Labour laws to be reviewed to suit ‘new normal’

The Human Resources Ministry will review labour laws so it would suit the “new normal” brought forth by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its minister M Saravanan said this would ensure that the laws would remain relevant to the current environment in protecting the welfare and safety of workers.

“We cannot assume that past norms would remain relevant today. We have to change – in the way we work, the way we think, the way we in interact and the way we act would have to be in line with the current situation.

“The new norms for work would be a challenge for employers and employees who would have to act smart in exploring new ways to work to cope with today’s complex and constantly evolving work environment.

“Thus, I’m of the view that the Human Resources Ministry needs to review labour laws in this country so it would suit current needs,” he said in his Labour Day address today, themed “Workers and the Challenges of the ‘New Normal’”.

He said May Day is a symbolic occasion for workers even though there are no celebrations this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Taking into account the current situation and what is to come, the Human Resources Ministry cannot host annual Labour Day celebrations since public gatherings are not allowed until the end of the year.

“We need to accept the fact that our businesses, our jobs, and our lives would shift to a new normal even after the end of the movement control order,” he said.

The government has implemented the movement control order since March 18 in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19. It is now in its fourth phase that is slated to expire on May 12.

Beginning May 4, nearly all sectors of the economy would be allowed to resume operations, albeit with conditions attached.

Meanwhile, Saravanan said agencies under his ministry is currently developing strategies to face the post-pandemic and post-movement control order period, which would involve cooperation from all stakeholders.

“We acknowledge that it would not be ‘business as usual’ like the years before.

“Through this approach, the Labour Department will play a significant role in planning the redeployment of workers.

“This approach will keep the retrenchment of workers at a minimum.

“The redeployment of workers will involve reskilling and upskilling programmes for workers,” he said. - Mkini