PROPOSALS FOR BUDGET 2018-19 CONGRESS PROPOSALS FOR BUDGET 2018-19
Introduction
The Mauritius Trade Union Congress wishes to present the feelings and concerns of the workers and the citizens of Mauritius in view of the forthcoming budget 2018-2019 . At the very outset, it is important mentioning that many workers have benefited with the implementation of the “National Minimum Wage” and this is a very crucial element in order to deal with poverty and absolute poverty eradication. Nevertheless there is need to do much more and this Government should seize this budget as an opportunity to meet the expectations of the public in general.
The MTUC has the pleasure to submit this memorandum with the expectation that our proposals will be taken into kind considerations.
- Alignment of salary scales based on the National Minimum Wage Regulation 2017
The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment and Training has already, through written communication, informed NRB and PRB to re-align the salary scales so as to abide by the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2017. In light of the application of the relativity by the PRB, we humbly request the Government to cater for a special budget so as to support the changes in the salary scales.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
We are making a special request for part of CSR Fund to be allocated to trade union confederations so that they can organize education and training sessions, welfare and other leisure activities for workers. MTUC believes that TUTF (Trade Union Trust Fund) has failed to play its role up to now and the Government is called upon to take very drastic decision, but at the same time bring financial support to confederations of trade unions in a more rational and fair manner.
- Amendments to Labour Laws:
Since a long time, we are been informed that the Labour Laws are at a Ministerial Committee, yet in the absence of the amendments of labour laws, the policy of “hire and fire” is continuing in the private sector. MTUC humbly requests the Government to bring further amendments to the labour laws urgently in order to consolidate further, the rights of workers.
- Para-Statal Bodies Service Commission:
We are proposing, as earlier requested, for the setting up of a Para-Statal Bodies Service Commission, which will be similar to PSC, but which will be the agency responsible for the recruitment and promotion of employees in para-statal bodies.
- Vision 2030 – Creation of Jobs:
As per Vision 2030, the creation of 100 000 jobs should become a reality, by providing an increase in the number of jobs in both civil service and para-statal bodies. Provisions should also be made to fill all existing vacancies in the public sector. We are therefore proposing that the Government should introduce without further delay the National Employment Policy (being still in abeyance) which will be a comprehensive road map for the creation of quality jobs in all the sectors.
- Privatization Program by Govt.:
MTUC is following with much concern the privatization of certain organizations like CWA and we are of the opinion that the very good feel factor in the country can be at stake if this organization fell out of the hands of the Government. We understand that the present Government had promised 24 hours water supply to each and everyone but this should not serve as an excuse for privatization. No strategic partner will join an organization without taking into consideration projected huge profits for them. It is clear that CWA being an essential service provider like water, the “lepep admirable” will be called upon to bear a substantial increase of tariffs in the near future.
- PRB 2021:
MTUC would like to point out that during the previous PRB Reports, the Bureau had not enough time to work out proper job analysis and especially, site visits were not done in many cases due to lack of time and lack of staff. We are therefore making an appeal that the PRB be given additional financial and workforce support so that site visits be done in all required cases and proper job analysis is effected for all grades, as this will lead to well deserved recommendations.
- Sugar Sector
Today the Sugar Sector is at a cross road. Government should support the workers in sugar sector-related para-statal bodies. With the dismantling of the sugar protocol the importance of sugar insurance can be questioned. On the other hand how long will the Government pay the insurance premium for planters???
We propose that the SIFB should be brought under the umbrella of the MCIA and the accumulated fund be used as financial support to planters. If planters will not get financial support, they will definitely be out of business in less time. The trend of planters neglecting their fields is constantly increasing at a high rate. A drastic and corrective measure within this budget can save sugar cane planters.
- Seafarers Income Support Scheme
MTUC is making appeal for the introduction of a “Seafarers Income Support Scheme” for retired seafarers. We have noted that since 2007 a mandatory pension scheme for seafarers based on the obligation of Maritime Labour Convention had been introduced. However those who have retired prior to setting up of the mandatory pension scheme, are deprived of the benefits attached.
Therefore we are proposing the creation of a “Seafarers Income Support Scheme” for those having retired prior to 2007, and also to those who are suffering from invalidity and widows of seafarers.
- Training for Seafarers to work on Tankers
MTUC has noted with much concern that the majority of Seafarers working on Tankers are foreigners. We have already raised the matter of a training program with the Ministry of Ocean Economy. The Government should seize this very opportunity to empower our countrymen with skills to work on tankers. This will lead to the creation of new jobs and will thus decrease the dependency on foreign workers.
Conclusion
We thank you, Dear Prime Minister, for hearing our proposals, and waiting for the wisdom of the government to include our proposals in the Budget 2018-2019.
Nundeo CHACOORY
General Secretary
MAURITIUS TRADE UNION CONGRESS
Posted by Minority Voice
on May 10 2018. Filed under Economie, Featured.
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