Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development
Press Release
Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Idith Alexander attends the 104th session of the International Labour Conference, Geneva
Tuesday 9th June 2015

The Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Idith Alexander is heading a tripartite delegation from Seychelles at the 104th session of the International Labour Conference, organized by the International Labour Organization in Geneva, Switzerland from 1st to 13th June 2015.

Minister Alexander addressed the Conference on Tuesday 9th June 2015, and focused her intervention on the report of the Director General of the ILO, Mr Guy Ryder entitled “The future of work centenary initiatives” and also on the main items on the agenda: “Facilitating transition from the informal to the formal economy” and “Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and decent and productive employment creation.”

Accordingly Minister Alexander stated that Seychelles as a small island developing state is also concerned with the future of work. “In appreciating our achievements, we are also mindful of our vulnerabilities. The persisting global challenges such as climate change on our shores, on our workers and businesses affirm that the labour market does not operate in isolation. Today climate change is not only about reducing environmental impact on society but it is also about protecting jobs, promoting renewable energy businesses and preserving the quality of life of a nation. The Government of Seychelles therefore remains active in the international community and we remain committed in creating new jobs namely through the diversification of our economy, particularly by the concept of the Blue Economy,” explained Minister Alexander.

Minister Alexander also affirmed that the Government of Seychelles will continue to strive for the formalization of SMEs. “The future of work for Seychelles will greatly depend on the love for our country, the determination of our people, the ambitions of our youth, the responsibility of workers, effective human resource management practices, productivity,entrepreneurship and sustainable businesses that generate decent jobs” explained the Minister.

The Minister also appealed to employers and workers to continue actively working together thereby building the future of work that we are all striving for.
The other members of the Seychelles delegation attending the ILO Conference are Ms Veronique Bresson, Principal Secretary for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Susan Morel, Director Policy Planning and Research, Mrs Michelle Labrosse, Executive Secretary of the Federation of the Employer’ Association of Seychelles and Mr Antoine Robinson, Secretary General of the Seychelles Federation of Workers’ Union.

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As the end of the year approaches, the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Idith Alexander’s tour of private sector businesses and institutions has been going well. On Friday 17^th October, she conducted her 26^th visit of the year which was to the International School Seychelles.

The Minister, accompanied by officials from her Ministry was greeted by the Principal of the School, Mr Karl Wilkinson and Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Mrs Laura Valabhji. The Ministerial delegation was taken on a tour of the school, during which they were introduced to various members of the staff and student body.

The visit covered all forms, from kindergarten to Sixth Form. At each of the locations visited, the Minister interacted with staff members, most of whom expressed satisfaction with their present conditions.

At the end of the visit, a meeting was held between members of the International School staff and the Minister’s delegation. The main issue discussed were contracts of employment and remuneration packages. Mrs Valabhji assured the Minister that the school has already laid out a new salary structure, which will entail different grades of pay based on various factors such as prior work experience, education level, etc.

According to Mrs Valabhji, this new structure will be communicated to the staff shortly. This was well-received by the Minister, who emphasised that communication is an important factor within workplaces.

As with previous visits on her tour, the Minister brought to Mr. Wilkinson’s and Mrs. Valabhji’s attention the scholarship financing programme that the Ministry of Labour is working on in union with ANHRD. Mr. Wilkinson and Mrs. Valabhji expressed intrigue with the idea.

The Minister re-emphasised her desire for increased co-operation between the government and the private sector and the meeting closed with her assurance to Mrs. Valabhji, Mr Wilkinson, and the staff of her Ministry’s support and assistance.

Mrs. Valabhji, Mr. Wilkinson, and the teachers in attendance expressed their sincere gratitude for the Minister’s time and attention on these matters and voiced their interest in closer ties with the Ministry of Labour.