Ethiopia has been implementing employment and labor laws and regulations for decades which clearly set duties and responsibilities between employer and employee. However, as the previous labor proclamation has limitations, it is being revised to accommodate timely regulations which could protect the rights and equality of workers.
How was the previous labor proclamation functioning? What were its limitations and challenges? How much is the revised one significant to enhance industrial relations?
The revised labor proclamation no.1156/2019, which was approved by the House of People’s Representatives on July 2019 to repeal the previous labor proclamation (proclamation no. 377/2003), would have pivotal role in consolidating good relations between employers and employees so as to ensure produce and productivity, says Addis Ababa Labor and Social Affairs Deputy Head Tekle Deresa.
He adds that the newly revised proclamation aims at addressing legal inadequacies and it will strengthen the industrial peace which has been showing encouraging development in recent years.
‘‘The previous proclamation had gaps that instigate disagreement between employee and employers. Thus, improving it by adding substantial legal elements will be highly vital to enhance produce and productivity. Apart from this, it would alleviate challenges which have been affecting industrial peace in a negative way,” Tekle insists.
As to him, there were lots of complaints and complex legal procedures when the previous proclamation was enforced and the new one was designed to unknot ambiguities and complexity.
The revised proclamation will create favorable environment for industrialization and investment sectors by acknowledging skill, experience and global competitiveness, the deputy head underlines.
He points out that sensitization activities will be undertaken among the general public and pertinent stakeholders to create awareness and to pave a way for its implementation.
For his part, Amanuel Kebede, Lecturer of Law at Addis Ababa University emphasizes that the new proclamation has added important legal procedures that could safeguard the rights and interests of employees.
He states that the revised labor law would go parallel with the increasing demand of human power, technology and industrial developments which have been witnessed in the country over the last two decades to date.
According to him, rule on minimum wage, increased minimum working age, additional employee’s benefits, employee liability, adjustment to overtime work and payment, respecting the dignity of the employee etc. are among the many privileges included in the new proclamation.
‘‘Labor exploitation has been common scenario in Ethiopia for several decades. Employees were abused and manipulated physically and psychologically. Such problems were happening because the previous proclamation had limitations in respecting the right of workers,’’ he points out.
Besides, the revised proclamation will have pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and empowerments of women.
Female employees were vulnerable for harassment and abuse by their bosses and colleagues and this new rule will entitle women to stand for their rights and privileges, Amanuel notes.
He further elaborated that the revised labor law will create favorable environment for strengthening the powers and duties of government bodies responsible for labor administrations and civil servants.
Ethiopia has been endeavoring to realize manufacturing-oriented economy by 2025. Accordingly, the new labor proclamation will have huge significance in promoting and developing investment, industrialization and infrastructure advancements.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 10 November 2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
