Deadline extended for proposal submissions on new employment law

Monday, 11 September 2023 03:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Labour Minister urges TUs to submit proposals without delay
Warns against delaying submissions in hopes of staying the process
TUs to be given until first week of October to submit suggestions and ideas
New law to feature dedicated section addressing rights of estate workers

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara over the weekend announced an extension of the deadline for submitting proposals for the newly proposed employment law.

According to Nanayakkara, trade unions that have not yet responded to the calls will be granted an extension until the first week of October to submit their suggestions and proposals regarding the proposed law.

The Minister emphasised the importance of trade unions not delaying their responses, warning against any attempt to postpone the enactment of the law through such actions.

He indicated that the Cabinet is expected to grant their approval for the concept paper related to the proposed Employment Act in approximately two weeks, noting that numerous trade unions and institutions have already provided their input on this matter.

Furthermore, the Minister said that the drafting of the law will commence in collaboration with the Legal Draftsman’s Department. He explained that once the draft law is formulated it will be made available to the public for their input and opinions.

“The amendments and proposals from trade unions would also be submitted to the department for consideration,” Nanayakkara said.

A dedicated section addressing the rights of estate workers will be incorporated into the new employment law, and a sub-committee consisting of trade unions affiliated with the National Labour Advisory Council has been designated to submit proposals in this regard.