Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, (EFC) says that it’s not practical to implement working hours for the private sector in the manner proposed as it will greatly inconvenience employers and employees alike, especially working women. “Setting working hours is a prerogative of employers, but it is done in consultation with employees and Trade Unions representing employees for good reason”, said Director General EFC, Kanishka Weerasinghe.
He said that this suggestion was made from the Ministry of Transport taking in to account congestion in public transport. “Health wise and to conserve fuel this may be practical but we cannot implement this proposal as there will be many other implications.”
“Hence we have written to the authorities concerned that the Federation is ‘not for’ this move. Therefore we are confident that this proposal is unlikely to be implemented.”
Exporters don’t wholeheartedly welcome new recommendations issued by the government pertaining to the working hours for the private sector, said Secretary General and CEO of National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka, Shiham Marikar.
“The Chamber have sent out a circular to all our members asking for their views on new recommendations and several responded saying this is not practical for them. Also some members have mentioned that the government shouldn’t insist on recommending working hours for the private sector as they are based on delivery of orders, shifts and etc.”
Meanwhile Secretary General, the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries Abeyratne Muthugala said that the Government’s decision to change working hours for the public and private sector would create serious implications for private sector and government employees alike.
More importantly, this would create serious issues for private sector entities who work in tandem with public bodies in the country and also private sector employees particularly working women can experience a disruption in their work life balance.
Expressing his personal views on new guidelines issued pertaining to working hours for the private sector employees, he said, ”I believe introducing two different working hours would not help to underpin an enhanced relationship between the Government and the private sector.”
Many private sector organizations work closely with government banks, state run trade facilitation organizations such as Export Development Board and the Department of Commerce. With the introduction of two different working hours guidelines, certain private sector entities who work in tandem with the State sector may find it difficult to provide their services and products in an efficient and timely manner.
As per the new recommendations, public sector offices will be opened at 9 a.m. to 4.45 p.m. (7 hours and 45 minutes with half hour lunch break) while the private sector work hours are from 9.45 a.m. to 6.45 p.m. (nine hours with one hour for lunch)
“Night-time mobility and perceived safety would be two issues that most affect the everyday lives of employees, especially female workers, particularly those who travel by public transport in Sri Lanka.
He said further that the unique attitudes, skills and competencies are needed to support public sector efficiency in a big way in Sri Lanka.
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