The labour regime aimed to reduce tensions in the workplace by setting up complex quasi-legal dispute resolution mechanisms. Policy has also sought to broaden access to unemployment insurance, health insurance, workmen’s compensation, maternity leave as well as training opportunities through the establishment of sectoral education and training authorities.
Following the enactment of the Labour Relations Act, the number of days lost to strike action fell sharply with about one million strike days a year on average from 1996 to 2007. Since 2007 however, the number of strike days lost have increased sharply and strike activity has also become more violent.