‘Such amendments should emanate from tripartite consultation involving the government, workers and employers’
The International Labour Organization (ILO), responding to the sweeping changes in labour laws proposed by state governments, has asked the authorities to ensure that all such relaxations adhere to global standards and are effected after proper consultation.
“Certain states in India are moving towards relaxing labour laws with a view to revitalise the economy from the impact of Covid-19. Such amendments should emanate from tripartite consultation involving the government, the workers’ and the employers’ organisations and be compliant with the international labour standards, including the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW),” the ILO said in statement released on Wednesday, in response to a set of questions sent by Business Standard.
The ILO added that labour laws protect the well-being of both employers and workers and called for “collective efforts and solidarity between the government, employers and workers”. “They (labour laws) are an important means to advance social justice and promote decent work for all,” it said.
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The ILO had in April estimated that around 400 million workers were at a risk of slipping into poverty because of a “stringent” nationwide lockdown implemented to control the spread of coronavirus.
Subsequently, some states announced relaxing or doing away with major labour laws to attract investment. The Uttar Pradesh government has proposed an Ordinance exempting firms from almost all labour laws for the next three years. The Gujarat government has announced that it will follow in UP’s footsteps and allow new companies setting up shops over the next 1,200 days to be exempt from major labour laws.
Source: Business Standard
