The Government says that the review of labour laws is aimed at reversing the unilateral amendments done by the former government to curtail the fundamental rights of workers and worker’s organisations including trade union leaders.
Speaking in Parliament in response to the President’s Speech, Minister Responsible for Employment and Productivity Agni Deo Singh said this review is progressing very well and we have inputs from our tripartite partners through consultative engagement.
Singh thanked the International Labour Organisation regional office for its support and guidance on this review process, as well as facilitating a legal drafter to provide technical assistance.
He said a second drafter has also been facilitated by the ILO.
He added that a revised legislation is expected to be tabled in parliament in the first half of this year.
The Ministry of Employment has also highlighted that a holistic review is being carried out in reviewing the National Minimum Wage and the 10 Sectorial Wages Regulations.
Singh said this process will involve the sectorial Wages Council already appointed and the Ministry of Finance.
“The 2024-2025 Budget announcement in a little over three months will also reveal the outcome of the review of the minimum wage. It is worth noting that the formal wages have increased by 10 to 12 percent,” Singh added.
