Three Resolutions Reached to Improve Stevedores’ Wages and Conditions
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Three key resolutions have been reached between the Consultative Committee on the Conditions of Employment of Stevedores and the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs, aimed at improving stevedores’ wages, simplifying their tax obligations and promoting fairer competition within the industry. The announcement was made during a press conference by the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs at Maison Collet, headquarters of the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy.
Speaking at the press conference were Minister Jean-Francois Ferrari, sitting in for Employment and Social Affairs Minister Patricia Francourt who is on overseas mission, principal secretary for Employment Veronique Bresson, chairman of the committee Jules Baker, general manager of Seaward (Pty) Ltd Robert Etienne, general manager of Hunt Deltel and Co Ltd Ameer Afif, secretary general of the Seychelles Federation of Workers’ Union (SFWU) Antoine Robinson, and SFWU representative for stevedores Randy Azemia. Mr Baker explained that the first resolution was a review of the minimum annual wage and that the next meeting will determine the new figure and the conditions of employment for stevedores.
Mr Etienne welcomed the resolutions on behalf of the employers, noting that they had long been pushing for greater fairness in the industry. Mr Robinson also voiced the union’s support for the agreements, which he said represented a step forward for workers in one of the country’s most physically demanding sectors. The resolutions are expected to be implemented over the coming months, following further consultations between the parties, and will form the basis of a new framework governing stevedore operations at the country’s ports.
