KIGALI - The head of the Private Sector Federation (PSF), Robert Bayigamba, says Labour Day is a grand opportunity for discussing achievements and challenges.

"It is an important day for us to discuss with our partners especially the government on labour issues,” Bayigamba said.

According to him, it is an opportunity to look at both achievements and challenges, especially the unemployment challenge.

Bayigamba emphasized the need for people to be more creative and stressed the need for vocational and technical training, "to be more innovative since we need new ideas in doing business.”

"We have to be more creative,” he urged, "to increase employment opportunities and really focus on some sectors such as tourism, agro-industry and services to create more jobs.”

Minimum wage

Public and private employees who have talked to The New Times expressed dissatisfaction with their salaries. Many pointed to the fact that the prices were soaring yet their salaries remain fixed.

Apart from food prices, fuel and housing [rent] concerns, among other things, are also on most workers’ worry lists as we celebrate Labour Day. Bayigamba emphasized that the day will provide a forum for discussing wage related issues.

"We will discuss the labour code in particular,” he said. Labour Day is seen as providing a much needed forum on the wage related challenges.

A draft on the labour code is currently in parliament and Bayigamba sees this as a chance to discuss it with government.

"We will give our in-put,” he stressed.

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