Comment: Resolution of Collective Labour Disputes by Labour Relations Board in Ethiopia: Critical Reflections

Abstract

This comment examines the Legal framework of collective labour disputes (CLD) resolution by the Labour Relation Board (LRB) in Ethiopia. Only two members of the LRB out of seven members (and two alternate members) are from the legal profession. Moreover, there is no provision (under the Labour Proclamation) regarding the selection criteria of other members of the Board. The decision of the Board is rendered by majority vote and appeal is permitted only on error relating to legal issues. The establishment of LRB that is empowered to decide on CLDs is indeed an extremely important initiative as the nature of collective labour cases demands collective bargaining and labour law experts. However, criteria regarding professional profile are not set out under the Proclamation for the selection of members of the LRB; and the majority of LRB members are not legal professionals. There should thus be clear criteria for the selection of members and there is the need to include more legal professionals in the LRB.