Wakiso – Workers in the horticulture industry have met in a resolute pursuit of better wages and improved labor conditions.
The meeting held on Wednesday at Front Page Hotel, Zana was organized by the Horticulture Union under the leadership of their secretary Jennifer Nnassali.
It attracted a diverse array of participants including employees, employers, government officials and foreign investors all of whom are stake holders in this sector.
At the heart of the discussions was the imperative issue of fair wages for workers. The workshop, a beacon of collaboration, resonated with impassioned debates on how to ensure that those in the horticulture sector are compensated adequately for their efforts.
Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Labor and that of Trade, signifying the government’s interest in the matter.
Horticulture, is among the health risky ventures to work, yet the employees therein are among the worst compensated in the country, and lack the minimum of benefits to even miss personal protective gear in some instances.
Workers’ representative in parliament Arinaitwe Rwakajara, a steadfast advocate for equitable wages, addressed the gathering. In his closing remarks, Rwakajara expressed appreciation for the cooperative spirit between employers and employees that was palpable throughout the discussions.
“Our pursuit is not just for economic growth, but for the elevation of the vulnerable,” he stressed.
Despite facing challenges over two terms to have the minimum wage bill passed and accented to by the president, Rwakajara’s unwavering commitment to enacting a meaningful policy was evident.
He called for continued collective action to establish a living wage that reflects the current socio-economic realities.
The historical context was not lost on the participants. MP Rwakajara drew attention to the outdated minimum wage established in 1957, a mere six cents a month, underlining the pressing need for reform. He articulated a vision in which the Horticulture industry serves as a catalyst, inspiring similar improvements across the informal sector and the broader economy.
As the workshop concluded, a sense of optimism pervaded the room. The shared determination to enhance working conditions and wages underscored a unified commitment. Workers, employers, and officials departed with a renewed sense of purpose, recognizing the potential impact of their collective efforts.
The horticulture industry’s bid for fair wages and improved conditions is no longer an isolated endeavor but a cause that has gained momentum. With the memory of the workshop’s discussions fresh in their minds, stakeholders remain hopeful for a future where equity and dignity prevail for every worker in the sector.
