Law on Industrial Organisation of 1958

Law on Industrial Organisation of 1958
Popular Assembly
Date passed	1 May 1958
Date commenced	1 May 1958
Summary
Defines Gylian labour law.
Status: Current legislation

The Law on Industrial Organisation of 1958 is a Gylian federal law that defines the framework of Gylian labour relations and employment standards.

The law forms the basis of Gylian labour law and assorted regulations, and together with the Economic Code determines the foundation of the Gylian economy.

Background

The Free Territories achieved a radical, anarchist reorganisation of the economy. The fundamental principles accepted and self-organisation left great room for experimentation with a variety of economic models, many of which would be synthesised into the Gylian consensus.

The law was introduced during the transition from the Free Territories to Gylias. It was one of the first bills considered by the newly-elected Popular Assembly. Since it largely codified and consolidated the existing norms of the Free Territories, it was debated and passed in record time.

The Darnan Cyras government chose to pass the law symbolically on Labour Day, and to have it commence immediately upon passage.

After the presidency was established in 1961, Eiín Dairyn signed all federal laws passed up to that point as a formality.

Subsequent amendments were passed in 1961 (to bring phrasing in line with the Constitution), 1987, and 1999 (to include the right to disconnect).

Text of the law

1. This law shall regulate the industrial organisation and relations of Gylias.
2. All regulations rest on the fundamental principles of workers' self-management, collective bargaining, and the protection of workers' dignity and living standards.
3. Organised labour is the foundation of economic activity. All workers shall form free unions, syndicates, and associations, which confederate into the General Council of Workers' Unions and Associations.
4. Any attempt to interfere with unionisation or union activities is illegal as a crime against society.
5. Any attempt to impose authority or interfere with workplace democracy is illegal as a crime against society.
6. Agreements regarding work shall not infringe workers' autonomy and self-determination, and shall respect security of labour. They are valid for a specified period of time.
7. All labour shall receive a living wage in return.
8. The working day cannot exceed 6 hours. The working week cannot exceed 24 hours.
9. Overtime shall not exceed 2 hours in a day, and shall be compensated with higher pay appropriately.
10. Shift work shall only be used if absolutely necessary and no alternatives are possible, and with respect to workers' health and autonomy.
11. Workers shall have at least 30 days of vacation in a year, 2 days' rest per week, and time to rest at work.
12. Workers cannot be contacted outside of working hours for work-related reasons.
13. Dismissal is individual and caused by negligence or misconduct. Dismissal is preceded by advance notice and resolution of any legal aspects, and is done with severance.
14. Companies with over 1000 workers shall reserve half their supervisory board seats for workers and union representatives.
15. Federal agencies are established to ensure compliance.

Effects

The law imposes strict pro-worker standards throughout the economy. Workers' self-management and workplace democracy are specifically protected, and organised labour is granted a central role. The basic principles found in the law — the minimum wage being equal to a living wage, limits on working time and mandatory vacation and rest time — form the basis of additional regulations that constitute Gylias' social security system.

The language of the law is strongly anarcho-syndicalist, and reflects the anti-capitalist character of the Gylian economy. Terms implying subordination such as "employer", "employee", or "employment contract" are avoided. Attempts to interfere with unions or workplace democracy are classified as crimes against crime against society, implicitly attracting the most severe legal punishments. Work agreements must have a defined term, and dismissal must be justified with just cause before a labour court.