Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report to the effect that texts entitled "Social Development with Economic Efficiency 1997-99" and "A New Strategic Approach To Eradicate Poverty 1998-2003" had been produced within the framework of the public policies programme entitled "Social Development with Economic Efficiency" and transmitted to the Office.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that reference is made in the table inserted in pages 17-20 of the document entitled "Social Development with Economic Efficiency 1997-99" to amend labour legislation to improve economic efficiency and increase the allocation of resources. The Committee also notes that reference is made on page 23 of the document entitled "A New Strategic Approach to Eradicate Poverty 1998-2003" to the labour reform adopted in 1995 for reducing costs in recruiting manpower. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on any amendments made to labour legislation in order to implement the programme entitled "Social Development with Economic Efficiency 1997-99" and on the reduction in recruitment costs.

Article 4, paragraph (c). The Committee requests the Government to provide further detailed information on the objectives of the General Use of Land Programme referred to in its report, as well as the measures adopted or envisaged to achieve these objectives.

Article 12. The Committee notes the Government's statement to the effect that the Labour Code may only be amended by the enactment of legislation. The Committee recalls that it had referred to this provision in previous comments and regrets that the Government has not indicated that measures have been adopted or envisaged to amend the legislation in force. It urges the Government to provide information in its next report on the manner in which it guarantees the application of this provision of the Convention.

Article 14. The Committee notes the Government's indication in its reports that the implementation of project PAN/B76-301/95/10 to promote equality of opportunity for women in Panama (PROIGUALDAD) should be concluded in 2002. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results obtained by this project.

Article 15, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report on the Basic Education Project and the Education Development Programme. The Committee also notes the elaboration of the "Ten-Year Modernization Strategy for Education in Panama 1997-2006" which engendered the "Vocational Training for Young Persons Project". The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information with regard to these projects and the results achieved.

Article 16. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report on the implementation of the "Vocational Training for Young Persons Project" and the "Proposals to Consolidate the National System of Training and Education" and the adoption of Legislative Decree No. 4 of 7 January 1997, which embodies the Dual Professional Training. The Committee also notes the activities carried out by the National Institute for Professional Training (INAFORP). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the results obtained with regard to the above project.