International Workers Day: Stronger Workplaces, Better Lives

Ethiopia joined the global community in commemorating the 137th International Labor Day under the theme, “Respect for Workers’ Rights and Sustainable Living Conditions as the Basis for Industrial Peace and Productivity.” To mark the occasion, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU), in collaboration with FES, organized panel discussions in Addis Ababa and 11 regions across the country.

The discussions brought together representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Skills, trade unions, employers’ associations, and international partners to discuss the future of labor and workers’ rights in Ethiopia. The events also provided a platform to advance key labor demands aimed at strengthening protections and improving working conditions nationwide.

CETU President Kassahun Follo emphasized that respect for workers’ rights is fundamental to industrial peace, productivity, and sustainable development. He outlined a series of key demands focused on strengthening labor governance and ensuring decent work standards.

One of the primary demands was the establishment of a national minimum wage board under the Ministry of Labor and Skills, as envisaged in the 2019 Labour Proclamation but not yet implemented. CETU stressed that a fair and transparent minimum wage system is essential to protect workers’ purchasing power amid rising living costs and to ensure a decent standard of living.

The Confederation also called for stronger enforcement of workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, in line with constitutional guarantees and relevant provisions of the Labour Proclamation. It further urged the full implementation of ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Convention 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, citing continued violations such as dismissals, demotions, and retaliation against unionized workers.

In addition, CETU called for the ratification of key international labor standards, including ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment, Convention 189 on Domestic Workers, Convention 143 on Migrant Workers, and the relevant conventions on occupational safety and health.

Panelists also highlighted the importance of aligning national labor governance with international standards and due diligence frameworks, including the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU CSDDD). A recurring concern raised during the discussions was the persistent gap between existing legal protections and the practical enforcement of workers’ rights.

The event concluded with a strong message that meaningful progress on labor rights requires coordinated action to translate legal frameworks into effective implementation, ensuring that Ethiopia’s economic transformation is grounded in dignity, fairness, and decent work for all.