun Esther, State Minister for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations.

Under the theme; ‘Improving Access to Labour Justice, a Prerequisite for Increased Productivity’, the day will be marked at Mukabura Grounds, St. Leo’s College, Fort Portal City.

The National Labour Force Survey 202l indicates that many workers are exposed to hazardous working conditions, including exposure to dust, fumes, and violence, with many lacking protective gears.

While 898, 000 workers had suffered accidents or injuries in the 12 months preceding the survey, data from the Insurance Regulatory Authority’s Annual Insurance Market Report 2022 reveals that only 30,555 lives were insured under 2,347 workers’ compensation policies in 2022.

“Workers in Uganda face challenges in accessing labour justice despite existing frameworks. Issues such as unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, and unsafe working conditions are widespread, particularly among vulnerable groups like women, youth, and informal sector workers. Many employers do not contribute to social protection, leaving workers financially insecure in old age,” she said.

She noted that the Ministry plays a crucial role in ensuring access to labour justice by formulating policies, enforcing legislation, overseeing dispute resolution mechanisms, providing capacity building and awareness programs, and collaborating with stakeholders to promote fair labour practices.

Amidst all this, Anyakun said the Ministry faces constraints such as a lack of a web-based system and national database for labour statistics, an integrated case management system for labour complaints and dispute settlement, as well as staffing shortages, insufficient tools, logistics, and court facilities.

“As we commemorate International Labour Day, it’s important to recognise and address the barriers that hinder workers from seeking redress for workplace disputes. The Ministry is committed to enhancing access to labour justice and seeks the support of Parliament in addressing the constraints,” she said.

Minister Amongi calls for action ahead of International Labour Day

File Photo/Courtesy: Gender minister Berry Amongi

nilepost.co.ug, Kenneth Kazibwe, April 24,2024 |  The Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ms Betty Amongi, has called for the urgent need to address labour justice and safety challenges.

Minister Amongi said May Day is commemorated to appreciate the contribution of workers to national development, raise consciousness on promoting and protecting workers' rights, and reflect on improving workers' welfare, safety, and health.

"As we celebrate the International Labour Day, it is crucial that we acknowledge the obstacles that prevent workers from seeking redress for disputes in the workplace and propose sustainable solutions for the same," Amongi said.

This year's celebrations will be under the theme, "Improving Access to Labour Justice: A Prerequisite for Increased Productivity".

Amongi said it resonates with fundamental human rights. She addressed challenges faced by workers, including unfair dismissals and unsafe working conditions, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to pave the way for a brighter future.

Minister Amongi said the government has been making significant strides in establishing an enabling legal and policy framework for addressing labor complaints and disputes, aiming to enhance access to labor justice.

"The Government has made significant strides towards putting in place an enabling legal and policy framework for handling Labour complaints and disputes to improve access to labour justice," she added.

Meanwhile, during the news briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday, the minister announced the commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

She noted its significance in drawing attention to emerging trends in occupational safety and health.

The Ministry's achievements in this regard, such as workplace inspections and the launch of the Occupational Safety and Health Management Information Systems.

Despite strides made, the Minister acknowledged ongoing challenges and urged proactive steps to address them.

She pledged the Ministry's commitment to building safer and healthier work environments and invited all Ugandans to join the celebrations.

The Minister concluded by extending invitations to the International Labour Day celebrations in Fort Portal City and the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in Mbale City.

Minister Amongi's statements reflect a call to action to improve labour justice and safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers' rights and well-being.

With upcoming celebrations and initiatives planned, the Ministry aims to honor workers' contributions and advocate for better working conditions.