Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

In its previous direct requests concerning section 4 of the Better Security Act of 1920 (Chapter 160) under which any person who wilfully breaks a contract of service or employment, knowing that he may thus endanger real or personal property, is liable to imprisonment or a fine, the Committee had noted the Government's statement to the effect that this provision had not been invoked for many years and that it was unlikely that its sanctions would be applied, since it is outdated.

The Committee points out once more that if this provision is applicable in the event of a strike, it should be amended in order to limit the scope of restrictions which are enforceable with penalties, to essential services in the strict sense of the term, namely those whose interruption would endanger the life, personal safety or health of the whole or part of the population.

The Committee notes with interest the Government's statement to the effect that it will consider amending the Better Security Act, an intention it already expressed in its 1984 report. The Committee requests the Government to indicate when this amending legislation will be tabled, and would appreciate receiving a copy of the Act once adopted.