On May 25, the tripartite meeting of the National Committee for Collective Consultations and Negotiations took place, presided by Octavian Calmac, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy. Among the priority topics that have been tackled was the Draft law nr. 154- XV on the amendments and additions to the Labour Code of Republic of Moldova, developed by a specially appointed working group within the Economic Council to the Prime Minister, which included representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Trade Union Confederation and business associations.
EBA continues to support the promotion and approval of the draft law amending the Labour Code. Ecaterina Chirilenco, EBA Lobby & Policy Manager, mentioned that the work on this project has already lasted for 6 months, considering the regulatory framework and best practices of EU countries and regional one, and with the participation of all stakeholders, who had the possibility to share their arguments in an open dialogue, coordinated by the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Protection. EBA underlined the fact that the identified problems which need intervention affect both international and local companies. Also it was mentioned that, unfortunately at the moment, the level of labour relations regulation does not match the dynamics of current economic realities, and because of this Moldova falls behind compared to other countries in the region. In order to continue attracting investments, this Draft law needs to continue.
The Committee President, Mr Octavian Calmac thanked all those who were involved in the platform of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister for their efforts within the Working Group on Labour Code amendments, mentioning that the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova endorsement will be submitted to the Minsitry of Labour, without delaying the legal endorsement procedure from all relevant institutions. In order to improve the legislative framework in this area, these amendments will be submitted to the Government for approval.