The National Parliament has approved the final global law for establishing a contributory social security law for workers in the country.
The context of the law is to ensure institutions, government organs and private companies reach an agreement with workers to sacrifice 5 or 6% of their salary for social security.
The law was passed unanimously by the 47 MPs.
National MP Fernanda Lay said they voted in favor of the law because it was important and could ensure the sustainability of the petroleum fund.
“We cannot depend on the petroleum fund only, they (workers) must contribute so when they have an accident they can use this money,” said Lay.
Another advantage of the law is that it will help guarantee some financial security for workers and public servants after they retired, she said.
MP Jose Luis Guterres said the law would also protect the rights of workers to access health services when they got sick.
Up until now, he said workers had not received good treatment from company owners, especially when they got sick or had an accident on the job.
“Therefore, we have approved the law so they will have their rights,” he said.
Next year the government will raise the minimum salary to allow for contributory social security payments.
Meanwhile, worker Jacinto Gusmão said although he appreciated the initiative, he called on the government to raise awareness among company owners before the law came into force.
“It is good to help us, but [the government] should raise awareness first,” he said.
