Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development,,,Press Release (21st August 2012)

The Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) is hosting a 3 day National Tripartite workshop on International Labour Standards and Reporting. The aim of this activity is to sensitize key Ministries and the population at large on the role of International Labour Standards in improving working conditions and ensuring that workers enjoy a better quality of life.
The workshop which is bringing together social partners and participants to discuss on Conventions, of which their reports are due this year, was officially launched at the STC Conference Centre by the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms. Idith Alexander.
In her opening speech, Minister Alexander noted that Seychelles has had a rich history in International Labour Standards and that over the decades the Government has been particularly active in promoting the cause of the ILO and advancing the Decent Work Agenda through ratification of ILO conventions.
Seychelles has up to now ratified 31 of the ILO’s conventions including the eight core conventions on fundamental principles and rights at work. The Minister was pleased to state that Seychelles was the first country in the world to ratify the Convention number 182 on Worst forms of child labour.
Minister Alexander emphasized on the importance of providing quality reports, as through this we can better equip ourselves to create safe and healthy working environments to reduce occupational accidents and increase productivity.
“By providing quality reports, we can introduce systems to ensure that workers are being treated equally despite their gender, age and disability, which can lead to more satisfied workers and low turnover. Quality reports can also assist in ensuring that rights at work are respected, decent jobs are created and investments are made into training which can motivate workers to be innovative and smart. Compliance with our reporting obligation can equally ensure that social dialogue is at the core of consultations thereby enhancing stable relations between workers, employers and Government” the Minister said, and that therefore reporting is important for planning ahead.
The Minister reminded the participants that it is important for them to give their continuous collaboration in this dynamic exercise to ensure that Seychelles meet its reporting obligations.
“My Ministry is also updating the Employment Act, the Employment Policy and the Occupational Health and Safety Policy to bring them in line with the Conventions” declared Minister Alexander and she said that these are indeed great achievements for a small country like the Seychelles. “Such progress is indeed encouraging for the Government and the ILO”
The three day workshop is funded by ILO and is being facilitated by their Labour Standards Specialist, Mrs. Christina Holmgren.
It is to be noted that Seychelles became a member of the ILO in 1977.
The launching of the workshop was attended by the Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Minister for Education Mrs. Macsuzy Mondon, Minister for Environment and Energy Professor Rolph Payet, Minister for Health Mrs Mitcy Larue, Members of the National Assembly, high Government Officials, Social Partners and participants.