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Cassam Kureeman
<I>President of the Mauritius Labour Congress</I>
What are your first impressions of Finance minister Rama Sithanen’s budget speech?</B>
We expected this kind of budget, after listening to the PM’s press conference a few days before. The first thing that I noted is that his aim is to give a new boost to the economy following the poor performance of the ex-government. The problem is that we hear the same thing every time a government comes to power. Rama Sithanen said everyone has changed, except us. He wants to introduce a change in our economic model. But these are only words that will be impossible to put into practice. I think that we will find ourselves in a really difficult situation.
Why do you believe that we will be in a difficult situation?</B>
The minister says that we must create employment. He says workers have to improve efficiency. And, when he says those two things, he is referring to those 50 000 to 60 000 unemployed. But, on the other hand, he has increased the retirement age up to 65 years old. If a worker stays until he is 65 years old, the others will not get jobs!
<B>The minister has talked of drastic measures. Do you think he had another choice?</B>
Yes, he had another choice! He relies too much on the private sector. He says that he has kept Rs 700 million for workers. He is talking mostly about people in the private sector. How can you recruit 50 to 60 000 unemployed workers? If we refer to previous years, the government invested millions of rupees in the private sector. Then, after having given incentives to factories, the latter closed down! Therefore, I think that those Rs 700 millions are just to enrich the bosses or just to show that only a few unemployed workers have been recruited! He had other choices but his measures have clearly been dictated by the IMF! We have proof in other countries that this method never works!
<B>Some say that the minister has been courageous in his measures. Do you agree?</B>
He has been courageous in destroying the working class and dismantling the Welfare State! The old age pension, for example, has not been increased! And subsidies have been removed for rice and flour! Finally, tripartite meetings have been abolished! All these measures have been taken with the agreement of the capitalists and the private sector!
<B>Will you fight for those who have lost their jobs at DWC or do you consider the battle already lost?</B>
First of all, I find it really unfair that so many people suddenly lose their jobs. Is it the law of the jungle? The government should have discussed with the unions first! We are ready to help those people. We are not just there to protest! We also ensure the discipline and improvement of workers! Hence, we could have helped those workers to become more efficient. Those unemployed workers have a family to look after! We want the government to discuss with us as quickly as possible how to help those people succeed in their lives!
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