Kiribati Parliament considers new labour legislation
Two Bills to establish standards for occupational safety and health and to establish more comprehensive minimum terms and conditions of employment were introduced in the Kiribati Parliament.
The Occupational Safety and Health Bill will, for the first time establish a framework for occupational safety and health across workplaces in Kiribati. It passed its first reading in April.In addition, the Employment and Industrial Relations Bill, to substantially modernise and update the existing labour law framework also passed its first reading in April.
The Bill will improve consistency with Fundamental ILO standards ratified by Kiribati and introduce, for the first time new measures to prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. The Bill will repeal three existing labour laws that have not been substantially updated for a number of years.
The Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development recently hosted two workshops with MPs to discuss the content of the Bills. The ILO also contributed sessions at the workshop and has provided technical assistance to the Government in the preparation of the Employment and Industrial Relations Bill.
The Bill will improve consistency with Fundamental ILO standards ratified by Kiribati and introduce, for the first time new measures to prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. The Bill will repeal three existing labour laws that have not been substantially updated for a number of years.
The Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development recently hosted two workshops with MPs to discuss the content of the Bills. The ILO also contributed sessions at the workshop and has provided technical assistance to the Government in the preparation of the Employment and Industrial Relations Bill.