The Slovak parliament approved a revision to the Labour Code on June 28 that gives workers more protection and trade unionists more power. Out of the 144 MPs present, 83 voted for the bill and 61 against it.
"This is a law fully in line with the government's programme," Prime Minister Fico told the press after the amendment passed. "We have significantly strengthened the position of employees."
The new Labour Code grants workers more generous severance conditions and introduces a definition of "dependent work", which, according to the approved text, can only be carried out by employees and not contractors.
The amendment will come into effect in September if President Ivan Gašparovič signs it.
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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