[Peace-discuss] Debate on Ecuadorean Labor Reforms to Go Ahead

[David Johnson via Peace-discuss]

As Working people in the U.S. continue to lose ground year after year in
terms of our economic / retirement standard of living and our democratic
rights, some Latin American countries continue to advance despite being
lesser developed countries.

 

Debate on Ecuadorean Labor Reforms to Go Ahead

Description: Ecuador

Ecuador's National Assembly | Photo: teleSUR

Published 23 December 2014 

Debates on Ecuador's labor reforms will occur before the end of 2014.

The Law for Labor Justice and Recognition of Work from Home has been
approved with eight votes in favor and two against by the Commission of
Workers Rights and Social Security in the Ecuadorean National Assembly. To
be debated are 44 articles, 41 of which are reforms to the Labor Code, and
three to the Social Security Law.

In a series of eight sessions, the National Assembly met with 35
representatives from social organizations, as well as from private and
public institutions, for consultation. Representative Betty Carrillo said
that the project seeks to include the recommendations and concerns of these
groups.

The reforms to the 1948 labor code seek to provide job stability, ensure
greater equality, universalize the social security system, update worker
salaries, and democratize labor representation.

Having completed their trial period, workers are not subjected to fixed term
contracts, in an effort to provide greater stability and eliminate arbitrary
dismissal. Additionally, greater protection would be provided to
historically marginalized groups, such as women, Afro-Ecuadoreans and LGBT
workers.

Homemakers would for the first time be recognized for their work and be
incorporated into the social security system. If the reforms are passed,
they would receive a subsidy of 24 basic salaries, adding up to US$8,160.

President Rafael Correa has said that a total of US$120 million will be
invested by the state to fully cover homemakers, whose work according to
official figures contributes 15 percent to the total gross domestic product.

It is expected that 70 percent of homemakers will be registered in the
social security system by the end of President Correa's term in 2017.

Certain groups will not be obliged to contribute to the social security
system, such as those receiving the Human Development Credit.

To further democratize labor representation, workers would elect committees
in their workplace, and there would be a regularized voting procedure for
union leaders. The salary gap between management and employees would be
reduced, so that management may only earn 20 times more than the minimum
wage of workers.

Debates surrounding the Law for Labor Justice and Recognition of Work from
the Home are scheduled to occur before the end of 2014.  

 

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