BVTA Press Statement on World Decent Work Day
07 October, 2021
Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA), continues to join the rest of the world in commemorating the World Decent Work Day. Over the past year, it has been celebrated during the COVID-19 pandemic era, which has aggravated existing blemishes in societies when it comes to decent work, pay and income.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Recommendation 204 states that, work is a source of personal dignity, democracy and general economic growth in the community. It also states that productive employment and decent work are key elements to achieving a fair globalization and poverty reduction.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe under Section 64 Subsection (1) states that, “Every employee is entitled to just, equitable and satisfactory conditions of work.” Section 24 also concurs that every worker has the right to decent work.
We stand in solidarity with the workers in the informal economy ecosystem, a sector that has been the hardest hit by the effects of this pandemic but have managed to continue with their businesses.
We applaud and salute informal traders who have made efforts to acquire vending licenses through our efforts and engagement with stakeholders involved in the licencing process. We call for informal traders to apply for licenses as part of ensuring dignified and decent working environment.
Overtime, we have documented cases of informal traders’ harassment and confiscation of wares by law enforcement agents, emanating from challenges associated with licencing businesses. We implore local authorities across the country to ensure that licensing fees are affordable, accessible and/ or licencing is decentralised to informal traders.
BVTA continues to recognise and advocate for decent work for informal traders through development of infrastructure and facilitation of the licensing process as we endow “the journey to formalisation.”
Issued by BVTA Information and Publicity Unit
Contact details: Fourth floor, Suite 406, Fidelity Life Building Fife street and 11th Avenue Email:bulawayovendors@gmail.com Facebook: Bulawayo Vendors Trust/ Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association Twitter: @bvtatrust Website: www.bvtatrust.org Phone: +263 713 635 908
