As Ugandans joined the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s World Labour Day, the general secretary of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), Filbert Baguma, says the day is not worth celebrating.
Baguma said that the day would be worth celebrating if employers were willing to listen and address the concerns of employees, including the issue of salary enhancement.
Labour Day is observed on May 1st every year across the world to pay tribute to the contribution of workers and the national celebrations were held in Namutumba District.
Baguma said it is important for all workers to be treated humanely and listened to, to create a conducive working environment for everyone.
Responding to the concerns raised by Baguma, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Aggrey David Kibenge, said it is important for both the employer and employee to value each other.
He also noted that creating a conducive environment for employees is a negotiation issue that involves the tripartite of government, the employer, and workers.
Gender minister Betty Amongi said the day is worthy of celebration since Uganda’s economy has rebounded from the Covid-19 stronger with unemployment projected at only 3 percent in 2023.
She, however, said the government will continue to enforce legal and policy frameworks to protect the rights of workers.
