|
Abuse In The Workplace Continues
Unchecked
The lack of laws mean that
thousands of abusers get away
with their deeds unpunished.
Abuse in the work place affects
many, however, there is no
legislation that is specific
enough to punish the abusers.
The story this week that more
than 1.400 workers are being
abused within the halls of
justice, at the Pode Judicial,
revealed by a study done in
2005, is only a the tip of the
iceberg, experts say.
The abuse is going on at more
government institutions and many
private companies. The majority
of the abuses are by the bosses,
who intimidate employees who
fear losing their jobs,
seniority and pensions.
Currently, there is no specific
law that deals with abuse in the
work place and nor are there
punishments for such acts. The
complaints are now being made
under article 69 of the Código
de Trabajo (Labour Code), which
simply states that employers
have to be considerate towards
workers and refrain from
insulting workers with words or
actions.
The fines for mistreating an
employee under the labour code
is a small fine or reprimand.
The Partido Restauración
Nacional (PRN) is proposing a
law that would end abuse in the
work place and abusers face
stiff penalties, that can
include jail time.
The problem is not a new one and
the PRN proposal, though new
today, has been an issue for
legislators on a number of
occasions in the past, though no
legislation was ever discussed
or passed.
|
|
