Lesotho strengthens labour relations and workplace protections with new milestones

Lesotho achieved a major milestone on 15 March 2023 by ratifying three key ILO Conventions: Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978 (No. 151), Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), and Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). This marked the country’s first ILO ratifications in over 20 years, reinforcing its commitment to improving labour relations, workplace safety, and combating harassment.

Government Commitment to Labour Administration

During a high-level sensitization workshop held on 14 October 2024 in Maseru, Honourable Minister of Public Service, Stephen Mputi, opened the session by noting the historic significance of this milestone. Reflecting on Lesotho’s journey since its first ratifications of ILO Conventions in 1966, the Minister highlighted the country's continued commitment to protecting workers' rights and fostering a conducive labour environment.

"This sensitization exercise happens 58 years after Lesotho first committed to protecting workers’ rights by ratifying the Freedom of Association and the Right to Organize Convention (No. 87) and the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98). By ratifying Convention No. 151, Lesotho heeds the clarion call of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for member states to improve the labour relations climate in the public service," he said.

Convention No. 151 ensures the rights of public servants to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and resolve disputes, fostering good governance and effective service delivery. The Minister emphasized the critical role of policymakers and Principal Secretaries in advancing social dialogue and labour reforms.

Progress and Collaboration

ILO Director for the Decent Work Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr. Alexio Musindo, commended Lesotho for its progress, stating:

Ratification is not the end; it is a call to action. The ILO stands ready to work with Lesotho to achieve the aspirations of these conventions."

Lesotho has already demonstrated its commitment through legislative frameworks, such as the Labour Act, No. 3 of 2004, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 4 of 2004. The government is also in the process of developing a Social Security Bill and establishing a framework for implementing Convention No. 151 in collaboration with the ILO.

A study visit to the South Africa’s Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council in in June 2024 offered government officials and public sector trade unions an opportunity to learn best practices for labour relations in the public service. Furthermore, a sensitization workshop on labour relations in the public service was held on 15 – 17 October 2024 for Human Resources Directors from the public service, education, health and the police as well as leaders of trade unions in these sectors. They were sensitised on freedom of association, collective bargaining and dispute resolution in the public service.

Looking Ahead

In his closing remarks Honourable Prime Minister Samuel Matekane iterated Lesotho’s commitment:

The Government, therefore, commits to put measures in place which will ensure full implementation of the Convention so as to institutionalize social dialogue and collective bargaining in the Public Sector.

By aligning its policies with international labour standards, Lesotho is setting a benchmark for the region. The ILO’s continued support underscores the collaborative efforts needed to realize decent work for all.

As Lesotho implements these conventions, it solidifies its role in promoting fairness, safety, and dignity in the workplace.