Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga says, it is important that employees and farmers in the Cotton sub sector are provided with personal protective equipment and occupational health services.
Mr. Luhanga says government is aware that the Cotton Sub-sector uses a lot of chemicals in production.
He said this when he officially opened a dialogue meeting in Lusaka under the theme; “Weaving threads: sustainability advancing decent work in the Zambian Cotton Sector” supported by Solidaridad, Trust Africa and We Effect.
Mr. Luhanga said government is therefore advancing decent work in the Zambian Cotton Sub-sector to set a benchmark for the world to follow.
“The meeting serves as a platform to reflect on the practices within the cotton sector that are aligning with this noble goal,” said Mr. Luhanga in a statement issued to RCV news in Lusaka today.
He said Government is ready to support the Cotton Sub-sector to promote policies, strategies and regulations that safeguard decent work and secure the workers rights.
The Permanent Secretary said the sector must adhere to the four pillars of decent work are productive and freely chosen work, rights at work, social protection, and social dialogue.
And speaking earlier, Cotton Board of Zambia (CBZ) Board Chairperson Raymond Mpundu said the Board is dedicated towards the betterment and sustainable advancement of the cotton industry.
“Decent work encapsulates more than just employment; it embodies the aspirations for equity, dignity, and respect in the workplace,” said Mr Mpundu.
Mr. Mpundu said decent work means providing every worker in the cotton sector with fair conditions of employment, a voice in their workplace, and freedom from exploitation.
By Bibiana Lambart
