Ecuador's Revolutionary Law Advances Workers' Security

Edited by Ivan Martínez
2015-04-16 12:26:31

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Quito, April 16 (teleSUR-RHC)-- The revolutionary “The Law for Labor Justice and Recognition of Work from Home,” was passed by Ecuador's National Assembly on Tuesday.

The law, which was first proposed by President Rafael Correa on November 15 to about 100,000 workers, passed by 91 votes to 29. The law will extend the benefits of the social security system to all Ecuadoreans wishing to be affiliated. “Social security is not just for workers. It is for all Ecuadoreans. My God, social security is not the property of anyone, it is of all Ecuadoreans. So this is the benefit the law will have. For everyone to have the possibility to retire and have a pension,” said leader of the Union of Workers of Centers-Subcenters of Health of Pichincha Norma Vallejo in an interview with teleSUR English.

This reform of the 1938 labor code eliminates fixed-term contracts and stipulates that they must become indefinite. Additionally, a practice by the Ecuadorean state which rewards workers with twice-yearly bonuses will now be able to be divided throughout the year.

One legislator from the ruling PAIS Alliance, Gabriel Rivera, said, “What was the case before is that workers receive their bonus at the end of the year. Now they can receive it month to month, and this makes the economy more dynamic, and also if you calculate it, by receiving money ahead, periodically by month, you come out earning more as a worker.”

Greater protection to women, African-Ecuadoreans and LGBT workers is specified in the law. Further improvements include illegally dismissed workers being guaranteed a year's salary. The work of homemakers is also being recognized for the first time; they will now become incorporated in the social security system.

 



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