Ecuador: New workers’ rights law passed, extends social security to homemakers

April 19, 2015
Issue 
Ecuador's new labour law grants greater job security and rights to traditionally marginalised groups of workers. Photo from Tele

The revolutionary “The Law for Labour Justice and Recognition of Work from Home,” was passed by Ecuador's National Assembly on April 14, TeleSUR English reported on April 15.

The law, which was first proposed by President Rafael Correa on November 15 to about 100,000 workers, passed by 91 votes to 29. The law will extend the benefits of the social security system to all Ecuadoreans wishing to be affiliated.

The reform eliminates fixed-term contracts and stipulates that jobs must be made permanent. Greater protection for women, African-Ecuadoreans and LGBT workers was specified in the law.

Further improvements include illegally sacked workers being guaranteed a year's salary. Homemakers are recognised for the first time — they will now become incorporated into the social security system.

“They are recognising 1.5 million women, homemakers, who have dedicated themselves to this work silently every day,” the Vice President of the United Workers Trade Union Federation Liliana Duran Aguilar told TeleSUR English.

[Abridged from TeleSUR English.]

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