Health Workers’ Union of Maldives appreciates PSI’s support for passing of IR and OSH Bills

Trade Union Rights Health Workers’ Union of Maldives appreciates PSI’s support for passing of IR and OSH Bills

The President of Maldives has officially approved two groundbreaking bills: the Industrial Relations Bill and the Occupational Safety and Health Bill. After years of dedicated efforts by Maldivian workers, with steadfast support from PSI, these legislative milestones have now become a reality.

By Maldives Health Professionals Union

Comms

On 2 January 2024, President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, ratified two landmark bills – the Industrial Relations Bill (IR) and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Bill. With this the bills have become legislations for the island nation. The Parliament of Maldives had passed the bills on 18 December 2023 and the President's signature was awaited to turn them into law.

It is a significant win by the workers in the unions who led a long and strategic struggle. As the workers celebrate this momentous union win, it is important to reflect on the long journey of unionists and labour movement of Maldives which has ensured the splendid victory. The fight of last eleven years has borne fruit.

Workers in Maldives hold a meeting to discuss ratification of IR and OSH Bills.
Workers in Maldives hold a meeting to discuss ratification of IR and OSH Bills.

The Maldives ratified eight fundamental core conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), including C87 and C98, in the year 2013. Following the ratification, ILO provided technical assistance to draft an Industrial Relations Bill, to ensure that the adoption of the conventions was in line with the guiding principles enshrined in the conventions. Since then, the union movement of Maldives has been engaged in a consistent, relentless and strategic campaigns with the government. These efforts have culminated in the ratification of the IR and OSH bills by President Muizzu.

It is important to note that the IR legislation sets a mechanism for consultation and social dialogue with all social partners, including government, workers and employers. The aim is to structure the labour orientation of the country, which would facilitate protection of workers’ rights, industrial harmony, and economic and social progress. The framework respects the core principles and guidelines enshrined in the ILO’s fundamental conventions, institutionalising a National Tripartite Labor Advisory Council. Its provisions protect the right to collective agreement through a collective bargaining mechanism. It also establishes an industrial dispute resolution and mediation mechanism. More importantly, the bill protects the fundamental human rights such as the right to strike, and freedom of independent association and assembly. It provides a legal mechanism for workers, including migrant workers to collectively bargain to protect interests and progress.   

Workers in Maldives demonstrate to demand IR and OSH legislations.
Workers in Maldives demonstrate to demand IR and OSH legislations.

The OSH legislation outlines the obligations for employers with respect to ensuring safety in the workplace, payment of compensation and damages, and sanctions for non-compliance. It also obligates a tripartite council to govern the regulations and policies related to OSH.                                        

The members of Maldives Health Professionals Union and the labour movement extend their deep appreciation to Public Services International (PSI) for the partnership and support provided which was instrumental in the victory. In this regard, we hope that PSI will continue to collaborate with the unions and provide unwavering support to implement the rights bestowed by the two laws in adherence with international standards.