Government says it will continue working with cooperating partners to create decent jobs, a good environment for investors and ensure that labour laws are adhered to through the Decent Work Programme.
Labour Permanent Secretary Trevor Kaunda explains that the objectives of the Decent Work Programme are job creation, enhanced rights, social protection and dialogue.
Mr Kaunda said the four pillars will help enhance development in Zambia because once implemented the programme will address challenges the country is currently facing in the labour market.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking to ZANIS in an interview in Geneva today after attending the 317th Session of the International Labour Organisation Governing Body (ILO-GB).
The programme is a globally recognised framework for reducing poverty and balancing development which will help ensure that Zambia records meaningful development through the implementation of the Decent Work Country programme.
He cited unemployment among the youths and women and issues of social protection which will help ensure a safe and healthy workplace, income protection and access to healthcare for the majority of Zambians whose employment is in the informal sector.
Mr Kaunda also noted that social dialogue will result in strong and independent workers and employers’ organisations to avoid disputes and build harmonious and productive workplaces.
He said there is also need to ensure that issues of rights are addressed so that employers are recognised and respected.
Mr Kaunda however urged employees to have a good attitude towards work.
Zambia was represented at the 317th session of the international labour organisation governing body (ILO-GB) by Labour and social security minister Fackson Shamenda, permanent secretary Trevor Kaunda, and labour commissioner Cecilia Kamanga.
Others were director planning Peggy Mlewa, director, occupational safety and health services Kamoma -Chivunda and senior social security officer policy and legislation Christian Mwanza.
The ILO – GB is the executive body of the ILO which meets three times in a year to make decisions on ILO policies and adopts the agenda of the International labour conference.
Zambia was elected as member of the ILO-GB (in the deputy/substitute category) at the 97th International Labour Conference in June 2008.
The country served in the substitute category for three years until June 2011 when she assumed the titular/regular membership for a further three years ending in 2014.