MASERU - Workers of different sectors, under the umbrella of the Alliance of Trade Unions of Lesotho, on Monday called for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mrs. Keketso Rantšo, claiming she does not care for their welfare and families. Handing over a petition of their grievances to the Prime Minister Dr. Thomas Thabane, the workers said they want the Minister of Labour to publish a gazette announcing a minimum wage (for private sector workers) of a 15% increase before Saturday, which must be dated back to April 1. Also, they want factory workers to be given a minimum monthly salary of M2,000.

‘Mathabo Mohobelo, the President of the Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL), when reading the petition to the Prime Minister, said: “It has come to our realisation that the Minister of Labour does not care about the “slavery salaries we are currently receiving and it is clear that she is not planning on fixing the issue any time soon”. “We do not want the 7% increment that the Minister is proposing, but we want 15% (other sectors) and M2,000 for factory workers for the year financial year2018/19. Recommendations were made by the International Labour Organisation that the minimum wage should be at least M2,000 and this recommendation was made back in 2012; but up to date, there is still no progress.”