Rising living costs that reduce the purchasing power of stagnant workers' wages prompted leaders of the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) to urge a meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). Flanked by Minster of Justice Gedion Timotheos, Abiy met with senior members of the Union last year to discuss issues related to freedom of associations, collective bargaining and the imminent challenge of inflation to the workforce. However, Kasahun Follo, head of the Union, said reduced employment taxes, the establishment of minimum wages, and improved working conditions need further action. He made the call last week during an event marking the annual May Day celebrations at the Oromo Cultural Center. Despite the adoption of tighter monetary policy orientations in the past year, inflation rates have not descended below 28pc, stretching thin the purchasing power. With nearly one million members, the Union has nine affiliated industrial associations under its fleet. Minister of Labor & Skills Muferihat Kamil, who was in attendance, indicated that a series of studies have been commissioned to identify and resolve the most pressing problems for workers.
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