Some Labour Law’s Articles to be amended

The session of the National Assembly (Sixth Legislature) on 22 December consider some Articles of the Labour Law, which do not suit the socio-economic development and prevailing situations of the Lao PDR.

            The debate is focused on the employment scope, building and developing skills of labourers throughout the country and an increase in hours of work from 30 hours to 54 hours per month.

            Members considered the issue relating to employment of disabled people in factories and other units and termination of a role, right and duty of the organisations, which manage and inspect labour.   

            The deliberation was concentrated on social security, medical examination and healthcare for workers, employment, maternity leave before and after birth delivery and pension system. Some female members expressed debates on gender quality, saying that both female and male workers in various labour units operating in socio-economic sectors should have equal rights to receive pension if they reach the age of 60 years, but not 55 years for women and 60 year for men.

            The current Labour Law with 15 Chapters and 62 Articles was adopted in 1990 and amended in 1994. At present, some Articles of the law do not suit prevailing socio-economic development due to economic growth, high demands of the society and rapid change in the world situation. They also do not attract both domestic and foreign investments and promote creativity of labourers.

            Therefore, some Articles of the Labour Law must be amended. The new amended Labour Law will consist of 14 Chapters and 77 Articles. The amendment of the law is based on Article 27 of the amended Constitution of the Lao PDR “the State and society attend to developing skilled labour, upgrading labour discipline, promoting vocational skills and occupations and protecting the legitimate rights and benefits of workers” and resolutions of the VIII Party Congress.

            In addition, the amendment of the law is in accordance with Decree of Prime Minister on organisation and activities of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. Laos has ratified four ILO Conventions since 1964, including Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour.