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By Channa Kasturisinghe

The Government will introduce a new mechanism to ensure better and harmonious employee-management relationship industrial zones safeguarding the rights of both parties, said the Minister of Industries Rohitha Bogollagama.

He was addressing a delegation of the Korean Business Association at the Ministry Auditorium on Wednesday.

The delegation met the Minister to discuss the problems faced by Korean investors in Sri Lanka with regard to labour-management relations.

Mr. Bogollagama said that he would hold discussions with the Labour Commissioner and other authorities in order to find an effective solution to the problems faced by the employers and employees in the industrial zones.

"As emphasized by the International Labour Orgainsation there is a need to maintain a level playing field for employers and employees. It is vital to have an industrial culture program, which could strengthen the relationship between the workers and the management. I have also proposed an Industrial Police Division which could settle industrial disputes in a more commercial oriented manner," the Minister said.

He said that employers should maintain a high quality Human Resource Management in the workplaces while the employees should not bring political activities in the guise of trade union activities into the workplaces.

"I have witnessed that the HR management of some companies is very poor. The lack of communication between the management and the workers is one of the main constraints. Each company should have a personnel manager who works closely with the workers and identifies their needs. While we cannot deny the right of the workers to organise themselves in their workplace they should not create unnecessary problems using politically motivated trade union activities," Minister Bogollagama said.

Hyeoung - Chul Yoon, the Chairman and Managing Director of Ceylon Heavy Industries and Construction Company Ltd. on behalf of the delegation said a healthy and smooth labour-management relationship is vital to improve the productivity and export competitiveness in the International Market.

"To face the severe competition in the international market from countries such as China, Vietnam and Bangladesh where goods are manufactured at low cost it is necessary to have a disciplined manpower with high productivity.

Companies are unable to control trade union activities which make big losses in business due to drop in production and delayed deliveries. Some companies were compelled to close down due to this. It is desirable to have a flexible labour system where labour laws and procedures are simplified with provision to expedite legal proceedings for illegal and unlawful activities.

The shortage of trained and skilled workers in areas where the industries are located is another factor affecting the investors. It is suggested to have specific training programs for human resources development to cater to the needs of investors.

The Korean Business Association in Sri Lanka appreciated the role the Minister played in putting an end to the recent strike at the North Pole factory in Ja-ela.

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