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On 1st May, the international
community commemorates International Workers’ Day to
recognise the
importance and contribution of workers in development, and to promote
workers’ rights. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) joins
the rest of the world in celebrating the day.
This year, we celebrate the
International Workers’ Day under unusual and extremely difficult
circumstances due to challenges and hardships emanating form COVID-19
pandemic, which has led to unprecedented loss of jobs and livelihoods.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has so far estimated that up
to 25 million jobs will be lost globally, as a result of the extreme
measures, but necessary in containing the spread of COVID-19.
Notwithstanding the dire
circumstances, and the threat to health and safety, millions of workers
across the world have continued to serve on the frontlines to ensure the
provision of health services and other essential services. SADC salutes
these men and women, most notably those in the health sector, who have
shown remarkable resilience and exemplary commitment in the war against
COVID-19. We also pay special tribute to many that have succumbed to the
disease owing to their direct exposure.
SADC calls on governments working
with other stakeholders, including the private sector, and Civil
Societies, to continue strengthening health systems and to guarantee the
provision of safe and healthy working conditions for those on the
frontlines. SADC commends Member States that have implemented social
protection measures aimed at protecting jobs and livelihoods, in order
to guarantee income security, and improve the prospects of an inclusive
and rapid recovery path.
SADC also recognises the many
employers that have avoided drastic measures that would have unduly and
disproportionately affected workers, by resorting to innovative ways of
managing business processes through the use of technology. As the months
ahead may pose even more challenges for the world of work, we encourage
all Member States to utilise the established machinery of tripartite
social dialogue to strengthen cooperation and solidarity, which are
critically important in the search for sustainable solutions.
On this special day for all
workers, SADC urges Member States to implement commitments in the SADC
Code on Social Security, which is premised on the principle that “everyone in SADC has the right to social security.” The
Code requires Member States to progressively raise their systems of
social security to provide meaningful coverage of everyone through
schemes that provide for unemployment and maternity benefits, among
others. Implementation of the Code will rightfully enhance working and
living conditions in the Community, and contribute to socio-economic
resilience in dealing with shocks similar to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In wishing all workers a happy May
Day, SADC is confident that Member States will continue to implement
COVID-19 response measures that will protect the labour markets, jobs
and incomes, support vulnerable workers in the informal economy, and
facilitate the economic recovery and socio-economic stability.
May I appeal to workers and
employers to take COVID-19 pandemic seriously, and continue to observe
and implement preventive measures as guided by respective national
health authorities and the World Health Organization. Above all, the
SADC must remain united in the fight against this pandemic, for it is
only when united and every one play their part that we will win the
battle against COVID-19.
Happy Workers Day.
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