The Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, Mr Soodesh Satkam Callichurn, chaired, this afternoon, the first meeting of the National Tripartite Council, in Port Louis.
This council brings together representatives of Government, employers, and trade unions. It will act as a common platform where work-related issues can be discussed on a regular basis.
In a statement following the meeting, Minister Callichurn recalled that the Employment Relations Act was amended to introduce Section 98 for the setting-up of the National Tripartite Council. Matters discussed today, he highlighted, focused on three main themes: employment; employability; and training.
The Minister observed that, despite the unemployment rate currently standing at 6.8%, there are many jobs available on the market. He moreover remarked that there is a need to understand why Mauritians are reluctant to take up employment in certain fields, while at the same time look into the new types of jobs to be created in a bid to further modernise our country.
In addition, Minister Callichurn underscored that several Commissions have been set up and will be presided by representatives of either Government, employers, or trade unions. The Council, he pointed out, will also seek the contribution of experts and academics so as to provide advice and recommendations to Government so that the latter can address various issues regarding manpower. He also cautioned the need to rethink the local strategy regarding employment in order to encourage citizens to work in Mauritius instead of going abroad in the future.
On another note, he dwelt on Government’s effort to increase salaries in Mauritius and added that, next year, the National Wage Consultative Council will be called upon to review the minimum wage. The National Remuneration Board is also expected to revise conditions of service and salaries in a number of sectors, he added.
