KIGALI - As Rwanda gears up for the 90th International Workers Day celebrations, the Minister of Public Service, Anastase Murekezi, announced that the government is planning to reward best labour practices in different sectors.

Labour Day falls on May 1 each year with celebrations this year being held under the theme: "Social dialogue and Decent work for fair globalization”.

"In a bid to encourage hardworking and good service delivery, we are planning to award the best practices in government agencies and the private sector,” said Murekezi.

He added that "top government officials will hand the awards to those that will be selected during the national celebrations at Amahoro Stadium.”  The Minister however did not divulge further details on the awards.

He added that this year’s celebrations will also be held at sector level.

"Employers should meet with their employees and celebrate this May Day; in doing so, they should also give their subordinates a chance to make known their grievances and address them,” added Murekezi.

The CEO of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), Emmanuel Hategeka, called upon Rwandans to be competitive on the labour market.

"To date, Rwanda has over 4 million people above the age of 18, few of them qualify to compete on the labour market.”

He pointed at the ongoing global financial crisis that has claimed many jobs on the global market saying that Rwanda is already on track in containing the crisis before it worsens.

"Research indicates that between 18million and 30 million people will lose their jobs in 2009 these figures are so worrying,” said Hategeka. 

Meanwhile, the International Labor Organization has partnered with Rwanda in different areas to promote labour and this comes after Rwanda has ratified 27 International Labour conventions and the employee/employer/Government relationship has improved.

Ends