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Previous observation
Repetition The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SSSBiH) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) received on 1 September 2017. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the Government has failed to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. They stress that the employment situation in both Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS) is dire, with extremely high rates of unemployment, citing a 28 per cent general unemployment rate and youth unemployment rates exceeding 60 per cent. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, pursuant to the Law on Employment Intermediation and Social Security of Unemployed Persons of the FBiH, the relevant authorities of the FBiH or Cantons are responsible for establishing measures to increase employment rates and improve the situation of employed persons. The FBiH adds that the work plan of the FBiH Employment Institute provides for the various forms of support for the promotion of employment, self-employment, preparation for entering the labour market; and professional development and training. These measures seek to integrate unemployed persons into the labour market, particularly in relation to persons belonging to hard-to-employ categories of unemployed persons. The Committee notes that section 23 of the Law gives priority to persons with disabilities in employment. With respect to the Brčko District of BiH, the Committee notes that the Law on Employment and Rights during Unemployment and the Labour Law of the Brčko District provide for professional training, preparation for employment and special protections for women, minors and persons who are not fit for work. In relation to the RS, the Committee notes that the RS Employment Strategy 2011–15 established a system for the registration of unemployed persons with the RS Employment Bureau (RSEB). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the RSEB implemented three projects providing support for employment in the RS from 2013 to 2015, through which a total of 4,522 persons were employed. In October 2016, the RS National Assembly adopted the RS Employment Strategy 2016–20, which seeks to increase employment and stimulate economic activity in RS through the implementation of thirteen operational goals and fifty specific measures. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, according to the records of the RSEB, implementation of these measures led to the employment of 34,593 persons in 2015. The Government adds that the measures set out in the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 seek, inter alia, to structurally reform the role of the RSEB and focus its activity on employment intermediation. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and administrative entity, on the impact of the policies and measures implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, including the employment promotion activities carried out under the Employment Strategy of Republika Srpska 2016–20. Employment trends. The FBiH reports that there were a number of positive changes in the labour market in 2016. The RS indicates that a gradual stabilization of the labour market began in 2013, adding that numerous measures taken by the RS and other stakeholders addressed the increasing unemployment rate. The Committee notes that, according to data from the FBiH Statistics Institute, 457,974 workers were employed in the FBiH in 2016. It further notes that data from the Labour Force Survey indicates that the employment rate in the FBiH stood at 30.5 per cent in 2016, while the average unemployment rate was 25.6 per cent, a reduction of 3.31 per cent in comparison with the 2015 average. The Committee notes the high unemployment rate among young persons 15–24 years of age, which decreased from 64.9 per cent in 2015 to 55.1 per cent in 2016. The Committee further notes that, according to the ILOSTAT database, the general unemployment rate for young persons was 45.8 per cent in 2017. At the end of 2016, the largest percentage of those registered as unemployed in the FBiH (44.24 per cent) were in the 30–49 age group, followed by persons under the age of 30 (32.5 per cent) and persons over the age of 50 (25.26 per cent). In 2016, 133,037 persons were removed from the records of the Cantonal employment services, 115,379 persons were registered as unemployed and 92,263 persons were placed in employment. This represents an increase of 15,671 in comparison with 2015. According to the ILOSTAT database, in 2017, the general unemployment rate was 20.5 per cent, whereas the unemployment rate for men and for women was 18.9 per cent and 23.1 per cent, respectively. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistical data disaggregated by sex and age concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, including the size of the informal economy and employment trends in relation to employment, unemployment, and visible underemployment. Undeclared work. In their observations, the workers’ organizations indicate that the informal economy is widespread, maintaining that the Government has not made serious efforts to tackle this issue effectively. They emphasize that nearly one-third of all persons who are employed are working in the informal economy, trapped there primarily due to poor access to the labour market, slow job creation in the formal economy and the lack of skills matching labour market demands. They add that workers in rural areas face a higher probability of remaining in informal employment in comparison with workers in other sectors. The Committee notes that, according to the RS Employment Strategy 2016–20, informality is predominately present in agriculture, making up about two-thirds of informal employment, with informal employment concentrated among the rural population. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the measures taken or envisaged to facilitate the transition of undeclared workers in the informal economy to employment in the formal economy, with special attention to the agricultural sector and rural communities. Workers vulnerable to decent work deficits. The FBiH indicates that a number of gender-sensitive programmes implemented by the FBiH Employment Institute focus on specific groups of workers vulnerable to decent work deficits: women; young persons; persons with disabilities; persons belonging to the Roma community; persons over the age of 40; and the long-term unemployed. The RS reports that 2,859 persons were employed through Social Safety Nets and the Employment Support Project. In addition, 543 persons were employed in 2015 through a project to support the employment of persons over the age of 45 and 135 persons were employed through an employment support project targeting the Roma minority from 2011 to 2015. It adds that the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 sets out a number of measures aimed at increasing the employability of persons under the age of 30, persons over the age of 50 and persons belonging to the Roma community. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the 2015–18 Reform Agenda fails to address the interests of women, workers in the informal economy and workers with disabilities. In addition, the workers’ organizations observe that women have low participation levels in political and public affairs, noting that the gender pay gap in BiH is larger than the EU average. