Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The Government has adopted amendments to the Labour Law, whose main objective is to strengthen mechanisms for observing the principle of equal pay for men and women and to prohibit direct or indirect discrimination based on gender, in both the public and private sectors.

According to a press release from the Government, the main reason for drafting the amendments to the Labour Law, as one of the benchmarks for closing Chapter 19 – Social policy and employment, is the further alignment of labour legislation with the EU acquis within this negotiating chapter.

The purpose of the amendments is also to harmonize legislation with the conventions and recommendations of the International Labour Organization ratified by Montenegro and with other sources of international law. 

“The main objectives to be achieved by adopting the amendments to the Labour Law include strengthening mechanisms to observe the principle of equal pay for men and women for equal work or work of equal value, prohibiting direct or indirect discrimination regarding pay based on gender, and ensuring pay transparency in both the public and private sectors,” the press release said.

The amendments also define minimum requirements regarding paternity leave, parental leave, and leave for caregivers, as well as minimum requirements concerning flexible working conditions for employees who are parents or caregivers.