The Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) has cited low wages, Covid-19, lay-offs and various forms of abuses as some of the hurdles that workers are currently facing in the country.

The comment was made by president for MCTU, Charles Kumchenga, ahead of World Labour Day which falls on  May 1 annually.

Kumchenga indicated that political will is critical if worker’s rights are to be protected.

“We will be presenting our grievances to the ministry of labour during the commemoration of the event where President Chakwera will also be in attendance, otherwise where there is no political will people will continue to suffer,” said Kumchenga.

This year, World Labour Day will be commemorated under the theme, “Workers’ rights a pre-requisite for inclusive development”.

President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to grace the commemoration ceremony to be held in Mzuzu.

Labour Day is commemorated worldwide with a public holiday.