Union leaders lamented, this Tuesday, the failure to meet deadlines for the promulgation and, subsequent entry into force, of the new General Labor Law, six months after its approval by parliament
The diploma, as part of the legislative initiative of the President of the Republic, was approved in May this year, after an extensive public consultation process. According to the Angolan legislative process, in compliance with the Constitution, in its article 124, the President of the Republic has 30 days to promulgate a law, after its approval by the National Assembly. However, before the expiry of this period, he may request, in a reasoned manner, the National Assembly for a new assessment of the diploma or some of its norms.
If, after this review, a majority of 2/3 of the Deputies decides to approve the diploma, the President of the Republic must promulgate the diploma within 15 days of its receipt. Before the expiry of these deadlines, the President of the Republic may ask the Constitutional Court for a preventive assessment of the Constitutionality of the laws of the National Assembly.
Speaking to ANGOP, the president of the General Central of Independent and Free Unions of Angola (CGSILA), Francisco Jacinto, said this was a rare case in the Angolan legislative process, taking into account that pressure was exerted on the Executive throughout years, since the current General Labor Law came into force, so that it was in line with the interests of workers. “Unfortunately, until this period there has been no statement. The diploma is there, we have no information about what is happening”, he lamented. In turn, the secretary general of the National Union of Angolan Workers – Trade Union Confederation (UNTA-CS), José Laurindo, said he did not understand the reasons for this delay, stressing the need to clarify the matter.
According to the union leader, “if the door to negotiation is opened, naturally this and other elements will be addressed”. The new law essentially aims to reinstate a set of rules that were revoked with Law no. 2/2000, of 11 February, in order to create a greater balance in defending the interests of workers and employers and reinforce harmony in relations of work. A legislative initiative by the Executive, the new LGT guarantees greater stability between employer and worker and accepted all substantial changes relating to contracts, disciplinary leaves, remuneration, standards on safety, health and hygiene at work, as well as grounds for disciplinary dismissals of workers.
