The International Labour Organization (ILO) has requested Ethiopia to determine the minimum wage level. The organization, dedicated to achieving social justice globally, urged Ethiopia to establish a minimum wage level.
Ethiopia joined the International Labour Organization a century ago, aiming to contribute to social justice worldwide. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia stands alone as the sole African nation within the organization, commemorating the occasion with the presence of United Nations leaders, ILO representatives, employers, trade unions, and experts.
Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, the African director of the International Labour Organization, expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s ratification of eight out of the 23 ILO conventions. Despite Ethiopia’s efforts to enhance worker safety, the director called for the establishment of a minimum wage ceiling for workers.
Kasahun Folo, the President of the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions, highlighted that despite Ethiopia’s century-long membership in the International Labour Organization, it remains one of the few African countries where workers face challenges in organizing.
He noted that ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions, have led to the destruction of organizations and severe problems for workers.
Mr. Kasahun emphasized the need to halt wars and conflicts, advocating for dialogue as a means of resolving issues. He cited instances of violence against workers, such as the killing of 39 flower farm development workers, Dangote Cement and Muger Cement employees, in a single month.
Despite Ethiopia’s early accession to the International Labour Organization, it is perceived as lagging in the implementation of agreements and declarations.
Mr. Kasahun pointed out that, despite existing laws allowing workers to organize for their interests, obstacles persist, resulting in fewer than one million organized workers out of a total of four million.
He called upon the government to address the issue of determining the minimum wage level promptly.
In response, Minister of Labour and Skills Mrs. Muferiat Kamil highlighted the establishment of numerous institutions, including the ILO, during previous leadership. She expressed gratitude for the efforts of the forefathers and acknowledged the ILO’s success on a global scale.
The minister stated that the government, over the past five years, has been actively working towards radical change to ensure social justice and worker welfare. She mentioned ongoing efforts to provide loans to work units and private employer institutions to prevent fund shortages and acknowledged the government’s understanding of the pressures faced by workers.
Minister Mufariat emphasized that a comprehensive study is underway to determine the minimum wage level, with completion expected soon.”
