[Sri Lanka] Sweeping changes in new labour laws

In Sri Lanka, trade union officials have criticised the new draft document on labour law reforms. Under it, the Labour Minister proposes to abolish 13 pieces of legislation in addition to making other drastic changes, The Business Times reports.

As part of draft law reforms, a number of laws such as the Industrial Dispute Act, the Termination Act, the Shop and Office Act and the Employment of Women and Children Act are set to be abolished. The Business Times obtained a copy of the draft labour law reforms submitted.

There will reportedly be no limit on night work, under the sweeping changes. The previous limit of hours to 10 per day has been increased to 15 days per month and overtime limits of 60 hours will be increased to 80 hours under the proposed laws.

In addition, trade unionists highlighted that overtime previously carried out voluntarily will in future be compulsory. Working hours have been stipulated at 12 hours per day with a one-hour interval without overtime and four working days per week.

Factories employing workers on a shift basis can now do so for 16 hours with a one-hour lunch interval per day.

Authorities are also reportedly attempting to control trade unions by ensuring that a union should have a membership of at least 100 in order to be recognised.

Trade unions must also give advance notice of any impending trade union action to be initiated and this decision can only be arrived at through a secret ballot. 

Under existing laws, trade union action does not require prior notice of approval as it is considered a tool of collective bargaining in line with international principles.

Officials emphasised that, under the new laws, manpower agencies will gain legal status thereby encouraging contract labour.

Source: The Business Times

In Sri Lanka, trade union officials have criticised the new draft document on labour law reforms. Under it, the Labour Minister proposes to abolish 13 pieces of legislation in addition to making other drastic changes, The Business Times reports.

As part of draft law reforms, a number of laws such as the Industrial Dispute Act, the Termination Act, the Shop and Office Act and the Employment of Women and Children Act are set to be abolished. The Business Times obtained a copy of the draft labour law reforms submitted.

There will reportedly be no limit on night work, under the sweeping changes. The previous limit of hours to 10 per day has been increased to 15 days per month and overtime limits of 60 hours will be increased to 80 hours under the proposed laws.

In addition, trade unionists highlighted that overtime previously carried out voluntarily will in future be compulsory. Working hours have been stipulated at 12 hours per day with a one-hour interval without overtime and four working days per week.

Factories employing workers on a shift basis can now do so for 16 hours with a one-hour lunch interval per day.

Authorities are also reportedly attempting to control trade unions by ensuring that a union should have a membership of at least 100 in order to be recognised.

Trade unions must also give advance notice of any impending trade union action to be initiated and this decision can only be arrived at through a secret ballot. 

Under existing laws, trade union action does not require prior notice of approval as it is considered a tool of collective bargaining in line with international principles.

Officials emphasised that, under the new laws, manpower agencies will gain legal status thereby encouraging contract labour.

Source: The Business Times