Vision Reporters
29 April 2009
Kampala — The labour state minister, Dr. Emmanuel Otaala, has asked the Chief Justice, Benjamin Odoki, to appoint a judge to handle the backlog of workers' complaints and disputes in the Industrial Court.
Otaala said this would be an interim measure in the process of establishing an Industrial Court.
The launch of the court was delayed by a debate on the appropriate title for the judge to head it
"We have written to the Chief Justice to appoint an interim judge. This should address the over 300 labour cases that are pending," Otaala said while addressing journalists at the Media Centre in Kampala on yesterday ahead of the Labour Day celebrations slated for Friday.
Otaala noted that the Government was implementing a number of measures including finalising the draft national employment policy and national action plan for youth employment.
Other measures, he said, included establishing the labour advisory board and medical arbitration board.
Otaala said the ministry was arbitrating in some cases involving former workers of Warid Telecom and Posta Uganda.
Labour Day, the minister explained, enables the Government, workers, labour unions and civil society organisations to reflect on achievements made and challenges ahead.
"This day is celebrated in recognition of the dignity of labour and the important contribution that labour makes to national development," he stated.
The national celebrations will be held at Soroti Sports ground under the theme of "Promoting local investment for increased employment opportunities."
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.
In parliament, Soroti Woman MP Alice Alaso asked the Government to institute a minimum wage.
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