Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government and the comments of the National Association of Dock Work Industries in French Ports (UNIM). It notes in particular the adoption of Act No. 92-496 of 9 June 1992 amending Act No. 47-1746 of 6 September 1947 on the organization of dock work in sea ports, and the conclusion of the national collective agreement on dock work in 1993-94. As a result of the above reforms, most professional dockworkers who used to do casual work are now employed under a monthly scheme by cargo-handling companies on the basis of an indefinite contract. The Government also indicates that some professional dockworkers are still employed on a casual basis but that this scheme will gradually disappear since no new registration cards are being issued.

2. The UNIM considers that the Convention is obsolete in view of technological developments in the port industry and the reforms in the organization of work in the port sector. It draws attention in particular to the provisions of the French legislation which restrict both the choice by cargo-handling companies of the staff they employ and the procedure for economic terminations.

3. The Committee refers to the tripartite meeting on social and labour problems caused by structural adjustment in the port industry held in Geneva in 1996 and recalls that one of the meeting's conclusions was that the ILO must continue to promote the ratification and application of the relevant international labour standards. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the application of the provisions of the Convention, in the light of the results of the above meeting, and the comments made by the UNIM.