Introduction

The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon is the only Employer Organization in Sri Lanka, dealing with employment and Industrial Relations issues on behalf of Employers. It was established in 1929 and ever since then functioned as an Employer Organization promoting the interest of Employers within the framework of the law in Sri Lanka.

The EFC has throughout, in its entire existence respected labour standards, and advised its member employers to work within the framework of the law. Freedom of Association, recognition of Unions, and the right to collectively bargain are fundamental principles and rights at work which the EFC has always respected and protected.

In fact, the first Collective Agreement in Sri Lanka was entered into between the EFC and All Ceylon Trade Union Congress in 1929. Ever since then the EFC has collectively bargained on behalf of members and signed many Collective Agreements over the years. The EFC bargains with Unions irrespective of political differences of Trade Unions, recognizing each Union on the basis of having adequate representative strength. This has been the case even before the introduction of the law relating to recognition of Unions. Last year (2009), the EFC facilitated the signing of 57 Collective Agreements. It has a current membership of 524 members representing a wide cross section of industries and has the competence, experience and the status to comment on the matters relating to the petition.

Our submissions in relation to some of the matters relating to the petition are as follows: