Govt marks Labour Day by pledging to improve Labour Law

The government plans to revise aspects of the Labour Law, especially in relation to labour management, skill development, and employment and social security for the period 2021-2025.
The changes made will benefit employees, a message to mark the 135th International Labour Day on May 1 stated.
Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mrs Baykham Khattiya, said the government places great importance on protecting the rights and benefits of workers as part of efforts to improve their quality of life. Improved working conditions will result in the production of better quality goods, as well as helping to stimulate economic growth.
To celebrate this important day, the ministry highlighted the need to protect the rights and interests of workers, intending to explain to them how the Labour Law and other regulations apply to investors and workers.
Laos has seen many successes with regard to labour in recent years because the government has continually worked with representatives of employees and employers’ representative bodies to implement various policies and address labour issues.
In 2020 and 2021, various aspects of the law have been implemented to benefit employees, such as actions to ensure their safety and health and the provision of a monthly salary of not less than 1.1 million kip, Mrs Baykham  said.
The government has also improved the skills of more than 419,000 employees, and encouraged, promoted and coordinated the supply of workers to domestic and foreign labour markets, involving more than 559,000 people.
This year more than 251,000 people have found jobs in Laos and at least 307,000 people have found employment in other countries. Labour Day celebrations were quieter than usual this year because of the Covid-19 outbreak, so there were no public events.
International Labour Day commemorates the date of May 1 in 1886, when workers around the world united in making a stand against the oppression they suffered under their employers.
Workers demanded an eight-hour working day, eight hours of rest, and eight hours for study. Their dedication to the cause paved the way for the global recognition of workers’ rights and the important role they play in a healthy economy.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update May 4, 2021)