Mozambique: OTM calls for resumption of minimum wage discussion

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Mozambique: OTM calls for resumption of minimum wage discussion

3:03 CAT | 10 Sep 2020

Photo: O País

The Mozambican Workers’ Trade Union (OTM) says that Covid-19 preventive measures are worsening the situation of workers, whose salaries have not so far been reviewed this year.

In an interview on the new State of Calamity decree, OTM spokesman Damião Simango said: “These are necessary measures, though obviously they will create constraints for employers, but first we have to safeguard health and then look into other matters.”

The OTM welcomed measures providing protection for vulnerable groups such as those with chronic diseases.

“The pandemic has brought expenses with it. Masks, soap, buckets cut into people’s wages, although workers did not have them adjusted. We have received information about situations of hardship concerning workers,” he detailed.

In this scenario, the OTM is keen to return to the dialogue table. “We are going to contact the social partners to get back to addressing this issue, because what was clear is that a suspension, not a cancellation, was foreseen.”

Simango noted that “the year is going to end, and we cannot remain in this situation of indecision. Something has to be agreed. People are wondering why it is not known whether there will be [a new minimum wage this year] or not.”

“Tomorrow (this Thursday), the subcommittees of the Labour Advisory Council will resume. That is, the CCT will formally be functioning again. As the mechanisms for dialogue go through the CCT, we will obviously take our proposal to the social partners so that it is part of the agenda of discussions,” he said.

The organisation also welcomed the relaxation of restrictive measures in some sectors of activity, a move that the OTM says could revive the economy.

“When the economy tends to resume, it benefits us all, workers as well as employers. We believe that with this gradual opening, prospects for better days are returning, after months characterized by low production.”

The largest and oldest trade union confederation in the country said, however, that it shared the position of the head of state in erring on the side of caution in the easing of restrictions.

“The reopening should not mean irresponsibility on our part. For the level of reopening to increase, it is important that each of us be an example, because if this does not happen, we run the risk of returning to confinement,” he concluded.

By Raúl Massingue

Source: O País