Paliyev backs down
The draft Labour Code prepared for its second reading in the Verkhovna Rada does not contain a norm making it possible to dismiss pregnant employees for infringements of labour legislation.
This was announced on Wednesday 16 May by the Minister of Employment and Social Protection Mykhailo Paliyev. The Minister announced at a press conference that “the draft Labour Code voted for in its first reading contained Article 286 envisaging the possibility of dismissing pregnant employees for infringements of labour legislation”. He pointed out that 78 Deputies from Nasha Ukraina [Our Ukraine] had voted for the draft.
According to his information, the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection has prepared proposals for the second reading. One of these is Article 118 prohibiting the dismissal of pregnant employees under any circumstances.
“The draft law for the second reading does not contain a norm about dismissal. There is total protection in this regard”.
He also stated that he considered the actions of the opposition to be aimed at discrediting the initiatives of the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection and to be immoral. “To accuse me when I initiated the withdrawal of the norm, ..Ill bear that, however women are concerned. There will be no worsening of the situation for pregnant women”, he assured those present.
At the same time Mr Paliyev reported that at present the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection is drawing up a mechanism for encouraging employees to take on women staff. “so that for them its more profitable to employ them, than to turn them down”.