Atma Shanto, Negotiator: “Labor Minister is Violating the Tripartism Principle”

Following the recent passage of the Finance Bill, which included several amendments to the Workers’ Rights Act, the United Workers’ Federation (FTU) is urging President Prithviraj Roopun not to enact this legislation. The federation criticized specific amendments made to labor laws without consulting the unions. According to Atma Shanto, the FTU negotiator, Minister of Labor Soodesh Callichurn is undermining the very principle of tripartism.

One of the most contentious issues raised by the FTU is the provision allowing employers to offer time off instead of paying overtime.

Previously, this practice existed informally in some companies; however, under the new amendments, it has been formally included in the Workers’ Rights Act.

Shanto viewed this as an abuse of power, driven by demands from the Mauritius Hotels and Restaurants Association (AHRIM) and Business Mauritius, and claims that Minister Callichurn has hastily implemented these changes unilaterally.

He stated, “It is unacceptable for the minister to have time to engage with the private sector while not making time to consult with unions.

These amendments clearly reflect the interests of AHRIM and Business Mauritius.”

Traditionally, overtime has served as a vital source of additional income for employees.

The new legal changes, however, threaten to diminish earnings while also affecting employee motivation, potentially leading to conflicts.

“The FTU opposes this amendment, which is why we are requesting the President not to promulgate the Finance Bill,” Shanto emphasized.

Shanto expressed concerns about the Labor Minister’s tendency to use the Finance Bill to quietly introduce amendments to labor laws.

“This is a unilateral decision made without union consultation. Minister Callichurn is violating the principle of tripartism,” he stated.

Additionally, Shanto criticized the proposed amendment to utilize labor contractors for foreign workers, warning that it could lead to increased illegal employment practices.

He noted, “On the other hand, the private sector will continue to rely on expatriates for both blue and white-collar jobs.”

The FTU is also protesting the conditions under which employees may work from home during extreme weather conditions, deeming it discriminatory.

He expressed skepticism that the provisions concerning “disconnection” will not intrude on workers’ social lives.

The FTU is determined not to remain passive in light of these developments, Shanto warned. “Minister Callichurn has effectively shut down tripartism.

He has no time to listen to representatives of the workers.” Consequently, the federation is planning to initiate a series of actions to protest the Minister’s stance and the government’s broader approach.

The first step will be a campaign in Soodesh Callichurn’s constituency of Pamplemousses/Triolet (No 5).

Shanto reminded that last year, the Finance Bill was similarly used to amend the Workers’ Rights Act, allowing sick leave to be accumulated rather than reimbursed as had been the practice before.

Source: Le Maurcien