Alleged Influence of Employers on the GM: Reza Uteem Defends and Explains

Minister of Labor Reza Uteem puts things into perspective. According to the signed agreements, he is required to conduct consultation sessions before making any announcements that directly affect workers. This was the spirit behind the Labor Conference held last year, which facilitated extensive discussions on various topics, including the 40-hour workweek.

From these discussions, a dozen priority measures were identified. To structure the next steps, a National Tripartite Council was established. This body consists of an equal number of representatives from the most representative unions, private sector representatives, and representatives from various ministries.

"Once the Cabinet has made its decision, none of the stakeholders will be able to claim they were not consulted," Reza Uteem states. However, he clarifies that "consultation does not mean we will be dictated to." Regarding the 40-hour workweek, the minister calls for nuance. This measure will not apply to certain essential services, which are yet to be defined, and its implementation will need to consider the nuances related to working hours and overtime pay. Finally, the minister refutes his colleague Ashok Subron's arguments that lobbying is hindering the government's progress. "There is no lobby preventing the government from moving forward. It is a natural consultation process we are undertaking that takes time."