Labor Minister Reza Uteem criticizes employer inaction, announces amendments to labor laws
Labor Minister Reza Uteem stated that it is not normal for a hunger strike to be necessary for employers to react. He made these remarks after meeting with members of the Platform Komun Sindikal. The minister emphasized that employee well-being also benefits businesses, noting that many workers suffer because unions are unable to perform their duties. He added that trade unionists should not be intimidated. This follows trade unionist Atma Shanto ending his hunger strike on Tuesday, August 11, after meeting with the minister. Reza Uteem also announced upcoming amendments to the Employment Relations Act of 2008 and the Workers' Rights Act by the end of the year. Proposed measures include a 40-hour work week, changes to disciplinary committees, and the implementation of protocols for torrential rain alerts, among others.
