Government aims to cut down eight hour work shift; FLSP

The government is planning to introduce a legislation which will do away with the eight hour work shift, The Front line Socialist Party (FLSP) alleged yesterday.   

FLSP Propaganda Secretary Duminda Nagamuwa said the new legislation will make the workers to complete the work load they do during 8 hour working shift within five working days in three days of the week. “As per now an employee will have to work 45 hours a week which is divided into five eight hour shifts a week. However an employee will have to cover the 45 hour work load in three days. Accordingly one will have to engage in 15 hours shifts,” Nagamuwa said.  “The Eight hour work shift is a norm which is accepted by the whole world after a famous struggle. It is ironic that the government has obtained the cabinet’s approval for the legislation days after it celebrated workers day on a grand scale at Galle face Green,” he added.   

“The unseen issue of this legislation is the loss of the opportunity of engaging in two jobs which is the current practice. Most of the workers engage in at least part time jobs other than their main job due to the high cost of living,” he said.