Search
The Women Economic Forum (WEF) in Kosovo has issued a strong appeal to Prime Minister Albin Kurti and the Minister of Finance and Transfers, calling for the immediate inclusion of the Labor Law Draft in the Government’s Legislative Program for 2024. This appeal follows the unexpected withdrawal of the draft from the 2024 Legislative Program, a move that WEF and supporting civil society organizations view as a significant setback in addressing critical issues such as low female workforce participation, maternity and parental leave, employment contracts, and the modernization of labor policies according to international standards.
The delay in adopting the new Labor Law threatens to worsen working conditions for employees, deter foreign investment, and stall progress on gender equality in the labor market. Specifically, the absence of comprehensive labor legislation and modern work policies could perpetuate gender pay gaps, increase job insecurity for women, particularly those who are pregnant, and leave unresolved issues like sexual harassment at the workplace.
WEF emphasizes the urgent need for the government to uphold its commitments to international human rights standards, including those outlined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). They call for the prioritization of the Labor Law Draft in the 2024 legislative agenda and demand early consultation with civil society to ensure that the law effectively addresses maternity and parental leave, workplace safety for women, and the formalization of domestic work.
The forum underscores that advancing gender equality and social justice is essential for creating a fair, inclusive, and competitive labor market in Kosovo. By modernizing labor legislation and work practices, the government can foster a more favorable environment for job creation, business development, and improved working conditions for all citizens.