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The Committee notes the information contained in the report of the Government of New Caledonia received in August 2009, and also the attached documentation.
Articles 1(3) and 2(a) of the Convention. General economic policy measures. The Government indicates in its report that the labour market in New Caledonia totalled 69,091 employees as of 31 December 2008 (compared with 66,841 in 2007) and that the number of public sector employees was 14,979 in 2008 (compared with 14,579 in 2007) and that 15,803 self-employed workers were registered in 2008 (compared with 15,689 in 2007). The proportion of jobseekers within the active population was between 6.2 and 6.4 per cent in 2008, while the number of jobseekers stagnated between 2007 and 2008, with 28 more jobseekers in 2008. The Government also indicates that there was a notable increase in the level of education of jobseekers and in the proportion of women seeking work and a decrease in the number of long-term unemployed. The Committee notes that the three provinces (North, South and the Loyauté islands) show regional disparities with regard to the number of jobseekers and job offers. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the employment situation and the impact of measures taken to combat unemployment. It also requests the Government to indicate the steps taken or envisaged to promote harmonious regional development and to ensure the matching of labour supply and demand, on both an occupational and geographical basis.
Articles 1(2)(c) and 2(b). Labour market measures. The Government indicates that no notable change has occurred in its legislation or regulations concerning labour market policy measures. The Committee requests the Government to supply more detailed information on the results achieved regarding the creation of lasting employment, particularly on the impact of specific contracts for young persons – such as the provincial private enterprise access contract (CPAEP) and the provincial public interest contract (CPIP) for a maximum length of one year, and also the provincial solidarity contract (CPS) – designed to ensure their long-term vocational integration, as mentioned in previous reports.
Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of policies. The Committee notes the adoption of the New Caledonia Labour Code and its entry into force on 1 May 2008. It also notes that the Code was drafted in cooperation with the social partners and that their opinion is required before the adoption of any legislation relating to employment, whether through the Economic and Social Council, the Labour Advisory Committee or the Vocational Training Committee. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken to reinforce the participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of employment policies, stating the outcome and impact of the consultations held on the matters covered by the Convention.
The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report received in August 2007 and the detailed documentation attached.
1. Article 1, paragraph 3, and Article 2(a), of the Convention. General economic policy measures. In reply to the Committee’s direct request of 2005, the Government reports that the labour market in New Caledonia comprised 64,225 employees in 2006 (compared with 60,524 in 2005), while the number of jobseekers was slightly over 6,500 as at September 2006, including 4,500 in the South Province. Employment in New Caledonia is currently experiencing a period of vigorous growth, mainly for young workers, owing to the construction of the factory in the South Province. The Government also refers to the project for the development of an attractive economic hub designed to create employment in the North Province through the establishment of a factory and the installation of industries, craft workshops, shops, services and housing. A code of development applying specific mechanisms to promote and support the creation of economic activity has also been adopted by the North Province. In addition, the Government indicates that the construction sector is expanding greatly, while efforts are being maintained in the development of aquaculture, deep-sea fishing, agriculture and tourism. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on employment trends and on the steps taken to pursue the diversification of economic activities.
2. Article 1, paragraph 2(c), and Article 2(b). Labour market measures. The Government indicates that, owing to existing activities and new measures taken by the South Province, there is currently a sharp drop in unemployment (nearly 4,900 jobseekers in 2006) and considerable growth in the supply of employment (nearly 8,700 job offers in 2006). The Committee notes that new mechanisms have been adopted to promote the vocational integration of young persons in the South Province through the establishment of the Provincial Private Enterprise Access Contract (CPAEP) and the Provincial Public Interest Contract (CPIP), for a maximum length of one year, and also the Provincial Solidarity Contract (CPS). Moreover, the Government indicates that it is working on the establishment of an occupational certification mechanism for New Caledonia intended to result in the creation of local diplomas, the aim of which is to meet specific ad hoc market needs. The Committee notes the setting up in 2006 of a Skills Development Institute in New Caledonia (IDC–NC), the role of which is to facilitate analysis, aid political decision-making and measure the impact of political choices for ensuring a better match between training and employment. The IDC–NC includes the Employment Monitoring Unit, which groups together and analyses all information relating to employment and conducts sectoral studies in order to anticipate employment and training needs in New Caledonia. The Committee also notes that the setting up of the “employment action centre”, a provincial public entity, in the North Province enables demand and employers’ needs to be linked directly to the human resources available and that it appears to be a prime tool for observing the local labour market. The Committee requests the Government to supply any evaluation available on the results achieved by the various labour market policy measures, and particularly on the impact of specific contracts for young persons on their long-term vocational integration.
