The Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA) called on Thursday (11), in Maputo, for the adoption of responsible practices in the construction sector, advocating fair wages, decent working conditions, and strict compliance with safety standards as essential pillars for Mozambique’s sustainable economic development.
During the closing ceremony of the Communication and Promotion Campaign for Decent Work in Construction, held under the motto “Commitment to Decent and Safe Work,” CTA representative Faruque Osmane highlighted the need for a work environment that values employees and fully respects their rights.
Faruque Osmane emphasized that ensuring decent work goes far beyond job creation, including the negotiation of minimum wages, recognition of professionals, and adherence to hygiene and safety rules. “We encourage financially capable companies to pay above the national minimum as a way to value our workers,” he stated.
The CTA representative noted that the construction sector holds strategic importance in the national economy and that the promotion of decent work “is inseparable from sustainable economic development and the improvement of the business environment,” reinforcing the need for greater social responsibility by companies.
Faruque Osmane also highlighted CTA’s collaboration with small businesses, contractors’ federations, and other sector entities to identify challenges and improvement opportunities. “We have been working closely with our members and the federation of small contractors to reflect on the current state of the industry,” he said.
He further stressed that decent work should be observed at all stages of construction projects, promoting safety, women’s inclusion, youth training, and respect for labour rights. “We want to urge the companies present here to ensure the promotion of decent work during their operations,” he added.
The official added that, with ongoing technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), he hopes to strengthen the debate and consolidate the implementation of the concept of decent work in the country, making business practices more responsible and inclusive.
Meanwhile, Boaventura Sibinde, representative of the National Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Mozambique (CONSILMO), highlighted the importance of the Sharing Declaration as a guiding instrument for national and multinational companies. “The Sharing Declaration constitutes the only instrument of international labour organisation,” he stated.
Boaventura Sibinde explained that the application of this declaration aims to protect workers’ rights, promote women’s inclusion, support local communities, and expand opportunities for youth, stressing that the document holds companies accountable to society.
Event participants considered that initiatives like this campaign help strengthen responsible practices in a sector still marked by informality, insufficient wages, challenges to women’s inclusion, and limitations on union action. They also noted that such actions contribute to a fairer, more competitive, and sustainable business environment.
Source: Mozambican News Agency (AIM)
