Proposal to change labour laws to Cabinet in June

The Labour Ministry is likely to submit the proposal to change the existing labour laws under a new framework to Cabinet in June.

Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara told the Business Times that the authorities are likely to submit to Cabinet the proposal to change the existing labour laws in June so as to enact new laws targeting the new age workplace.

He stated that they don’t want the leftist idea of a worker but a more progressive worker.

Commenting on the aspect of hiring and firing, it was pointed out that those that will be out of work will all fall under the Social Security Fund but there was uncertainty regarding the compensation scheme.

However, trade unionists like FTZ Trade Union General Secretary Anton Marcus pointed out that authorities are likely to bring in laws that will allow increased chances for hiring and firing with little or no compensation packages for workers at the time of being moved out of jobs.

Consultations for the drafting of the new labour laws commenced and are set to continue from a wide range of stakeholders with a view to moving towards the new way of the world.

Labour Commissioner General Prabhath Chandrakeerthi told the Business Times that there is difficulty in understanding the existing labour laws in the country as per the different Ordinances like the Wages Board and Factory Board Ordinances.

He noted that they are currently calling for proposals and suggestions from trade unions and other stakeholders.

The Commissioner General said that the changes will sometimes help in attracting new investments to the country as well.