3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of policies. The Committee notes the opinion of the Economic and Social Council on the project to set up the IDC–NC, and also the opinion of the Labour Advisory Committee on the fixing of the guaranteed minimum wage and of the minimum wage for agriculture, sent by the Government and attached to its report. The Committee notes that the IDC–NC is headed by an administrative board which meets quarterly with the participation of employers’ and workers’ representatives. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying examples of consultation of the social partners on the matters covered by the Convention, by publishing the opinions issued and indicating how they have been taken into account.
The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in August 2005, and the detailed documentation annexed to the report.
1. General economic policy measures. In reply to the direct request made by the Committee in 2004, the Government indicates that the labour market in New Caledonia amounted to around 70,000 employees in 2004, while the number of jobseekers was over 9,000. The policy for greater balance was pursued, among other steps, through fiscal measures to promote certain types of investment, particularly in relation to tourism. However, the Government indicates that the employment market is essentially concentrated in the South Province, and more particularly in Nouméa and its neighbouring areas. The Government states that the expected effects on the geographical balance of employment of the factory in the North will be perceptible in a few years when the project is more advanced. The Government also adds that, although the economy of New Caledonia is still mainly dominated by the extraction and trade in nickel, other economic sectors are experiencing rapid growth. The Committee notes this information and requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on developments relating to employment and on the measures adopted to pursue the diversification of economic activities (Article 1, paragraph 3, and Article 2(a) of the Convention).
2. Labour market policy measures. The Government indicates that, in parallel with State action, such as the programme of young trainees for development, the Assembly of the South Province has established specific contracts for young persons under 26 years of age to facilitate their vocational integration. Specific action is also taken by the Province’s youth employment unit, which is specifically responsible for assisting young persons in their initiatives to find employment. The Government adds that it is promoting and developing lifelong training and that emphasis is being placed on combating failure at school and the adaptation of university and technical training to the needs of the local labour market. The Committee notes this information and requests the Government to supply any evaluation that is available on the results achieved by its various labour market policy measures, and particularly on the impact of specific contracts for young persons on their long-term vocational integration (Article 1, paragraph 2(c), and Article 2(b)).
3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Government states that the consultation of representatives of employers and workers may take institutional form, through the Labour Advisory Commission, on all texts relating to employment, or be carried out through the Social Dialogue Commission. The Government specifies that these consultations may take various forms, such as informal consultation with economic actors and university and political bodies, or through consular chambers, such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the Chamber of Trades, which are in turn composed of enterprise representatives. Finally, the Government indicates that the Economic and Social Council may undertake studies on specific points either at its own initiative, when matters are formally requested, or automatically for certain texts. The Committee takes due note of this information and requests the Government to continue providing examples of such consultations, including the opinions issued and the manner in which they have been taken into account (Article 3).
The Committee takes notes of the Government’s report on the application of the Convention in 2003 and the documentation attached thereto. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide detailed information on trends in employment and the measures implemented to promote employment, with regard to the following points in particular.
1. General economic policy measures (Article 1, paragraph 3, and Article 2(a), of the Convention). The Committee notes that the objectives of greater autonomy and economic diversification are being pursued inter alia through the development contracts concluded with the provinces, and through fiscal investment incentives. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results obtained in terms of a more balanced distribution of activities between the provinces and the various sectors. Please indicate in particular the effect - or expected effect - on employment of the two important mining projects in North and South provinces. Please also describe the measures taken or envisaged to encourage diversification of economic activity.
