**Georgian Party‘s Draft Law Criticized for Violating Labor Rights**
The Social Justice Center (SJC) in Georgia has issued a statement criticizing the draft amendments to the Public Service Law proposed by the Georgian Dream party. The SJC says these changes are a threat to labor rights and could be used as a tool for political persecution.
According to the SJC, the planned changes aim to make it easier to fire public servants under the guise of reorganization. This would allow the government to get rid of critical employees and gain full control over the public sector. The SJC also points out that these changes coincide with protests from public servants against the suspension of Georgia’s EU integration process.
**Criticism Over Expanding Reorganization Grounds**
The SJC highlights some of the most controversial aspects of the bill. For example, it says the draft law expands the grounds for reorganization to include minimal changes such as adding new functions to employees within a structural unit or modifying existing ones. Currently, these types of changes are not considered sufficient reason for reorganization.
**Simplified Dismissals and Reduced Job Security**
The SJC also notes that the draft law simplifies dismissals during reorganizations. According to the watchdog, this means that public servants could be automatically fired without a proper evaluation process. The SJC is alarmed by this change, saying it would further reduce job security for public servants.
**Restrictions on Restoring Rights**
Another key aspect of the bill criticized by the SJC is the elimination of the option to transfer public servants to equivalent positions in case of staff reduction due to reorganization. This means that dismissed employees would not be able to find a new position within the public sector, further reducing their job security.
**Violation of International Labor Standards**
The SJC also notes that the draft law violates the International Labor Organization‘s Convention N158. This convention requires that employment terminations be justified by legitimate reasons such as economic, technological, or structural changes within an organization. However, the amendments proposed by the Georgian government go beyond these criteria.
**Other Organizations Also Criticize the Draft Law**
The SJC is not alone in its criticism of the draft law. Other human rights organizations, including the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), have also spoken out against the planned changes, highlighting concerns over the erosion of public servants’ rights and potential for politically motivated dismissals.
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