Lithuanian labour code vetoed


Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite has vetoed the proposed new labour code which was adopted by the parliament in May. 


The planned code has been sharply criticised by the unions who argue that it will make it easier and cheaper to dismiss employees, increase precarious working, including zero hours contracts, and weaken unions at the workplace. 


The president clearly accepted some of these arguments as she proposed 22 amendments to the text, saying that the new code failed to protect employees’ rights and strengthened the dominant position of the employers. 


Parliament can now accept the amendments (unlikely as they make fundamental changes to the plans), overturn the veto with an absolute majority or abandon the legislation.