Chile’s new labour code, which came into force on 1 April, is geared towards modernising professional relations in the country. The reform extends collective bargaining, forbids the replacement of striking workers, seeks to boost female representation in trade union leadership, makes working time more flexible and introduces a four-day working week. Some legal uncertainty remains as regards the role of negotiators whose participation in collective bargaining, separate from trade unions, is not subject to any regulations.
Collective bargaining and intercompany negotiation extended. After a torturous legislative process, which unfolded over a period of two years, the reform to Chile’s labour law finally came into force on 1 April. The reform has been officially dubbed the “law for the modernisation of professional relations” and the new labour code, a flagship measure from president Michelle Bachelet, makes profound changes to previous legislation inherited from the Augusto Pinochet regime, particularly in the area of collective bargaining.
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