Southern African Development Community (d) specific mechanisms for reporting and resolving cases of discrimination and intimidation of workers particularly on the basis of gender. ARTICLE 8 EMPLOYMENT AND REMUNERATION State Parties shall ensure that: (a) every individual person shall be free to choose and engage in an occupation of his or her choice; (b) workers are provided with fair and equal opportunities in line with promotion of decent work; (c) remuneration systems strive towards the establishment of equity across the Region in accordance with means and capacity in each State Party. ARTICLE 9 IMPROVEMENT OF WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS State Parties shall ensure that: (a) minimum requirements stipulated in labour and social security legislation and in the introduction of equitable basic working and living conditions, the specifications of minimum rest periods, annual leave, compassionate leave, paid maternity leave, occupational health and safety protection, and stipulated acceptable rules and compensation for over time are adhered to; (b) every worker in the Region shall have a right to a weekly rest period. and annual paid leave, the duration of which shall be progressively harmonised in accordance with the national legislation and practices; and (c) the conditions of employment for every worker in the Region shall be stipulated in national laws, collective bargaining agreements or contracts of employment. Protocol on Employment and Labour -12-