Minister stresses need to renew commitment to extricate Ethiopia from poverty

Addis Ababa, May 3, 2012 (WIC) - Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Abdulfetah Abdulahi stressed the need to renew commitment to further strengthen ongoing activities to extricate the country from poverty while celebrating the International Workers' Day (May Day).

The Day was marked on Tuesday for 37th time at a national level and also for the 123rd time world wide.

Speaking at a panel discussion organized in connection with the Day Abdulfetah said problems related to work place will be curbed in collaboration with workers, employers and the government.

The Minister said bilateral and trilateral joint forums are instrumental towards the same goal.

The government will provide the necessary support to further strengthen development efforts of workers, he said.

President of the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) Kassahun Follo on his part said organizing in association is a constitutional right for workers.

Kassahun said such right indicates the democratic system the country is building.

President of the Ethiopian Employers Federation Tadele Yimer also organizing in associations helps to increase productivity.

According to ENA, International Workers' Day (also known as May Day) is a celebration of the international labour movement.