THE COLLECTIVE bargaining law, which the ruling Smer party passed in parliament amid criticism from employers, was not signed into law. President Ivan Gašparovič returned the law to parliament without his signature, saying that he believes the amendment threatens the existence of firms and jobs, the Sme daily reported.
The President said higher-level collective agreements should not apply to firms with fewer than 50 employees. The parliament-approved amendment stipulates that the agreements will not be applicable to firms with fewer than 20 employees. The head of state referred to European legislation, which defines a business with 20-50 employees as a small enterprise.
The Labour Ministry, which authored the law, said that it would take a stance on the matter later, Sme reported.
Employers' associations, foreign chambers and the political opposition hailed the president’s decision.
Source: Sme
Compiled by Michaela Terenzani from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
