On April 18, the National Assembly Committee for the Right to Work and Social Security confirmed the report for the first hearing on the Labor Law Reform Bill which, among other things, proposes that workers in the private sector have the right to enjoy an uninterrupted period of thirty days off every year, including non-working days.

Workers in Ecuador, who are one of the most important components for the development of trade and industry, without whose help there would be no place for companies to work, deserve, of course, all the support that can be given to them, so that there is a balance in the worker-employer relationship.

Because of this, they enjoy two additional annual salaries, a reserve from the second year, participation in the company’s profits, contributions to the IESS, in order to take care of their health and many other benefits offered by the Institute, an employer’s pension – apart from the one received from the aforementioned body, annual leave of 15 days, plus certain days off due to illness or paternity. This is the reason why many foreigners would like to work here, because these advantages are not offered elsewhere.

Certain sectors, both businessmen and the employees themselves, expressed their disagreement with this project because they consider it untimely given the uncertain conditions, low employment and low investment and production in the country.

If this reform were to be approved, production costs would rise, profits in which workers also participate would decrease, the employment rate would decrease – which in itself is unsafe, because we have five million unemployed – and employers would prefer to make a restriction on hiring staff , so as not to affect operations and sales; there would be no incentive for production activity, which in itself is currently in deficit, and this would further worsen the situation, because the increase in prices would directly affect the working class, consumers of goods and services.

Legal reforms must be given within a global analysis, always seeking to improve… the country’s economy…

In addition to the negative effects on the economy, it is very difficult to hire a replacement for those 15 additional days, who meets the same characteristics and has sufficient knowledge and experience as a plant employee, which would lead to a delay in performance and quality of service.

Let’s not forget that the Labor Law in Art. 69, gives the worker, from the fifth year of his entry into the company, one more day of annual leave for each past year, or the salary for the extra days is paid in cash, in addition to receiving the appropriate compensation in advance until the annual leave period.

Legal reforms must take place within a global analysis, always seeking to improve, in this case, the economy of the country, but not cause a stampede of investors or their abstinence to invest their resources in Ecuador, which is so needed. The further away the capital cities are, the closer we are to misery. (OR)