Mauritian trade unions to migrant workers: We got your back!

More than 1,000 members of the Construction Workers’ Union of Mauritius (CMWEU) and their National Federation CTSP on 15 July embarked on a one kilometer protest march from the CTSP National Centre to the Municipal Council to draw attention to the dismal plight of migrant workers in Mauritius’ construction industry.

Trade unionists reported that many migrant workers in the country are often victims of wage theft, labour exploitation, and workplace harassment. Many also have poor mental health as a result of working in workplaces with poor working conditions, and are constantly threatened with dismissal and deportation. In Mauritius, employers are not obliged to obtain permission from any state authority to dismiss, expel and/or deport migrant workers. 

The protest follows the CMWEU's successful effort to introduce regulations to protect the interests of migrant workers working in Mauritius. The Minister of Labour and Human Resources stated that a draft bill protecting migrant workers will be filed soon to respond to the trade unions’ relentless campaign and lobby efforts. The trade unions will also utilise a mobile app called Just Good Mauritius to help protect migrant workers’ rights.  “The protection of local workers lies in the protection of migrant workers first. We can make things happen only if both local and migrant workers work together and advocate for a universal and decent standard of labour rights to be observed in Mauritius,” said CTSP President Reeaz Chutto.