Labour Department Orders Prompt Action on Workers’ Complaints

The Labour and Employment Office has instructed its subordinate offices to address workers’ complaints within an hour of receipt.

The Department of Labour and Occupational Safety issued a circular on Tuesday to all labour and employment offices and occupational safety and health centres, directing them to take prompt action on complaints received from workers.

The move comes after complaints were filed through various channels, including Hello Government, the Ministry, and the Department, alleging that complaints were not addressed in a timely manner, employees did not behave properly, and there were delays in delivering justice.

The circular states that complaints received from workers must be addressed within an hour, and the concerned person must be informed accordingly. It also reminds employees to follow their responsibilities and code of conduct as per the Good Governance (Administration and Operation) Act, 2064, and the Civil Service Act, 2049.

If a complaint is outside the office’s jurisdiction, the circular instructs the office to immediately inform the service recipient and forward the complaint to the concerned agency. It also directs the office to ensure that the establishment responds promptly to workers’ complaints.

According to labour laws, the office must facilitate negotiations and make decisions promptly if negotiations fail. The circular also emphasizes the need to implement orders and decisions from labour courts and offices in a timely manner.

The Department has also instructed its offices to inform the complainant promptly after addressing complaints received through Hello Government.