“Employment remains my priority; work being a fundamental human right and an essential factor for safeguarding human dignity”, says President Ben Ali on Labor Day
Tunis , May 1, 2008 (TunisiaOnline)--In an address to the Tunisian people on the occasion of the celebration of Labor Day, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali announced a set of measures destined to boost employment, improve the purchasing power of workers, as well as promoting safety in work places.
These include notably the decisions:
-“To increase the minimum guaranteed wage in agricultural and non –agricultural sectors” whose amount shall be decided “after consultation with the concerned professional organizations”.
- The establishment of “a national program for the management of work related risks” aiming at “providing a safe and sound work environment”.
- The decision to undertake meticulous assessment of the realities in priority delegations that still need support”, with the aim of upgrading the specific programs already put in place for needy families.
- Following the decision to set up a ‘Professional Baccalaureate', President Ben Ali has announced the decision to broaden the network of technological schools by “creating 56 schools as of the beginning of the next year, while making sure they cover all regions of the country”, in addition to the decision previously announced of setting up a ‘qualification diploma'.
- The decision to “promptly create an observatory of emerging and innovative skills and occupations” in order to optimize the job prospecting operation, keep up with technological progress and meet the needs of the national economy.
President Ben Ali reiterated the importance he gives to employment which he said, “remains my priority; work being a fundamental human right and an essential factor for safeguarding human dignity. It is today”, he added, “a major challenge we are striving to meet, using all our available means and capacities”.
He also noted that in spite of the difficulties related to continuous rise of oil, basic food prices and raw materials, “we are committed to ensuring the regularity of the rounds of social negotiations” as well as the improvement of “the social security rate , so that it reaches 95% of the population by the end of 2009” .
After expressing his “thanks and encouragements to all Tunisian men and women, for their commitment in the accomplishment of their work”, President Ben Ali noted that at a time when the competition between nations is rife, “there is no place for anyone who shows laxness or lags behind”.
Concluding his address, President Ben Ali reaffirmed Tunisia 's belief in Man as “our lasting capital and our path toward progress, invulnerability and prosperity”. He also said he was confident as to “the Tunisians' attachment to their country, and their devotion to serving it, defending its interests, and enriching its gains”.
After listening to an address by the Secretary General of the Tunisian General Labor Union, President Ben Ali was awarded the First Medal from the Secretary General of the International Association of Labor Inspection , Mr Paul Weber.
Following his address, he honoured several Tunisian citizens who distinguished themselves through their dedication and efforts, by decorating them.
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