Trade Union supports disenfranchised workers after Pam
A programme is underway to build the institutional capacity of the Vanuatu Council of Trade Unions (VCTU) and support formal sector workers who lost jobs due to cyclone Pam.
One of the main objectives of the programme is to strengthen the VCTU to be proactive and prepared to respond and provide services to workers who may lose incomes or jobs, in future disasters. According to the Vanuatu Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report launched by government, it is estimated that Cyclone Pam has affected directly and indirectly the livelihoods of about 40,800 households or 195,000 people and a total of 504,050 work days or VT 1.6 billion of personal income have been lost.
“Based on a ground survey conducted by VCTU, we have identified 161 former workers, the majority of whom are in the Tourism sector, who need support to re-join the labour force”, said Mr Ephraim Kalsakau, the manager of the programme and Secretary of VCTU. The next step is now to work with Employment Services Vanuatu (ESV) to identify opportunities for training, referrals and job placements. “In addition, VCTU has now established a comprehensive database of its members, organised a training for its members on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and is in the process of developing resource materials to support members during disasters”, further stated Mr Kalsakau.
The ILO support also included the provision of a computer and printer to support the administration of the survey, creation of a database and generation of informative and advocacy materials. Mr Arun Kumar, the ILO Senior Specialist for Workers Activities visited Vanuatu this week to deliver a capacity building training for VCTU executives and members. He also had the opportunity to undertake a consultation with VCTU executives and follow up with the ILO supported workers programme.
“ILO’s Bureau for Workers Activities’ works with VCTU and its objective is to assist Vanuatu to ‘rebuild better’ post-cyclone Pam and in this context the ‘Decent Work approach’ provides a good framework to ensure that the rebuilding process leads to better skills for the workforce, better occupational health and safety standards and social protection for the workers”, said Mr Kumar.
This programme concludes in September and after a review, the next steps will be identified
“Based on a ground survey conducted by VCTU, we have identified 161 former workers, the majority of whom are in the Tourism sector, who need support to re-join the labour force”, said Mr Ephraim Kalsakau, the manager of the programme and Secretary of VCTU. The next step is now to work with Employment Services Vanuatu (ESV) to identify opportunities for training, referrals and job placements. “In addition, VCTU has now established a comprehensive database of its members, organised a training for its members on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and is in the process of developing resource materials to support members during disasters”, further stated Mr Kalsakau.
The ILO support also included the provision of a computer and printer to support the administration of the survey, creation of a database and generation of informative and advocacy materials. Mr Arun Kumar, the ILO Senior Specialist for Workers Activities visited Vanuatu this week to deliver a capacity building training for VCTU executives and members. He also had the opportunity to undertake a consultation with VCTU executives and follow up with the ILO supported workers programme.
“ILO’s Bureau for Workers Activities’ works with VCTU and its objective is to assist Vanuatu to ‘rebuild better’ post-cyclone Pam and in this context the ‘Decent Work approach’ provides a good framework to ensure that the rebuilding process leads to better skills for the workforce, better occupational health and safety standards and social protection for the workers”, said Mr Kumar.
This programme concludes in September and after a review, the next steps will be identified