Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

1. The Committee notes that by a letter dated 11 April 1997, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) alleged that a named individual who is a member of a union affiliated with the TUC, had suffered discrimination in violation of the Convention on the ground of political opinion, over a period of more than 20 years, by the Cyprus Airways Group in which, according to the TUC, the Government has an 80.46 per cent share. The TUC states that Cyprus Airways and Eurocypria Airlines Ltd. resorted to a variety of measures to avoid extending the individual's fair access to employment as a pilot, despite documentary proof relating to his proficiency as a pilot and the findings of an independent investigation by well-qualified pilots who recommended that he be re-instated by Cyprus Airways. According to the TUC, the record in the Group shows that there is plentiful scope for discrimination in employment and a lack of redress for victims of discrimination which is inconsistent with the requirements of the Convention. Commenting on this communication, the Government supplies a detailed explanation of procedures for the issuing of permits to pilots and stresses that it acted within the framework of the existing legislation, which the Committee has examined with care. The Government adds that the authorities acted in good faith bearing in mind the requirements of the post in question and practice in the industry, and that it did not violate in any way the provisions of Convention No. 111.

2. The Committee notes the information provided by the TUC and by the Government concerning this matter. As the Committee has not been presented with the necessary details on how political opinion may have swayed the decision not to employ the individual in question, it is not in a position to determine whether the Convention has been violated in this particular case.

3. The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.