Nasheed: Positive changes to come from Employment Act amendments

The Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the amendments proposed to the Employment Act were proposed by the government and would be rectified according to the wishes of the public when it is passed by the Parliament.

Many of the public are expressing displeasure at the amendments proposed for the Employment Act by Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa.

The Speaker of the Parliament pointed out that it was the responsibility of the Parliament to discuss, debate and amend the bill before passing it after the first reading of the bill which is presented by an MP on behalf of the government.

“The government has proposed amendments for the Employment Act. The government is proposing the bill, through an MP of the President’s party. The MP is presenting the bill as the government proposed. The parliament will pass it after discussions and the views of the honorable MPs are heard,”

“The bill at its best, is passed after considering all the factors of the country,” said Speaker Nasheed.

The Speaker reminded the amendments to the Decentralization Act and added that 279 changes from the initial proposal by the government were brought to the amendment by MPs before it was passed.

“So, I would like to say that it is not right to think that the first reading of the bill is its final one. Everyone should know how the parliament works.” said the Speaker.

Amendments proposed to the Employment Act include extending the probation period of employees from three to six and making medical certificated mandatory for even a single day of sick leave.

Changes to the employment statement are also proposed. Some parts of the requirements in the employment statement such as the salary figures and date, date of commencement of employment, vacation days, measures to be taken against disciplinary issues have been made redundant from the amendments proposed.