Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-04-18 18:51:04
Trade unions in Lesotho are voicing their concerns over the discrimination against women in the textile and private security sectors regarding maternity leave payment. The government has implemented a legal notice that provides 12-week maternity leave for women in these sectors, but only six weeks are paid. In contrast, women in other sectors and government employment receive 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.
The Trade Unions, as reported by the Lesotho Times, criticized the government’s Labour Wages notice for favoring women in the private sector and government employment over those in the textile and private security sectors. The Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL) Secretary-General, May Rathakane, expressed dismay over the discriminatory nature of the legislation, which he believes allows employers to exploit workers.
Despite engaging with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Labour and Employment on this issue, no significant progress has been made in addressing the grievances of women in the textile and private security sectors. The legal notice specifying the maternity leave provisions remains unchanged, leading to further frustration among trade unions.
The discriminatory maternity leave policy has resulted in adverse effects, particularly in the textile industry, where infant mortality rates are reportedly high. New mothers feel compelled to return to work quickly to earn a living, risking their health and that of their newborns. Expectant mothers in the textile sector delay taking maternity leave due to financial constraints, further exacerbating the issue.
Mr Rathakane emphasized the need for equal treatment of all women, regardless of their sector of employment. He highlighted the importance of providing adequate maternity leave to protect the well-being of mothers and their children. The trade unions have been advocating for amendments to the existing legal notice to address these disparities and provide fair treatment for all women.
In response to these concerns, Minister Mokhosi explained that decisions regarding maternity leave duration and payment were made through collective bargaining among companies from various sectors. He emphasized the challenges of mandating specific maternity leave durations for employers, as it could potentially impact female employment opportunities. The Labour Code Amendment Act 2024 aims to establish bargaining councils to negotiate various labor-related issues, including maternity leave, to ensure fair practices in the workplace.
Despite these efforts, trade unions and advocates continue to push for reforms to the maternity leave policies to promote gender equality and protect the rights of women in the workforce. The ongoing discussions and negotiations between stakeholders aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in Lesotho, particularly those in the textile and private security sectors.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
