Antoine Robinson, secretary general of the Seychelles Federation Workers Union (SFWU) has called for sharing of information and more cooperation to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on our economy and the working sector.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION yesterday, Mr Robinson noted that the need for social dialogue in addressing the Covid-19 crisis is very important.

He said we will only be able to overcome the virus by having an open and transparent discussion between employers, employees, and government.

Since the start of the pandemic many workers have come to the SFWU for advice, Mr Robinson remarked, adding that workers are now more conscious of the importance of having a union that represents them.

Mr Robinson also praised the president for chairing multiple forums in which heads of various sectors can discuss solutions to deal with the virus.

“In these forums, I was able to explain to the president that workers won’t be able to live on welfare solely so we proposed to him that workers get the minimum wage when they are made redundant,” said Mr Robinson.

He further noted that extra steps were taken by the government when it created the Seychelles Employee Transition Scheme (Sets) that represents a relief net for workers made redundant.

Mr Robinson also remarked that there is a discussion between workers union, employment, and businesses to replace GOP workers who are not working right now with local workers who have been made redundant.

“Workers that have their jobs right now need to be more serious and more productive to make sure that they maintain their job. One of the positives that has come out of the virus is that many workers are now more serious as they are fearful of being made redundant,” he said.

As for foreign workers, Mr Robinson noted that some employers have asked the government to transfer their foreign workers whom they are not able to pay to other businesses who will renew their contract.

“This will reduce the request to import foreign workers and use those who are already in the country,” said Mr Robinson.

He remarked that in order to do so negotiations will be have to be made between the foreigner, the original employer, and the department of employment to make sure that everything is legal.

 

Christophe Zialor