Labor Inspectors' Union Joins UGTT: UTICA Outraged, UGTT Supports
27 December 2010
Read by 1501 persons
Have labor inspectors become judges and parties after joining the UGTT? The employers' federation certainly thinks so, believing that the creation of a labor inspectors' union within the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) risks upsetting the balance between employers and workers. "We haven't seen such action in other countries. Labor inspectors are expected to remain neutral and impartial to avoid making unfair decisions against employers."
"In no way," responds Hassine Abbassi, the UGTT's deputy general secretary in charge of legislation. "Labor inspectors have not deviated from their primary responsibility: to oversee labor regulations, advise, and inform employers and employees of their rights and obligations, primarily during individual or collective conflicts and conciliations. Their main role is to ensure the law is applied. Their affiliation with the UGTT in no way hinders this mission. They joined our ranks because they lacked a structure to defend their material and moral interests."
Sami Sellini, UTICA's central director of social affairs, believes that this decision on the eve of new social negotiations is unacceptable. "All our members, who constantly harass us about the labor inspectors' UGTT membership, believe it's no longer possible to separate the presence of labor inspectors from the UGTT during labor regulation inspections or conciliation meetings. UTICA is seriously concerned, especially as social negotiations are about to begin."
According to Mr. Abbassi, no international or national regulations prohibit the formation of such a union. "Otherwise, the public administration itself would not have allowed it. In fact, inspectors provide legal solutions when legal action is deemed necessary; they simply apply the law."
Labor law in all countries grants inspectors broad powers. They carry out control and alert missions, covering employment contracts, their duration, hygiene, safety, and the proper functioning of staff representative institutions. They participate in the implementation of government decisions regarding employment, vocational training, and improving working conditions. They also advise employees and employers, who can consult them on any labor law-related information.
Labor inspection primarily provides a public service aimed at ensuring social peace and a balance of power. What is the risk that the new union's creation will tilt the balance in favor of one social partner over the other?
Employers are protesting and calling for the dissolution of this new union. The UGTT, through its deputy general secretary, claims it is acting within the law and that no threat hangs over employer/employee parity.
Perhaps time will tell whether this proves true or false.
Published December 20, 2010
Posted online December 25, 2010
webmanagercenter.com
"In no way," responds Hassine Abbassi, the UGTT's deputy general secretary in charge of legislation. "Labor inspectors have not deviated from their primary responsibility: to oversee labor regulations, advise, and inform employers and employees of their rights and obligations, primarily during individual or collective conflicts and conciliations. Their main role is to ensure the law is applied. Their affiliation with the UGTT in no way hinders this mission. They joined our ranks because they lacked a structure to defend their material and moral interests."
Sami Sellini, UTICA's central director of social affairs, believes that this decision on the eve of new social negotiations is unacceptable. "All our members, who constantly harass us about the labor inspectors' UGTT membership, believe it's no longer possible to separate the presence of labor inspectors from the UGTT during labor regulation inspections or conciliation meetings. UTICA is seriously concerned, especially as social negotiations are about to begin."
According to Mr. Abbassi, no international or national regulations prohibit the formation of such a union. "Otherwise, the public administration itself would not have allowed it. In fact, inspectors provide legal solutions when legal action is deemed necessary; they simply apply the law."
Labor law in all countries grants inspectors broad powers. They carry out control and alert missions, covering employment contracts, their duration, hygiene, safety, and the proper functioning of staff representative institutions. They participate in the implementation of government decisions regarding employment, vocational training, and improving working conditions. They also advise employees and employers, who can consult them on any labor law-related information.
Labor inspection primarily provides a public service aimed at ensuring social peace and a balance of power. What is the risk that the new union's creation will tilt the balance in favor of one social partner over the other?
Employers are protesting and calling for the dissolution of this new union. The UGTT, through its deputy general secretary, claims it is acting within the law and that no threat hangs over employer/employee parity.
Perhaps time will tell whether this proves true or false.
Published December 20, 2010
Posted online December 25, 2010
webmanagercenter.com
