Labour Day 2026: Towards a modern, inclusive and resilient labour market in Mauritius

A symposium with Tripartite Stakeholders and Social Partners, organised in the context of Labour Day 2026, was held on Thursday 30 April 2026 at the Ravenala Attitude Hotel, in Balaclava, in the presence of the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Mr Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem.

Government officials, employers and trade unions were present with a view to strengthening social dialogue on key labour issues, as well as emerging challenges in the world of work. The symposium focused, among others, on mental health and violence at the workplace, in line with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Discussions also addressed the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market, as well as future employment trends.

The event was followed by the launch of the Labour Connect digital platform, aimed at modernising labour services through enhanced digital interaction among workers, employers and the Ministry.

In his address, Minister Uteem expressed appreciation for the strong participation of stakeholders, stressing that social dialogue remains a key pillar in the search for balanced and sustainable solutions for workers, employers and the country. He underscored the importance of continued engagement among social partners to promote a stable and productive industrial relations climate.

Minister Uteem further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to active listening and prompt action in response to stakeholders’ concerns, despite operational constraints. He reiterated his vision of a ‘prosperous Mauritius’ founded on cooperation between workers, employers and Government, with equal participation in all labour-related initiatives.

Recent activities undertaken by the Ministry were highlighted as well by Mr Uteem, including a working visit to Rodrigues aimed at strengthening coordination and engaging with trade unions. He noted that one of the key challenges identified in Rodrigues is the absence of formal dispute resolution mechanisms, which currently requires workers to travel to Mauritius for industrial tribunal proceedings. He indicated that discussions are ongoing with the Chief Justice to address this issue.

Moreover, the Minister drew attention to international data highlighting the significant impact of psychosocial risks, including high levels of workplace-related stress and violence, as well as their economic and social consequences. He underscored the need for stronger prevention, enforcement and awareness measures in this area.

The Minister also emphasised the necessity to prepare for structural changes in the world of work driven by demographic shifts, global labour mobility and advances in artificial intelligence and automation.

04 May 2026

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