Over the past 16 years, the Ethiopian labor law has stayed pretty much the same. A few years ago, the government approved some changes to the law to accommodate changes in labor markets, employer-employee relationships, and investments in Ethiopia.

Here are some of the changes that were made to the Labor Law in Ethiopia:

Minimum Wage

If you have been following the news, you are already aware of the struggles Ethiopians have faced with the minimum wage laws. Even though many appeals were made to the government, all of them fell on deaf ears.

However, the new Proclamation claims that the Ethiopian government has made a Wage Board. This includes government representatives, employees, and trade unions. Together, these will collaborate and decide the minimum wage at regular intervals to ensure that employees are not underpaid and are treated fairly.

Working Age

Previously, the minimum working age in Ethiopia was fourteen. However, according to recent changes in the Proclamation, the minimum working age has risen to fifteen years.

Moreover, a list has been specified which announces the working conditions in which young employees can take part. Anyone violating this law will face serious punishment.

Benefits for Employees

According to the new Proclamation, female workers can take advantage of a total of 120 days of maternity leave. These include 30 days before and 30 days after the baby is born. This law was reformed under the guidance of medical professionals, thereby increasing its perceived legitimacy. This period will allow women to care of themselves, as well as their newborns.

For the first time in Ethiopian history, the law has given male workers paternity leave of three consecutive days. However, civil servants, according to the Civil Service Law, can take up to five paid leave days from work.

Annual Leave

The new Proclamation claims that workers will be eligible for a total of sixteen days off from work. This will count as their annual leave and will be given to them in the first year they are employed in a company. It must be kept in mind that this is an improvement since previously workers were given fourteen days off from work.

One unfortunate change is that before, for each additional year a worker spent in the same company, one extra paid leave was granted. However, this has been changed. Now, a worker will be given an extra day off from work if he spends two years with the same employer.

Interested in knowing how these laws change the lifestyle of employees working in Ethiopia? Visit our website to stay updated!