Malawi Labour Group Pushes Decent Work Standards in Tobacco Sector
The tobacco tenancy system, which tied farm workers to their employers through debts, was abolished by Parliament last year.
MZIMBA, Malawi - The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) says it remains committed to promoting decent work standards in the tobacco sector following the abolition of the controversial tobacco tenancy system last year, writes James Nyirenda.
MCTU Deputy Director Jessie Ching’oma reiterated the labor group’s stance on Tuesday during a training workshop for members of the Tobacco and Allied Workers Union of Malawi in Mzimba.
Ching’oma said advocating for decent work policies, including ending child labor and gender-based violence, can aid in achieving sustainable development goals within the tobacco industry.
“As part of ensuring workers, especially those in tobacco, are aware of their rights to decent work where they are protected and children under 18 are not forced into child labor, and women are not subject to gender-based violence,” Ching’oma told attendees.
She said MCTU’s interventions also focus on guaranteeing tobacco farm workers receive regular monthly wages through standard contracts that clearly define the relationship between employers and employees.
The efforts further seek to promote occupational safety, health and fair compensation standards for smallholder tobacco farmers.
The tobacco tenancy system, which tied farm workers to their employers through debts, was abolished by Parliament in 2021 after research revealed it fueled exploitation, child labor and modern slavery-like conditions.
Happy Nkhoma, chairperson of the local tobacco workers union, praised MCTU for enlightening them on the changes after the tenancy system was outlawed.
“The training has helped us understand the rights of both workers and employers in the tobacco sector,” Nkhoma said.
MCTU is implementing the project focused on decent work and access to rights in Malawi’s tobacco sector with financial and technical support from the International Labour Organization and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.