2. Labour market policy measures (Article 1, paragraph 2(c), and Article 2(b)). The Committee notes the measures implemented to secure the integration of jobseekers. With regard to youth employment, it notes that the 2002 report on the "young trainees for development" programme found that it did not facilitate lasting occupational integration for the beneficiaries. The Committee requests the Government to continue to send all available evaluations of the results obtained by the various labour market policy measures and to indicate the action taken on them.
3. Consultation of representatives of the persons affected (Article 3). With reference to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the manner in which representatives of the persons affected, including workers’ and employers’ representatives, are consulted on employment policies, as required by the Convention. Please give examples of such consultations together with the views expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account.
1. The Committee notes the brief description of employment policies and the statistical information on labour market trends provided in the report for 2002.
2. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes the diversity of economic sectors, and the mild growth in most of these sectors. It also notes the trends in growth of employment in the public sector, disaggregated by sex. It would appreciate receiving further disaggregated statistics, if available, for other groups such as youth and people with disabilities, in light of the various targeted programmes that have been established.
3. Article 3. The Committee notes that the report does not contain any information on consultations with the social partners and again requests more detailed information on the manner in which representatives of persons affected are consulted concerning employment policies, including workers’ and employers’ representatives.
The Committee notes the information supplied for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999.
1. Article 1 of the Convention. According to the report, dependent employment grew by 2.8 per cent in the private sector, and by 3.2 per cent in the public sector. Increases were mainly in construction, office work, the professions, and commerce, and decreases were in mining. Unemployment increased, but youth unemployment decreased as more young people continued their studies, and a growing awareness by youth and their parents of the importance of qualifications for competing in the labour market. But youth unemployment still comprises 37 per cent of total unemployment. A system of temporary employment has been established for young unemployed people (less than 26 years of age) and other jobseekers having difficulties. Other youth programmes include apprenticeships, training and work experience. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further details on the outcome of these programmes on employment promotion.
2. The Committee notes that subsidies are provided for hiring people with disabilities on fixed term contracts. Please provide further information on the impact of this programme on helping people with disabilities to secure employment of a more permanent nature.
3. Article 2. The Committee notes that there is no system to collect labour market data in the territory, except for periodic censuses. Please provide further information on how employment polices and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.
4. Article 3. The Committee notes that consultations with the tripartite Territorial Committee for Vocational Training, Social Promotion and Employment on employment policy are required. The Territorial Committee may also address issues on its own initiative. Please provide further details on incidences of consultation on employment policy matters covered by the Convention, and their outcome.
The Committee notes the Government's reports for the periods 1 July 1994 to 30 June 1995 and 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1998. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee notes with interest the survey on occupational insertion of the former trainees of the "400 managers" programme. Moreover, it notes the adoption of measures to assess the impact of the "young trainees for development" programme on the occupational insertion of its beneficiaries. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide any available information on the effectiveness of active labour market policy measures.
The Committee notes the Government's statement that reducing the existing economic and social differences between the three provinces is a priority for the Territory and that in this regard the Government refers to different economic projects in the mining, tourism, construction and administration sectors. With reference to the comments that it has been making for several years, the Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain more detailed information on the global and sectoral development policies which are being implemented to promote harmonious regional and development activities and employment.
1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1994. It appears from the report supplied by the Government that, given the near stagnation of wage employment between 1993 and 1994, the number of jobseekers increased to more than 9 per cent. Declared unemployment has hit young people in particular; at the end of the period they account for almost 60 per cent of all jobseekers. In addition, unemployment has remained concentrated in the South Province.
