Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Articles 2, 3 and 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Tripartite consultations required by the Convention. In reply to its previous observation, the Government indicates in the report received in September 2009 that the members of the Labour, Economic and Social Council (LESCO) are appointed by the minister responsible for labour matters. The Council consists of an equal number of members representing the Government, workers and employers. Prior to appointing a member of the Council, the Government indicates that the minister, by notice in writing, invites nominations from the trade unions and employer associations. In this regard, members of the Council are nominated on merits, with transparency and full participation of the constituents. The Government further indicates that the Council has been very useful in advising it on issues relating to the promotion of economic growth and social equity, economic and social policy, labour market policy, labour laws, and other matters concerning employment relations. The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government’s report. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the consultations held on the matters concerning international labour standards set out in Article 5(1) of the Convention. Furthermore, the Committee requests specific information on the subject, frequency and nature of any reports or recommendations resulting from the consultations held by the tripartite bodies such as LESCO on the issues covered by the Convention.

Article 4. Administrative support and training. The Government indicates that it makes staff available from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Youth Development to serve as a secretariat of the Council. The Government also indicates that participants in tripartite consultations received training in mediation and arbitration, and that the newly elected members have been informed on their roles and functions. A plan is under way to train members on social dialogue and negotiation skills. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the training provided to members of LESCO, more specifically on training of participants on the consultative procedures required by the Convention.