Forced Labour Task Force to be established

The Labour Ministry is planning to establish a 'Forced Labour Task Force' with the patronage of the Labour Ministry Secretary, in order to enhance the understanding of the society of ‘forced labour’, to identify the instances that it happens, and to eliminate it from the country.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (20), Secretary, S.M. Piyatissa, said that yesterday (20), the initiative to establish a ‘Forced Labour Task Force’ was taken, and that it would be launched with the collaboration of the Labour Department, the Police, and the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force. According to him, it was discussed how to enhance awareness of forced labour, identify the occasions where it happens, and to take actions against it.

 "There are multiple ways that forced labour happens at institutions. For instance, at an office, the management would be asking an employee to submit the original documents to the workplace, which hinders the chance for that employee to go and work at another place. Further, in intern agreements, one might be asked to work for another year following the end of the internship for the salary that was given at the internship period. Further, some are forced to work even after their shift," he added.

"There are some elements of forced labour which are easily overlooked. For instance, asking for the original documents may be done at an office, and we will be advising them to return the documents before a day decided by us. If only the documents are not returned, they will be taken to court. Further, if such an event takes place thereafter, we will be monitoring that institution to see whether they are doing that to other employees too."

He further added that the Labour Department has identified that forced labour is most commonly taken from disabled people due to their lack of exposure to legal provisions. "We also decided on starting programmes for them especially to enhance awareness," he concluded. 

He added that the Task Force will also work on identifying further provisions needed in the existing laws in order to eliminate forced labour.

The Labour Department, with the collaboration of the International Labour Organisation, has already trained 30 officials in identifying forced labour at institutions and what measures are to be taken. Another 200 officials are also trained by this previously trained group. 

Source - The Morning