Legislators Ditch Worker Comp for Job Quitters
In a controversial 49-43 vote, Parliament today annulled an amendment to the Employment Contracts Act that would have granted access to unemployment insurance benefits to people who leave a job on their own initiative or upon the agreement of both parties.
The reform - which would have given qualified unemployed persons 40 percent of their former salary for a specified period of time - was due to become effective in January 2013. It was the initiative of Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee to throw out the amendment.
The coalition claims that the step will not have a negative impact and that it will free up more resources so that the Unemployment Insurance Fund can use to serve those who are truly in need.
But the opposition has sharply criticized the reversal as a breach of previously negotiated understandings. The Trade Union Confederation said the move would further diminish worker confidence and the Unemployment Insurance Fund said it proves that nothing remains of the traditional three-party negotiations (consisting of employees, employers and the government) regarding employment issues.
Ott Tammik