By Staff Writer
Worries about work readiness are included in the review of a new Labor Act amendment to allow for workers employment age to start at 13 years old.
The Labour and Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2022 debated in Parliament during the week is an attempt to “align labour laws with international labour standards.”
“But at that young age is the person mentally ready to leave the family environment and live a workers life earning income,” MP Maulolo Tavita Amosa questioned in debate.
The former University lecturer and college teacher wondered out loudly if the young worker is ready to make mature decisions for his own good.
His concern is how people at the 13-14 year old age group are easily influenced by many things and may become vulnerable to unwanted activities.
“ Court records between the period of 2018-2019 recorded 170 court matters involving juvenile offences for theft, disorderly conducts, alcohol and more,” the Sagaga 2 MP worried.
The unwanted effects on the youth’s education and possible legal conflicts against the Education Act 2009 for compulsory education up to 14 years of age, were raised as well.
Fears of a jump in the schools drop out rate posed further complications for MP Maulolo.
“Who will monitor students who drop out during schools hours; if not for the strong pressure on villages communities to send the children to school, it would not have made a noticeable impact on young vendors roaming the streets during school hours.”
The MP added more worries by taking note of the COVID vaccination age group restrictions for the youth at 12 years old.
He suggested whether this offers medical confirmation that the youth at this age group are still at a tender stage of growth and must still be handled with care.
Labour Minister Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo was amenable to the points of concern and tried to assure that the new legal amendments follow the International labour organisation’s (ILO) lead.
The Minister clarified the age group choice as an opportunity for 13 year olds to gain experience from doing light work at first.
“Conditions for their employment will have to be weighed and in they meet the needs we will go with the changes if not we will revert back,’ Leatinu’u responded.
Opposition MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi is not too keen in the new Labour Act amendments to follow the lead by international organisations.
“ Let’s do our own thing,” he argued.
The new amendments drew a lively response from members on several issues including workers right.
Calls were made for the same workers rights to be in place by those employed outside the private sector and serving in the public sector.
The new amendments are with a Parliament select committee for review for recommendations to be put to the final vote by the House.