Maldives - December 2023

On 18 December, Parliament passed the Industrial Relations (IR) Bill and the Occupation Safety and Health (OSH) Bill aimed at strengthening workers’ rights. The IR bill establishes a legal framework protecting workers' constitutional rights, including the right to strike, form trade unions and freedom of speech. The OSH similarly seeks to protect workers from potential workplace health hazards and harms, establishing procedures to report injuries and provide compensation. Rights advocates have hailed the bills as a victory for unions and the working class in Maldives after a decade-long campaign to enhance workers' rights. President Mohamed Muizzu ratified both bills on 2 January 2024.

Sources: International Federation of Journalists, Maldives Financial Review, ITUC Asia Pacific, Solidarity Center