Exploring Workplace Duties: Employer, Worker Responsibilities, and Forbidden Actions in Ethiopian Labor Law
In the realm of Ethiopian labor law, the relationship between employers and employees is underpinned by a series of well-defined Workplace Duties. This article discusses into the essential Workplace Duties of each party that one must uphold to ensure a harmonious, respectful, and legally compliant workplace. By examining these duties, we aim to illuminate the balance required to sustain a productive and respectful working environment.
In this article, we will explore the duties of both employers and workers, delineating the responsibilities of each party and shedding light on prohibited acts according to Ethiopian labor laws. Emphasizing the importance of sustaining a balanced and respectful workplace, let’s examine the details as follows.
- OBLIGATIONS OF AN EMPLOYER
- Provide Work and Necessary Implements:
- Provide work as per the employment contract.
- Unless stated otherwise, furnish the necessary tools and materials for work.
- Payment of Wages and Benefits:
- Ensure timely payment of wages and other benefits according to the law or collective agreement.
- Union Dues Deduction:
- Deduct union dues upon the worker’s written request and transfer them to the union’s bank account.
- Respect Human Dignity:
- Uphold the human dignity of the worker.
- Occupational Safety and Health:
- Implement necessary safety measures as per standards and directives.
- Abide by guidelines provided by authorities concerning occupational safety and health.
- Medical Examination Coverage:
- Cover the cost of required medical examinations for the worker.
- Record-Keeping:
- Maintain a register with specified particulars, including weekly rest days, public holidays, utilized leave, health conditions (excluding HIV/AIDS), and employment injury records.
- Provide Employment Certificate
Furnish a free-of-charge employment certificate upon contract termination or worker request.
- Compliance with Laws and Agreements:
Adhere to labor laws, collective agreements, work rules, directives, and orders.
- Record Submission:
Record and submit required information within a reasonable timeframe upon competent authority request.
- Workplace Location Information:
Undertake the registration of workplace location and related data.
- Awareness Programs:
Conduct awareness programs for workers if the enterprise has work rules.
- OBLIGATIONS OF WORKERS
- Perform Designated Work:
Personally execute the work outlined in the employment contract.
- Adherence to Instructions:
Follow instructions provided by the employer based on the contract and work rules.
- Care of Equipment:
Handle entrusted equipment and tools with due care.
- Reporting Fit for Duty:
Report for duty in fit mental and physical conditions.
- Aid in Emergencies:
Provide aid in case of accidents or imminent danger without endangering personal safety and health.
- Immediate Reporting:
Immediately inform the employer of any act endangering oneself, co-workers, or prejudicing the undertaking’s interests.
- Compliance with Laws and Directives:
Abide by labor laws, collective agreements, work rules, and directives issued in accordance with the law.
3. PROHIBITED ACTS
A. Unlawful Acts by Employers:
Various acts are prohibited, including restraining workers from exercising their rights, discrimination, coercion, and committing sexual harassment.
B. Unlawful Acts by Workers:
Prohibited acts for workers include intentionally endangering life or property, unauthorized removal of property, use of falsified documents, substance abuse, refusal of medical examination, and engaging in prohibited activities during working hours.
Understanding and observing these obligations and prohibitions are essential for fostering a healthy, respectful, and compliant work environment, ensuring a workplace that is both productive and conducive to mutual respect.
If you have questions or comments or need representation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us
