Wages Board allowances increased to spur attendance

Saturday, 13 February 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Minister admits appointees skip meetings crucial to make decisions on 44 industries

Parliament has passed new regulations under the Wages Board Ordinance to encourage members of the respective boards to participate in meetings to widen the scope of industries.

The new regulation increased the allowance of Rs.400/- paid to Wages Board members appointed by the Minister to Rs.1, 500/- and the members representing employees and employers from Rs.500/- to RS.2, 000/-.

Moving the new regulations for approval, Minister of Labour and Trade Unions Relations John Seneviratne noted the payments were insufficient incentive for officials to attend meetings.

“The current payments for the Wages Board members were set in 2005. The cost of living expenses have made it difficult for these members to come for meetings on a regular basis.

So, we are increasing the payments made for these members by amending the 31st regulation in the Wages Board Ordinance No. 27 of 1941.”

“The Wages Boards are appointed members representing all stakeholders including the employer and employee agents as well as the Minister’s appointees. So, these members were not adequately compensated to meet regularly to decide on matters pertaining their respective industries,” the Minister added.

The Wages Board Ordinance introduced in 1941 covers all industries in the country. The first section of the Wages Board Ordinance covers Poya Holidays and the prompt payment of salaries. The second section provided the provision to establish Wages Boards for 44 industries in Sri Lanka.