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex in the three administrative entities, on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote full, productive, freely chosen and sustainable employment for persons vulnerable to decent work deficits, including women, young persons, persons over the age of 50, informal workers, the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities and members of the Roma community. Noting, moreover, the gender pay gap and the higher rates of unemployment for women, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on specific measures taken to promote employment for women at all levels and across all sectors, including in decision-making positions. Employment of young persons. The Committee notes that, according to the ILOSTAT database, the youth unemployment rate in the country stood at 45.8 per cent in 2017. The Committee notes that both FBiH and the RS took measures to promote the employment of young persons. In this regard, the RSEB implemented five projects from 2011 to 2014 to support young persons in gaining work experience, through which 3,650 persons were employed as trainees. Furthermore, the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 contemplates the promotion of socially useful employment for youth, for which 50,000 Bosnian convertible marka (BAM) are allocated. In their observations, the workers’ organizations express concerns in relation to the high rate of youth unemployment and the likelihood that they will remain in long-term unemployment and the mass exodus of young educated persons from the country seeking work elsewhere. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including disaggregated statistical data on the impact of the measures taken by the three administrative entities of the country to promote full, productive, freely chosen and lasting employment for young workers. Vocational education and training. The Committee notes that the FBiH Employment Institute and the Cantonal employment services are responsible for implementing the Job Preparation Programme: from Training to Employment, which provides co-financing for the training of unemployed persons to enable them to acquire professional skills tailored to the needs of employers. In respect of the RS, the Committee notes the establishment of 11 job clubs and 6 Information, Counselling and Training Centres which provided job search assistance to more than 34,376 beneficiaries from 2011 to 2015, leading to the employment of 9,172 persons. Furthermore, the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 contemplates the development, financing and delivery of training aimed at enhancing the employability of active jobseekers, for which BAM500,000 are allocated. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the nature and impact of measures taken to improve vocational education and training and on their impact on the employability and competitiveness of the national labour force. Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the tripartite FBiH Economic and Social Council discusses all measures related to economic and social policy prior to their formal adoption and that the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 was adopted after consultation with the social partners. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the social partners were not able to participate in the development and implementation of the 2015–18 Reform Agenda and that this lack of participation and transparency continued in relation to laws and policies adopted by regional governments in 2016. They further allege that the 2015 Labour Law undermines the strategic position of trade unions and collective agreements. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature and extent of the involvement of the social partners in the development, implementation, monitoring and review of employment policy measures and programmes in the different administrative entities.
1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report received in August 2009, in reply to its 2008 observation. The Government reports that, after almost two years of decreasing unemployment rates, since November 2008, a rising trend has been registered in the number of unemployed persons. The Committee notes that, according to the preliminary results of the Labour Force Survey (LFS) prepared in 2009, the overall unemployment rate stands at 24.1 per cent, as compared to 23.4 per cent registered under the 2008 LFS. The Government indicates that an employment strategy covering the period 2009–13 has been developed for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Brcko District in the context of an EU-funded project for the reform of employment policy and the establishment of the labour market information system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Committee notes that this strategy places the focus on the achievement of full employment, the improvement of quality and productivity of workplaces and the development of existing human resources through skills upgrading. As concerns vulnerable groups, the Committee notes that, in the context of the newly adopted employment strategy, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has envisaged special measures to increase the labour market participation rate of women, the objective being to raise it from 21.1 per cent in 2008 to 40 per cent by the end of 2013. Both, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Brcko District have envisaged measures targeting young persons, older workers and other groups of workers with special needs aimed at increasing their opportunities of integration into the labour market. The Committee refers to its 2008 observation and invites the Government to continue supplying detailed information on the effects of the measures taken to meet the employment goals set out under the employment strategies adopted by each entity. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain detailed information on the employment trends of the most vulnerable groups of workers, and requests the Government to specify the results achieved in terms of the integration of these categories into the labour market.
2. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee indicates that, in order to successfully implement employment strategies, it is necessary to strengthen and institutionalize the role of the social partners so as to ensure their involvement in the process of developing appropriate programmes and measures. The Committee notes that in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, social partners participate in discussions concerning the economic and social policy measures to be adopted by the Government within the Economic and Social Council. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report detailed information on the manner in which consultations on the matters covered by the Convention are ensured, including any examples of the questions addressed or the decisions reached, on employment policy through the Economic and Social Council established in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other tripartite boards and committees that exist in the country.
3. Part V of the report form. ILO technical cooperation. The Committee notes that, under the ILO’s Decent Work Country Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2006–07), priority was given to the development of employment and labour market policies and programmes which reflect national needs and EU standards, taking into consideration equal opportunity concerns related to gender equality and persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to report on the employment promotion activities carried out under the Decent Work Country Programme, and on any other advisory activities of the ILO concerning employment promotion and actions taken as a result thereof.
Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2007. The Government appended the first Labour Force Survey carried out in 2006 in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the statistical institutions of the competent entities and co-financed by the World Bank, the Department for International Development (United Kingdom), the Government of Japan and the UNDP. Methodological principles behind the survey were based on the recommendations and definitions of the ILO and the requirements of Eurostat. The survey covered 10,000 households, including 5,943 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3,457 in the Republika Srpska and 600 in the Brcko District. It appears that employment rates in Bosnia and Herzegovina are low compared to neighbouring countries and that there is a large gap between men and women. Almost 63 per cent of women of working age are inactive. Registered employment data suggest that there has been some modest growth in formal employment since 2003. The informal economy may account for one third of all employment. The Committee notes with concern that the overall unemployment rate is estimated at 32.7 per cent in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and at 29.8 per cent in the Republika Srpska. Youth unemployment rate is among the highest worldwide (62.3 per cent). There is a prevalence of long-term unemployment in particular for those with lower levels of education.
The Committee also notes the Country Review of Employment Policy on Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared by the ILO and the Council of Europe in June 2008. One of the main purposes of the document is to contribute to the implementation of international labour standards and principles relating to employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular Convention No. 122. The main employment policy priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina identified in the review appear to be the development of an active policy on employment, tackling the informal economy, improving education and training outcomes, modernizing employment services and targeting active labour market policies to disadvantaged groups, providing adequate support during unemployment, ensuring an effective and equitable income policy and promoting social dialogue on employment. The Committee welcomes this approach but expresses its concern regarding the effective pursuit of “an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment”, “as a major goal” and within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). It therefore asks the Government to provide in the report that it is due in 2009, full particulars on the follow-up given by the competent authorities and the social partners in each entity to the recommendations made by the Country Review of Employment Policy. Please provide information on the manner in which the available data on the employment situation and trends have been used as a basis for the adoption and review of an effective active employment policy including productive employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups as required by the Convention.
The Committee notes the reply to its 2004 direct request provided in the Government’s report received in May 2006. The Government indicates that the policies implemented in the framework of the mid-term development strategy of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) (2004-07) will be discussed after its completion. It further states that the measures under the PRS are supported by international financial institutions and the European Union with the aim of improving the business environment and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. For the application of Convention No. 122, the competent authorities of the constituent entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina ensure consultation with the representatives of the social partners. The Committee hopes that the Government will supply information in its next report on the difficulties encountered in achieving the employment objectives established in the PRS, as part of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with the representatives of those affected, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. It reiterates its interest in receiving a report containing particulars from the respective authorities on:
– the measures taken or envisaged to compile statistics on the labour market with a view to obtaining data on the characteristics and trends relating to job offers and applications, as such statistics are necessary to implement an active employment policy;
– the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks to carry out the structural reforms necessary for a transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment;
– the specific training and placement measures adopted for persons experiencing difficulties in finding and retaining employment, such as women, young persons, older workers and persons with disabilities;
– training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms; and
– the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers and workers concerning employment policies.
The preparation of a detailed report, including the indications requested in this direct request, will undoubtedly provide the competent authorities and the social partners with an opportunity to evaluate the manner in which the objectives of full and productive employment set out in the Convention are being achieved. The Committee reminds the Government that the technical assistance of the Office is available to help it to comply with its reporting obligations and for the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.
1. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2003 and the indications provided relating to the responsibility with regard to employment matters of the constituent entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It understands that each of the constituent entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska, is autonomous with regard to labour and employment issues. It also understands, from the Mid-term Development Strategy of Bosnia and Herzegovina Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) 2004-2007 of March 2004, that the total number of employed in Bosnia and Herzegovina is estimated at 999,500 persons out of whom 638,000 are formally employed. The share of those formally employed seems to be higher in the Republika Srpska than in the Federation. The unemployment rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to World Bank data, is around 16.4 per cent (15.8 per cent in the Republika Srpska, 16.9 per cent in the Federation). The Committee asks the Government to state in its next report whether any particular difficulties have been encountered in achieving the employment objectives established in the PRSP, as part of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with the representatives of those affected, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. It also recalls the relevance of other Conventions ratified by Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), the full application of which would certainly contribute to the attainment of the objectives of employment creation established by the PRSP. With regard to employment creation in the private sector, the Government may also wish to refer to the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).
2. The Committee would be grateful to receive a report containing particulars from the respective authorities on:
- the measures taken or envisaged to compile statistics on the labour market and on employment problems with a view to obtaining data on the characteristics and trends relating to job offers and applications which are necessary to implement an active employment policy;
- the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks to carry out the structural reforms necessary to a transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment;
- the specific training and placement measures adopted for persons experiencing difficulties in finding and retaining employment such as, women, young persons, older workers and persons with disabilities;
- training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms; and
- the manner in which consultations take place with representatives of employers and workers concerning employment policies.
3. The preparation of a detailed report, including the indications requested in this direct request, will undoubtedly provide the competent authorities and the social partners with an opportunity to evaluate the manner in which the objectives of full and productive employment of the Convention are being achieved. The Committee reminds the Government that the technical assistance of the Office is available to help it to comply with its reporting obligations and for the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.
The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a detailed report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.
The Committee again notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. 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 each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.
The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. 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:
The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. 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 each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.
The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. 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 each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.
The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a detailed report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.