New labor law underway, in favor of Egypt's laborers

CAIRO – 30 April 2018: With the Egyptian Parliament putting the final touches to the new labor law, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi pronounced his in his last speech during the Labor Day celebrations that he looks forward to seeing the new regulation applied.

Egypt Today will review the most important aspects of the expected law

The new labor law is important because it achieves a significant guarantee for nearly 26 million laborers working in the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); it provides them with security and preserves their rights. The bill guarantees resignation would not be accredited unless the Manpower Ministry approves and there would be no dismissal without a court verdict to avoid private employer arbitrariness.

The law contributes to encouraging young people to work in the private sector and maximizes their role in promoting the national economy. It also provides a safe environment for laborers while they are doing their job, through a clear contract between them and the employer.

The bill will include the creation of new labor courts to speed-up litigation processes. It provides the opportunity for better training and education, while ensuring the rights of working women and people with special needs.

Additionally, women working in the private sector will be granted the right to a four-month maternity leave equal to those working in the public sector, in accordance to the Civil Service Law. This leave shall be granted twice during a woman's period of service.

The bill guarantees that the daily working hours of pregnant women shall be reduced by at least one hour starting from the sixth month of pregnancy. Moreover, no additional working hours shall be allowed for women during their pregnancy period and the six months following the childbirth.