Labour Act

The Labour Act outlines workers’ rights in the public and private sectors. Part VI provides specific safeguards for women, such as the protection of pregnant women and the right to maternity, annual, and sick leave. Any violation of these provisions can be reported to the National Labour Commission. Section 55 prohibits employers from assigning pregnant women workers night work or overtime without their consent. Further, after the fourth month of pregnancy, employers cannot assign pregnant women to work outside her place of residence if the assignment is deemed detrimental to her health by a medical practitioner or midwife. Female workers are entitled to a period of maternity leave of at least 12 weeks in addition to any period of annual leave she is entitled after her period of confinement. Moreover, while on maternity leave a worker is entitled to full remuneration and benefits and cannot be dismissed for absence. The Act also specifies that every worker shall receive equal pay for equal work without distinction of any kind. Finally, section 87 prohibits an organization’s or trade union’s constitution or rules from discriminating against any person on grounds of race, place of origin, political opinion, color, religion, creed, gender, or disability.