The Ethiopia’s House of People's Representatives (HPR) on Thursday approved a draft to revise the existing Labor Proclamation which has been in place for decade.

The newly revised bill, referred to as Labor Proclamation No.1156/2019, has granted female workers an extended period of maternal leave while it also extends the period of probation for employees who are newly recruited, THE REPORTER, reports.

During the regular session of the House, it was said that the bill was designed in-line with the country's economic growth, development policies, and strategies along with industrial developments.

The revised bill, reviewed by the Women, Youth and Social Affairs standing Committee, accords female employees at least 120 days for a maternal leave including a one-month pre-natal leave and a three-month long post-natal leave.

Presenting the report, the head of the standing committee, Abeba Yosef said that the revised proclamation helps guarantee the right of workers and employers to form their respective associations and engage through their lawfully elected representatives as well as lay down the procedure for the expeditious settlement of labor disputes, which arise between workers and employers.

She stressed further that the revision will help strengthen and defined by law, the powers and duties of the government organ charged with the responsibility of inspecting labor administration, particularly labor conditions, occupational safety, health and work environment. In addition, it is primarily aimed at promoting smooth working relationships between employers and employees.

As stipulated in its provisions, the bill extends the probation period of employees from the current 45 days to 60 days.

According to the provision, the agreement should be made in writing and the period should not exceed 60 working days beginning from the first date of employment. It further adds that if the worker, during his probation, proves to be unfit for the post, the employer can terminate the contract of employment without notice and without being obliged to give a severance payment or compensation.

Abeba said that the latest proclamation will enable workers and employers to maintain industrial peace and work in the spirit of cooperation towards the economic growth of the country.

The new labor proclamation, numbered 1156/2019, has repealed Ethiopia's Labor Proclamation No.377/2003; Proclamation No.466/2005, Proclamation No.494/2006 and proclamation No.632/2001.