Latest news with #labourReform
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Petro's labour reform referendum suspended by Colombia's Council of State
Colombia's Council of State has suspended a decree by President Gustavo Petro that sought to call a referendum on a labour reform, citing a lack of Senate authorisation. The move on Wednesday comes after Petro last week bypassed legislative opposition and signed a decree summoning voters to the polls in August to decide on the labour reform. The package includes provisions for an eight-hour daytime workday, higher weekend and holiday pay, and mandatory social security contributions from delivery app drivers – key social policies the left-wing leader has pushed for. A majority of the social and economic reforms promised by Petro – who was elected in 2022 on pledges to right centuries of inequality in the Andean country – have been rejected by lawmakers. The decree sparked criticism from the opposition, which argued that Petro's decree violates the Political Constitution of Colombia and destroys the separation of powers of the country's three branches of government. Under Colombian law, the Senate must rule on the advisability of referendums. If the referendum were to be held, each measure would need to be approved by the majority of at least 13.5 million voters, a third of Colombia's electoral roll, to be valid. Political opponents also said the costly referendum was really aimed at boosting Petro's party ahead of 2026 elections, when he cannot seek re-election. Despite the failure to call a referendum, the Senate on Tuesday approved a revised version of the labour reform bill after extensive debate, with 57 votes in favour and 31 against. The Senate previously rejected the reform bill in April, but it was revived after Petro warned he would declare a referendum to put the measure to a public vote. The presidency dubbed the bill 'a historic step toward decent work' in a post on X shared by Petro. Protests were recently held in the capital Bogota and other major cities by advocates of Petro, who expressed their support for his proposed labour reform. Colombia is still reeling from bombing attacks in the southwest of the country that left seven dead and an attempted assassination on conservative opposition senator, and presidential hopeful, Miguel Uribe Turbay, which sparked fears the country could return to its darker days of assassinations and prolonged violence.
Al Jazeera
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Petro's labour reform referendum suspended by Colombia's Council of State
Colombia's Council of State has suspended a decree by President Gustavo Petro that sought to call a referendum on a labour reform, citing a lack of Senate authorisation. The move on Wednesday comes after Petro last week bypassed legislative opposition and signed a decree summoning voters to the polls in August to decide on the labour reform. The package includes provisions for an eight-hour daytime workday, higher weekend and holiday pay, and mandatory social security contributions from delivery app drivers – key social policies the left-wing leader has pushed for. A majority of the social and economic reforms promised by Petro – who was elected in 2022 on pledges to right centuries of inequality in the Andean country – have been rejected by lawmakers. The decree sparked criticism from the opposition, which argued that Petro's decree violates the Political Constitution of Colombia and destroys the separation of powers of the country's three branches of government. Under Colombian law, the Senate must rule on the advisability of referendums. If the referendum were to be held, each measure would need to be approved by the majority of at least 13.5 million voters, a third of Colombia's electoral roll, to be valid. Political opponents also said the costly referendum was really aimed at boosting Petro's party ahead of 2026 elections, when he cannot seek re-election. Despite the failure to call a referendum, the Senate on Tuesday approved a revised version of the labour reform bill after extensive debate, with 57 votes in favour and 31 against. The Senate previously rejected the reform bill in April, but it was revived after Petro warned he would declare a referendum to put the measure to a public vote. The presidency dubbed the bill 'a historic step toward decent work' in a post on X shared by Petro. Protests were recently held in the capital Bogota and other major cities by advocates of Petro, who expressed their support for his proposed labour reform. Colombia is still reeling from bombing attacks in the southwest of the country that left seven dead and an attempted assassination on conservative opposition senator, and presidential hopeful, Miguel Uribe Turbay, which sparked fears the country could return to its darker days of assassinations and prolonged violence.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman tightens workforce rules for foreign investors
MUSCAT: In a significant move to bolster national employment and strengthen local workforce participation, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) has officially rolled out a comprehensive mechanism mandating the employment of at least one Omani national for every commercial registration that has completed one year of establishment. The directive, which targets various categories of businesses including foreign investment entities, comes as part of the broader labour market regulation reforms announced in early May 2025. Foreign-owned businesses in Oman are now required to hire at least one Omani national within three months of completing a year of operations. The MoL emphasised that failure to comply with this regulation will result in a comprehensive ban on these establishments, irrespective of the number of expatriate workers employed. Companies can either directly hire an Omani or submit a structured employment plan that leads to actual recruitment within the designated time frame. The mechanism was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion to ensure effective oversight of commercial registrations. Establishments shall be granted a grace period not exceeding three months from the date of notification to rectify their status in accordance with the decision. For larger businesses employing more than ten workers, the ministry has issued clear directives. These companies must also submit an employment plan or hire at least one Omani within three months from the date of notification. Non-compliant firms will face automatic restrictions on the issuance of new licenses, with enforcement carried out through the ministry's digital system. Businesses employing fewer than ten individuals have been granted a six-month window to comply. These establishments are expected to either recruit one Omani, submit a feasible employment plan, or undergo an assessment to determine their contribution to local value addition. Those demonstrating tangible contributions may be temporarily exempted, though non-compliance will result in licensing bans similar to larger businesses. Entrepreneurs and full-time business owners are being given a one-year grace period to meet the Omanisation needs. Within six months of notification, their businesses will undergo a value addition review. The MoL has encouraged business owners who do not yet hold a Riyada Card to register with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority to access incentives and exemptions related to Omanisation targets. The MoL's initiative represents a decisive step in aligning foreign and domestic commercial activities with national workforce development goals. By requiring each business, particularly foreign investment entities, to directly contribute to local employment, the policy underscores Oman's commitment to economic diversification without sidelining Omani talent. The new rules also reflect Oman's Vision 2040 goals, aiming for a sustainable economy supported by an empowered national workforce. Businesses are advised to act promptly to avoid operational disruptions and to demonstrate commitment to the development agenda.
