CTSP Calls on Government to Declare Public Holiday Tuesday

The Confederation of Trade Unions of Mauritius (CTSP — Confédération des Travailleurs des Secteurs Public et Privé) has formally called on the government to declare Tuesday an official public holiday, citing the difficult and unsafe conditions facing workers across the island. The request comes as Mauritius grapples with a wave of civil unrest that has disrupted transport, closed schools, and led to multiple arrests. Roads in several areas have been blocked, bus services have been thrown into chaos, and the Metro Express network remains suspended while inspections continue. **Who is the CTSP?** The CTSP is one of Mauritius's largest and most prominent trade union confederations, representing workers across both the public and private sectors. It regularly engages with government on labour rights, wages, and working conditions. When it makes a formal demand of this nature, it carries significant weight in labour relations. **Why is this being asked now?** The backdrop is a broader breakdown in public order that began earlier this week. Incidents of vandalism, looting, and road blockades have been reported in areas including Sainte-Croix, Grand-Gaube, Pointe-aux-Sables, and Beau-Bassin. Schools have already closed or postponed exams, and Business Mauritius — the umbrella body for the private sector — has separately urged employers to allow remote work where possible. For many workers, particularly those relying on buses or the Metro Express, simply getting to work safely is a practical challenge. The CTSP's call for a holiday reflects these ground realities. **What the government has said** As of Tuesday morning, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had confirmed that the civil service would operate normally, stopping short of declaring any form of emergency day off. No official public holiday had been announced by the time of publication. **What this means for workers** Without an official government declaration, employers are under no legal obligation to give staff the day off. Workers who are unable to reach their workplace due to disrupted transport or safety concerns may need to negotiate directly with their employers or use leave entitlements. A government-declared public holiday would remove that uncertainty and protect workers from any disciplinary consequences for absence. The situation remains fluid, and further announcements from the government are expected as the day develops. Source: Le Defi Media