The bill, which provides for the reduction of working hours from 45 to 40 hours per week, within the next five years, has remained on the shelves since it was introduced in Congress in 2017 by the then congressman and current representative of the government Camila Vallejo.
President Gabriel Boric’s government in Chile said Tuesday it has rekindled efforts to pass a bill that would reduce the working week, fulfilling a campaign promise.
The bill, which provides for the reduction of working hours from 45 to 40 hours per week, within the next five years, has remained on the shelves since it was introduced in Congress in 2017 by the then congressman and current representative of the government Camila Vallejo.
Boric gave the bill an “urgent” character, which obliges the deputies to examine it as a matter of priority. In fact, amendments provide for the extension of the reduction of working time in certain sectors, such as drivers in public transport.
“These improvements are necessary in order to get closer to a new Chile, which will be more just,” Boric said during an event at the presidential palace.
The centre-left government has pushed for dialogue with unions and labor confederations, as well as employers’ associations, at a time when economic growth in the world’s biggest copper producer is slowing. At the same time, Chile’s economy is facing strong inflationary pressures, following a rapid recovery following the lifting of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
President Boric expressed confidence that the bill will be approved by Congress as soon as possible.
RES-EMP
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