Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Article 2 of the Convention. Right of workers and employers, without distinction whatsoever, to establish and to join organizations of their own choosing and without previous authorization. For several years, the Committee had noted that the “protective services” – which comprise the fire services and prison officers – were excluded from the Registration, Status and Recognition of Trade Unions and Employers’ Organizations Act, 1999, and had requested the Government to amend its legislation so as to ensure the right to organize for fire service personnel and prison staff. The Committee once again notes that the Government reiterates in its report that: (i) there has been no change in the scope of application of the Act; (ii) these workers still have the right to organize; and (iii) the comments of the Committee have been noted. In these circumstances, in order to conform to the practice, the Committee once again requests the Government to amend the legislation so as to expressly grant fire service personnel and prison staff the right to form and join unions.