Strike actions threaten productivity - Rashid Pelpuo laments

Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, has issued a warning. He said that strikes could disrupt national productivity. He urged workers to negotiate before taking industrial action.

On the Joy News AM Show, Dr. Pelpuo discussed a situation at Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University. Staff there were preparing to strike without notifying the Ministry.

“Yesterday, I learned that staff were planning a strike,” he said. “I was not aware of their reasons.” After investigating, he found it was due to a disagreement with management.

While acknowledging workers' rights to protest, Dr. Pelpuo noted the consequences of strikes. “When workers strike, it affects everyone,” he explained. “Strikes disrupt workplaces and harm the economy.”

He emphasized that workers should engage with the Ministry first. “We can help mediate and find solutions,” he added. The Minister stated that strikes should always be a last resort.

“There are laws governing employer-employee relationships,” Dr. Pelpuo said. “Workers must explore all negotiation options before striking.” He stressed that negotiation should be prioritized over drastic measures.

Dr. Pelpuo also highlighted how strikes impact the economy broadly. “Production halts during strikes, affecting entire sectors,” he noted. If students are involved, their education suffers too.

He called on workers, employers, and the government to prioritize dialogue over strikes. “We encourage full discussions before considering strike action,” he concluded. Strikes can have long-term effects on national productivity and stability.