Labour Ministry in talks with stakeholders for five-day working week

The Labour Ministry has initiated discussions with the relevant stakeholders to limit the current workweek to five days while maintaining maximum weekly working hours to 45.

“The discussions are currently underway. There are certain areas of disagreement. We have to iron out those gray areas and have to come into an agreement,” Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Mirror Business. 

The businesses that come under the purview of the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act could require their employees to work for five and half days a week, to cover the maximum 45 weekly working hours, with having one whole day holiday and one half-day holiday per week. 

“Instead of working for six days, if that particular number of hours could be achieved within the first five days of the week, then we can accept it for the purpose of gratuity and other payments but suppose if they work on a Saturday or Sunday, that will go as overtime,” 
he elaborated.  

To maintain the current weekly working hours under the proposed initiative, the maximum eight daily working hours rule is likely to be amended. 

The minister pointed out that this move would allow the employees to enjoy the full weekend with their families and friends while saving transport and other related costs.