FAMILY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES NOTES CHALLENGES IN LABOUR SECTOR, PROPOSES SOLUTIONS.

Lusaka, Tuesday (April 30, 2024)

Family Development Initiatives (FDI), a faith based organization, says the labour sector in Zambia faces several challenges that impact its efficiency and the welfare of workers.

FDI Team Leader Sheikh Yusuf Ayami said the presence of multiple trade unions has sometimes led to weakened collective bargaining power and misrepresentation of workers’ interests.

Sheikh Ayami said skill shortages and wage rigidities remain thorny issues that can hinder economic growth and job creation, affecting the overall employment landscape.

The clergyman said workers in Zambia have experienced rights violations, which can weaken the effectiveness of labour movements in upholding the workers’ rights.

Sheikh Ayami called for strengthening of labour laws by updating and enforcing labour laws to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair wages and working conditions.

On skills development, he called for investing in education and vocational training to address skill shortages and prepare the workforce for the demands of the modern economy.

Furthermore, and in relation to addressing skill shortages, he called on the need to enhancing labour market information systems in order to develop reliable labour market information and skills anticipation systems to inform policy and planning.

He said improving the labour sector can significantly enhance the welfare of families in Zambia.

Sheikh Ayami said better employment conditions have a positive impact on families as that leads to increased income stability.

He said secure and well-paying jobs provide families with a steady income, which is crucial for meeting basic needs and improving living standards.

“With better income, families can afford healthcare and education, leading to healthier and more educated communities,” he said.

Sheikh Ayami said improved labour conditions contribute to social welfare programs that support vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.

“Overall, a robust labour sector is essential for the economic and social development of Zambia, directly influencing the well-being and prosperity of its families,” he said.