Mr Prime Minister, our experience across Africa has shown that pension systems are more than fiscal instruments-they are social contracts that recognise the lifelong contribution of workers and uphold the dignity of people in old age. Any reform affecting these fundamental rights must be anchored in meaningful social dialogue, transparency and broad public consensus. Sustainable solutions cannot be built by weakening trust between governments and the people they serve.

Also, Mr Prime Minister, we recognise that governments face legitimate demographic and economic challenges in ensuring the long-term sustainability of social protection systems. However, such challenges must not come at the expense of workers’ rights or the principles of equity and solidarity that have long underpinned social welfare. We have observed across our continent, and globally, that balancing the budget on the backs of vulnerable groups leads to greater vulnerability and harm.

The voices of workers, pensioners and their representative organisations are indispensable in shaping reforms that are both economically sound and socially just. For this reason, ITUC-Africa commends the Mauritian trade union movement for exercising its democratic right to organise and mobilise peacefully.
Therefore, Mr Prime Minister, we call on your government to respect and protect the rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression, in accordance with international labour standards and democratic principles.

We further urge the Government of Mauritius to engage in genuine, good-faith social dialogue with the trade union movement and all relevant stakeholders. Reforms of such national importance must be built through consultation rather than confrontation, ensuring that no worker is left behind and that the dignity of current and future retirees remains at the centre of public policy.

Mr Prime Minister, we are hopeful that you will use the instruments of your office to ensure that the voices of the aggrieved are heard, their rights respected, and their concerns addressed.

Yours faithfully,

Akhator Joel Odigie
General Secretary
ITUC-Africa