● There are major changes concerning labour laws these days. But there is a growing feeling that trade unions spend much time criticising government decisions without being constructive?

Trade unions often have a lot to say on reforms undertaken by the government but I believe it is high time for them to think of their own reforms! With the challenges brought by globalisation and in Mauritius itself, trade unions should change the way they work. They must become more professional and review their methods of operation. Unions should realise that Mauritian society is undergoing a complete transformation and that they must adapt. They should no longer deal only with ?bread and butter issues? but make sure they are fighting effectively for employees? rights.

● The problem is that unions often content themselves with saying ?no? to most reforms and do not try to make their own contribution?

It is true that they should make sure they can propose alternatives and solutions to government proposals. To achieve this, the government should see to it that there is a proper framework for consultations and dialogue between all partners. Unions should be able to sit and discuss with employers about any problem or change in the working conditions of employees for instance. All stakeholders should play their part in a responsible way.

● Isn?t this exactly what the government intends to do through the new ?version? of the tripartite committee?

The government announced that it wanted to review the structure of the tripartite committee and implement a new one. The main difference between the two is that the new one will be independent. The former committee was chaired by the minister of Finance, which meant the government was judge and party, whereas now all partners will be on an equal footing to discuss wage compensation. Trade unions should get ready for the coming changes. New circumstances should bring a new structure to trade unions as well. They should make sure they also defend the rights of employees from new sectors like information and communication technologies or finance, for instance.

● How can you make sure that unions become more efficient?

The trade unions should undergo an in-depth reform. There are in Mauritius no fewer than 350 trade unions, 130 of them with more than 50 members, and more than a dozen federations. This means that human, financial and material resources are scattered among 350 unions, representing an annual sum of Rs18 to 25 million. These resources could be used more efficiently if they were put together.

● It does not appear so hard to make the unions more efficient then? Why has it not been thought about earlier?

At the moment, there is no optimum use of resources. The best way of achieving this would be to merge all unions into one single confederation. Last December, there was a merger between the two biggest world confederations. Even though different unions may have had a few differences of opinion on a number of topics, they realised that they would be stronger, if they got together. Why can?t Mauritians come to a similar conclusion?

There are trade unionists in this country who have a professional attitude but there are others who have become union presidents because of circumstances and who do not deserve to remain in the sector. A confederation would help maximise resources but would also allow to get rid of its black sheep?

● Why hasn?t it been done yet, then?

There may be a conflict of personalities that prevents some unionists from giving up their seats. But there are other problems: there is some confusion about politics and unions in some cases and that prevents them from being independent. Moreover, each trade unionist may have his ideology and is not ready to put it aside to work together with others.

● Meanwhile, the government is coming forward with reforms and trade unionists do not appear capable of taking part in constructive discussions about them?

It is a fact that the government is faced with major constraints and has to introduce some reforms. Some of our sectors are in difficulty and investors must have a good reason for coming to Mauritius rather than going somewhere else. However, all reforms must have a social dimension and civil society must make sure that it is taking part in the reforms. Minister Bunwaree must find a balance between investment-friendly and worker-friendly when he adopts the new Industrial Relations Act. The new act must be in compliance with the main conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It should strengthen the institutions in charge of solving the deadlocks and problems of workers to avoid resorting to strikes.

● The minimum wage is also part of the reforms. What do you think about its implementation?

85% of employees are not unionised. On the other hand, unions are divided today and not all sectors are organised. So it was important for the government to come forward with a basic minimum wage based on decent work recommended by the ILO. But nothing must prevent the unions from negotiating with employers over and above this minimum wage. The government should make sure the framework is in place for that to happen!

● As for pensions, don?t you think it?s high time for reforms there as well?

There is definitely a problem with the ageing of the population. If seven workers contribute to one pension today, there will be only two or three of them contributing in about forty years from now. This will be huge burden for the government. Moreover, there is unfair policy at the moment between employees of the private sector and the civil service who do not obtain the same amount. This should change. As for the retirement age however, people should be left free to decide, as everyone does not have the same capacity for work.