Parliament approves amendments to Labor Code of Georgia
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Thursday, October 1
The parliament of Georgia adopted amendments to the Labour Code aimed to protect workers’ rights at the third hearing with 82 votes for and none against.
The amendment will allow the Labor Inspectorate to monitor and respond to labor rights violations. Accordingly, check for violations by private companies. If necessary, the amendment also provides for the imposition of sanctions.
According to NGOs, the changes will substantially strengthen the mandate of the Inspectorate, which will improve state oversight of workers' rights and safety.
The initiator of the bill on the amendments to the Labor Inspection Reform, MP Dimitri Tskitishvili, announced that this is a fundamental update of labor rights standards and the issue of interns are also covered.
“Employee rights, the relations, and cooperation between the employer and the employee will be regulated by law,” Tskitishvili said, adding that the clear norms prohibiting discrimination have been established as well.
As Irakli Kobakhidze, one of the initiators of the changes told reporters, this is a fundamental package that envisages many innovations, including labor inspection and its full implementation by creating a strong institutional mechanism to ensure the protection of labor rights.
The approved amendments were praised by the US and EU embassies in Georgia. The U.S. Embassy commended Parliament for adopting amendments to the Georgian Labor Code to protect workers’ rights. According to the statement, holding employers to internationally recognized labor standards is essential to achieving inclusive growth, enhancing economic stability, and improving the investment climate.
“For the first time, Georgian workers will be guaranteed overtime pay, layoff benefits, and paternity leave,” said the statement, noting that the State Labor Inspectorate now has the authority to conduct unannounced inspections in all sectors. The legislation was referred to as a key step toward meeting international standards and strengthening trade relationships. The U.S. Embassy also announced that it will closely follow the implementation of these amendments, including the expanded Labor Inspectorate mandate, which will be critical to ensuring fair treatment of workers.
According to the EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzel, this is a significant step forward in terms of working conditions in Georgia and a strong message in terms of fulfillment of Georgia's obligations under the Association Agreement.
The amendments to the Labor Code include the most important obligations of the EU legislation that Georgia has fulfilled, in particular the protection of labor and employee rights, overtime pay, protection against collective reductions, anti-discrimination and gender equality provisions.
“We expect to support the Independent Labor Inspectorate with sustainable staff and financial resources, as well as trained and equipped staff, who will carry out their expanded duties from 2021 for the benefit of Georgian employees and society as a whole,” said Hartzel.
The Labor Code was amended in 2013. In 2015, the Department of Labor Inspection was established. Their new mandate was limited to occupational safety issues and required the prior consent of the employer to inspect the workplace. Consequently, the recommendations had no binding force. The amendments, adopted in February 2019, expanded the powers of the Labor Inspectorate in the area of security.
