SPECIAL COMMUNIQUE TO EMPLOYERS (IN THE EXPORT MANUFACTURING SECTOR)
SPREAD OVER OF WORKING HOURS ON FIVE DAYS OF THE WEEK –
We are pleased to inform you that based on representations made by the EFC the Hon. Minister of Labour extended the application of the above scheme until 31st December 2020. Earlier the scheme was extended from January and coverage of approvals were granted till 5th August 2020. Hence in terms of this decision coverage for approvals will be granted from 6th August 2020 up to 31st December 2020.
Employers who are eligible to implement this work arrangement are required to submit their applications to the Commissioner General of Labour, supported by the consent letters from workers, Unions, Employee Councils or other worker representation bodies, as the case may be, as was done in the past.
Employers should also take note of the fact that implementation of this scheme is dependent on the strict adherence to conditions based on which the relaxation is granted and that scheduling of work on Saturdays should only be done in exceptional circumstances. One of the conditions based on which the relaxation is being granted is the requirement to pass an additional full weekly holiday to workers on Saturdays. This is in lieu of them agreeing to work an additional hour during the week Monday to Friday without payment of overtime.
The Hon. Minister also indicated that he expected employers to refrain from taking disciplinary action against workers who may not turn up for work either on Saturdays or Sundays, when requested to do so to carry out additional work even in the case of exigencies.
Special Arrangements have been made by the Secretariat for EFC members to send in their requests to the Commissioner General of Labour.
THE EMPLOYERS FEDERATION OF CEYLON