Hourly Worker

The Hourly Worker System for foreign workers is introduced to address specific labor needs in industries where work may be temporary, irregular, or based on short-term tasks. The system offers a flexible and legal framework for employing foreign workers on an hourly basis rather than full-time or long-term contracts. The recruitment service for the Hourly Worker is outsourced to Ganga Logistic Company

SOP for Ganga Logistic Company to provide hourly foreign worker services in Gelephu Throm

Standard Operating Procedure for Ganga Logistic Company to provide hourly foreign worker services in Gelephu Throm

Worker Demand Processing

Accept worker demand requests daily from government offices, corporate offices, private businesses, and individual residents via online google form or call
Voter Card is only the acceptable document for the placement
Process requests for approval within 1 hours, ensuring worker availability and required skills match the job
Confirm approved requests with the client and dispatch workers within 1 hour
Ensure workers are deployed exclusively within the Thromde Municipal boundary
Ensure workers exit on a daily basis
Maintain a digital record of all worker requests, approvals, and dispatches

Worker Safety and Conditions

Ensure all workers are with proper safety equipment and provided orientation on labor safety regulations
Monitor work sites periodically to check on worker safety and working conditions
Maintain a safe and hygienic rest area for workers to take breaks
Provide clean drinking water and access to restrooms at all work sites

Worker Check-In and Records

Check out all workers at the end of each day to ensure they have safely completed their shifts
Maintain a attendance record for each worker, including hours worked and tasks performed

Incident Reporting

Immediately report any worksite injuries or fatal accidents to the Regional Office of Industry, Commerce and Employment (ROICE)
Provide first aid and emergency medical care to injured workers and assist with hospital admission if needed
Conduct an internal investigation of all incidents and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence

Dispute Resolution

Establish a clear dispute resolution process for clients and workers to raise concerns
Investigate all disputes promptly and impartially, gathering evidence from all parties
Resolve disputes within 24 hours, if possible, and communicate the outcome to ROICE
Maintain a record of all disputes and their resolutions

Worker Orientation

Provide a comprehensive orientation to all workers on labor and immigration laws
Educate workers on Bhutanese culture, customs, and expectations
Ensure workers understand their rights, responsibilities, and the grievance redressal process

Fees and Payments

Collect fees from the employers as per the agreed rates, without any additional charges
Pay workers their agreed hourly wages in a timely manner
Maintain transparent financial records of all fees collected and wages paid

Purpose of Introducing the Hourly Worker System for Foreign Workers:

Address Short-Term Labor Needs:
- Many industries, such as construction, agriculture, hospitality, and retail, experience fluctuations in labor demand based on seasons, projects, or special events. The Hourly Worker System allows employers to hire foreign workers for short-term tasks or projects without committing to long-term contracts.
Flexibility for Employers:
- The system provides greater flexibility for employers who require foreign labor only during peak times or for specific tasks. Employers can hire foreign workers on an hourly basis as needed, ensuring they only pay for the hours worked, which is more cost-effective than full-time employment.
Legal Framework for Temporary Employment:
- Introducing the Hourly Worker System ensures that foreign workers engaged in temporary or irregular work are employed under a legal framework, protecting both the workers and the employers. This system helps avoid illegal hiring practices and ensures compliance with Bhutanese labor laws.
Prevent Exploitation of Foreign Workers:
- By formalizing the employment of foreign workers on an hourly basis, the system helps to prevent exploitation. Workers are assured of their rights, fair wages, and protection under the law. It reduces the chances of underpayment, irregular work hours, or lack of compensation for services rendered.
Promote Efficient Use of Labor:
- For employers, the Hourly Worker System allows for efficient utilization of labor, ensuring they hire workers only when there is a genuine need. This system is particularly useful in industries with fluctuating workloads, where hiring full-time workers may lead to underutilization during slower periods.
Encourage Local Employment:
- By limiting the use of foreign workers to specific tasks on an hourly basis, the system encourages the hiring of local Bhutanese workers for longer-term positions. Foreign workers are employed primarily for tasks that cannot be filled locally, ensuring that Bhutanese citizens remain the priority for permanent employment.
Facilitate Legal Entry for Foreign Workers:
- The Hourly Worker System provides a clear and regulated pathway for foreign workers to enter Bhutan legally for temporary employment. This reduces the risk of illegal migration or unregulated employment practices, improving the overall management of foreign labor in the country.
Support for Specific Sectors:
- Certain sectors in Bhutan, such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, often rely on foreign labor for specific tasks that are not available locally. The Hourly Worker System helps these sectors maintain operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with labor regulations.

Benefits of the Hourly Worker System:

Cost Savings for Employers: Employers only pay for actual hours worked, avoiding long-term salary commitments for short-term tasks.
Worker Protection: Foreign workers benefit from regulated wages and working conditions, preventing exploitation or unfair treatment.
Regulated Labor Market: The system helps the government monitor and control the number of foreign workers, ensuring that they are employed in areas where local labor is unavailable.
Work-Life Flexibility for Workers: Foreign workers can gain employment without being tied to long-term contracts, allowing them to manage their work-life balance more effectively.

In summary, the Hourly Worker System for foreign workers in Bhutan offers flexibility for employers facing short-term labor needs while ensuring the legal protection of foreign workers. It also promotes efficient labor use, prevents exploitation, and complements efforts to prioritize local employment.

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