Labour Party elects new executive

The Rwandese Socialist Labour Party (PSR) has affirmed its commitment to advocate for better renumeration of workers so that they can earn better wages and live a decent life. It says the minimum wage set at Rwf100 as stipulated in the 1973 labour law is not in line with current realities and should be adjusted accordingly. PSR officials made the remarks on Saturday during the party’s 8th high congress convened in Kigali to assess the operations of the party and elect a new National Executive Committee. MP Jean-Baptiste Rucibigango was re-elected president of the party for a five-year mandate. He promised to put more efforts in advocating for the rights of workers as well as development projects. “There are some workers who work hard, generate considerable returns yet live deplorable lives because of meagre income. We want to push for the revision of minimum wage to be Rwf750 per day so that workers like house helps can lead decent lives,” he said. PSR says it will also advocate for the speeding up of the regional railway project, a joint venture of East African Community (EAC) partner states meant to boost economic integration in the region. It says for this to be achieved, it will partner with all stakeholders, including other parties and governments in the region in a bid to build synergy. “We strongly believe once the EAC railway is complete, it will help expand job opportunities through free labour movement, foster unity and social interactions as well as ease doing business in the region,” Rucibigango said. The party urged employers against rushing to take decisions such as dismissal of employees, which it says must be done in accordance with the labour laws. It says in case there is a need to lay off workers, government should deem it necessary to find them alternative means of survival. Restituta Mukantagara, who was elected national secretary for women development and gender equity, said she would work hard to promote the welfare of women. “Government has availed women various opportunities but many are not aware of them. I intend to train women in running business and leadership so as to promote self-reliance,” she said. The PSR National Executive Committee consists of three members of the Bureau, including the president and 17 commissioners. PSR was founded in 1991 with an objective of promoting workers’ rights. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Labour Party elects new executive