2. The Government indicates that measures for the employment of young people have contributed to limiting the number of young people without jobs. Referring to its previous comments,the Committee notes, however, that the number of young persons having found jobs due to their participation in the "young trainees for development" plan is not known. It again invites the Government to indicate whether provisions have been taken or are envisaged so as to evaluate the results of the various youth training and insertion programmes for both sexes. The Committee recalls in this regard that, by virtue of Article 2 of the Convention, the measures in an employment policy must be determined and revised regularly with a view to attaining the objectives set out in Article 1, namely full, productive and freely chosen employment (along the lines of paragraph 2(c)).
3. The Committee also recalls that these measures must form part of the larger context of "coordinated economic and social policy". It regrets that the report does not contain the information requested previously on the global and sectoral development policies and their contribution to the promotion, "as a major goal", of full, productive and freely chosen employment. Referring to its previous requests, the Committee hopes, i particular, that the Government will supply with its next report full information on the measures taken or envisaged so as to promote harmonious regional development and redress the persistent disparity in the employment situation of the three provinces.
1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1992. It notes that the Government refers, as it did in its previous report, to the data from the April 1989 census, as well as to statistics of the job applications registered during the period. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain detailed statistical information on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, by sex and age, both for the territory as a whole and for the each of the three provinces.
2. The Committee notes the information concerning the measures to promote the integration of young persons in employment. It notes the particular importance of the "young trainees for development" programme and would be grateful if the Government would describe this programme, with an indication of the measures which have been taken to evaluate its results in terms of the lasting occupational integration of its participants.
3. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information which is as detailed as possible on the measures taken to combat unemployment and would be grateful if it would supply additional information on overall and sectoral development policies and the manner in which they contribute to the promotion of employment "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy". In view of the persistence of broad disparities in the employment situation of the three provinces, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to promote harmonious regional development and to balance the supply and demand for labour at both the occupational and geographical levels.
1. The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that the data from the April 1989 census show an unemployment rate of 16 per cent. It also notes that unemployment is distributed unevenly throughout the territory and young first-time jobseekers are seriously affected. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide detailed information in its next report on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment in the various sectors of activity and categories of the active population.
2. The Committee notes the information on the implementation of measures to promote the employment of young people. It notes in particular the high number of participants in the "young trainees for development" plan, and would be grateful if the Government would provide particulars of the results obtained in securing employment for these trainees. The Committee also notes the provisions on the temporary employment scheme which were adopted in 1989 and asks the Government to provide information on developments in the implementation of these provisions.
3. The Committee notes that there is still a considerable disparity in the employment situation in the three provinces. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would state whether measures are being taken or envisaged in the context of a coordinated social and economic policy to promote harmonious regional development and balance the supply and demand of labour both in terms of occupation and geographically.
The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It refers to its previous comments and it hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:
1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. It notes the positive effect of the measures taken to promote the employment of young persons and the disabled. The statistics provided show a slight increase in the number of registered employees (33,820 in June 1988 in comparison with 33,007 in June 1987), although the number of registered unemployed also increased during this period. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would, in future reports, continue supplying information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, as requested in the second question of the report form under Article 1 of the Convention. Please also refer to Part IV of the report form.
2. The Committee notes the effect of the measures taken within the framework of the temporary employment scheme introduced in 1986 and observes, in particular, that only a few of the workers recruited in 1987 were employed following their contracts (of from three to six months). It notes with interest that, alongside these "social" measures to combat unemployment "economic" measures were adopted in 1988. It would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the development and impact of these measures.
3. The Committee notes from the Government's report that women form the majority of job-seekers up to the age of 25, but that there is no specific provision to promote their employment. Please indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to promote the employment of this specific category of the active population.
4. The Committee notes that the balance between the supply and demand of labour and the reduction of the imbalance between Nouméa and the interior and the islands depends on the creation of centres of activity. It requests the Government to describe, in future reports, the general and selective measures that are taken in the context of balanced regional development policies and labour market policies, intended to balance the supply and demand of labour both on the vocational and geographical levels.
5. With reference to its previous comments, concerning the question of the co-ordination of education and training policies with employment prospects, the Committee refers to its comments on the application of Convention No. 142.