Last Change:
02/15/2024
Labor Proclamation No 1156/2019
Year: 2019
Type: Domestic law
Rights Category: Work & Workplace rights
Description
The Labor Proclamation is enacted in an effort to improve the worker-employer relations, to lay down a working system that guarantees the rights of workers and employers, to create a favourable environment for investment and achievement of national economic goals without sacrificing fundamental workplace rights by laying down well considered labour administration; and determine the duties and responsibilities of government organs entrusted with the power to monitor labour conditions; occupational health and safety; and environmental protection together with bilateral and tripartite social dialogue mechanisms. The Labor Proclamation governs foreign nationals working in Ethiopia outside the civil service. Article 26 of the Refugee Proclamation states that Refugees who are engaged in wage earning employment, self-employment and liberal professions shall receive the most favorable treatment accorded to foreign nationals. It also states that refugees that are working in the projects jointly designed by the international community and the government of Ethiopia to benefit both refugees and host community, in which case they shall be treated in the same circumstances as Ethiopian nationals engaged in the same project.
Selected provisions
Any foreigner may only be employed in any type of work in Ethiopia where he possesses a work permit given to him by the Ministry.
It is prohibited to employ a person less than 15 years of age and It is prohibited to assign young workers on work, which on account of its nature or due to the condition in which it is carried out endangers their lives or health.
A contract of employment shall only be terminated upon initiation by the employer or worker and in accordance with the provisions of the law or a collective agreement or by the agreement of the parties.
A Regulation of the Council of Ministers shall determine the powers and responsibilities of a Wage Board which shall comprise representatives of the Government, employees and trade unions together with other stakeholders that will periodically revise minimum wages based on studies which take into account the country’s economic development, labor market and other considerations.
Discriminate between workers on the basis of Nation, sex, religion, political outlook, HIV/AIDS disablement or disablement or any other grounds.
Workers and employers shall have the right to establish and organize Trade Unions or employers’ associations, respectively, and actively participate therein. 2/ In this Proclamation: a) “Trade Union” means an association formed by workers.