Rights of Workers under Ethiopian Labour Law: The Case of Adami Tulu and Ziway Flower Investments

Abstract

Ethiopia is of   the largest country in Africa, hosting foreign direct investment.

Consequently, the presence of different foreign companies has been creating job opportunities in addition to bringing different economic benefits.  In this regard horticulture   is one of the areas that have realized the country's development ambition. However, there was strong labour and environment concern with this economic activity. This research paper attempted to examine the implementation of labour rights based on national law and international standards, in selected areas, Adami Tullu Jido Kombolcha Woreda, Oromia Regional State (Central Ethiopia).   For this purpose, the study focused on basic employees' rights including the right to form association, occupational safety, wages and legality of termination of employment and associated issues. The study has employed mixed approach, qualitative as well as quantitative methods to collect and analyse data. In order to collect primary data 125 sample workers selected for interviewand300 workers were provided questionnaires; furthermore, focus group discussion conducted with selected employee and employees ‘associations. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interview, questionnaires, focused group discussion, including key informant interview with selected participants. Secondary sources including laws and books were collected from library and web sources. The findings of the study revealed that the insufficient   wages, poor occupational safety, weak trade union and job insecurity. Consequently, there were dissatisfaction and reluctance by employees and government stake holders to address grievance at a grass root level which in turn significantly affect the industrial peace.