First sections of new labour law come into effect today

THE first sections of the new Labour Act are set to come into force today – nearly a year since the bill was passed.

Minister of Labour Alpheus !Naruseb made the announcement in the National Assembly yesterday. He said he was aware of the objections raised to the new labour law, in particular by the Namibian Employment Federation, but that his Ministry was still trying to iron out errors and omissions.Government intends to entirely replace the current labour law with the new law by July 2006.The new sections that will come into operation today will enable the appointment and operation of both committees of the Labour Advisory Council (LAC) – the Committee on Dispute Prevention and Resolution and the Essential Services Committee.!Naruseb said the two advisory committees will play a pivotal role in preparatory work for the full implementation of the Act.Their work includes dealing with the prevention and resolution of labour disputes and the active participation of trade unions and employers in achieving harmonious labour relations.This committee will also be responsible for revamping the Labour Commissioner’s Office with its new functions.The Essential Services Committee will identify those jobs that potentially affect the health or safety of the public.People in these positions will not have the right to strike and lockout and instead will have to resort to arbitration as a means of dispute resolution.The new LAC was appointed earlier this year and its members have already undergone induction training.But !Naruseb warned the National Assembly that he would approach Parliament early in the new year to amend provisions of the new Act – even before it comes into operation.The Minister said Government’s attempts to produce an entirely new Act in plain language had not been without hiccups and since the Ministry of Labour began the implementation process at the beginning of the year, it has realised that the law would require several technical and administrative amendments because of a number of errors and omissions that had been detected.He did not say what these were.The new Labour Act, which replaces the current act of 1992, will usher in a new procedure for the prevention and resolution of labour disputes, replacing the district labour courts with a system of conciliation and arbitration.It will also give the ordinary worker more annual leave and compassionate leave days.The NEF has raised concerns about the possible effects of this on productivity and the economy.Female employees will also be ensured of receiving a full salary during maternity leave, while their employers will be able to apply to the Social Security Commission to be compensated for the basic wage.He said he was aware of the objections raised to the new labour law, in particular by the Namibian Employment Federation, but that his Ministry was still trying to iron out errors and omissions.Government intends to entirely replace the current labour law with the new law by July 2006.The new sections that will come into operation today will enable the appointment and operation of both committees of the Labour Advisory Council (LAC) – the Committee on Dispute Prevention and Resolution and the Essential Services Committee.!Naruseb said the two advisory committees will play a pivotal role in preparatory work for the full implementation of the Act.Their work includes dealing with the prevention and resolution of labour disputes and the active participation of trade unions and employers in achieving harmonious labour relations.This committee will also be responsible for revamping the Labour Commissioner’s Office with its new functions.The Essential Services Committee will identify those jobs that potentially affect the health or safety of the public.People in these positions will not have the right to strike and lockout and instead will have to resort to arbitration as a means of dispute resolution.The new LAC was appointed earlier this year and its members have already undergone induction training.But !Naruseb warned the National Assembly that he would approach Parliament early in the new year to amend provisions of the new Act – even before it comes into operation.The Minister said Government’s attempts to produce an entirely new Act in plain language had not been without hiccups and since the Ministry of Labour began the implementation process at the beginning of the year, it has realised that the law would require several technical and administrative amendments because of a number of errors and omissions that had been detected.He did not say what these were.The new Labour Act, which replaces the current act of 1992, will usher in a new procedure for the prevention and resolution of labour disputes, replacing the district labour courts with a system of conciliation and arbitration.It will also give the ordinary worker more annual leave and compassionate leave days.The NEF has raised concerns about the possible effects of this on productivity and the economy.Female employees will also be ensured of receiving a full salary during maternity leave, while their employers will be able to apply to the Social Security Commission to be compensated for the basic wage.