Individual Case (CAS) - Discussion: 2004, Publication: 92nd ILC session (2004)

A Government representative provided a detailed summary of steps that her Government had taken with regard to all six points the Committee of Experts had raised in its observation. With regard to point 1 (employment and unemployment rates), she stated that in 2003 there had been a rising employment trend in the Slovak Republic accompanied by a decline in unemployment. The average rate of employment in the Slovak economy in comparison to 2002 grew by 1.8 per cent. In 2003 the employment rate of inhabitants between the ages of 15 and 64 grew by an average of 1.1 per cent. From the regional perspective the employment rate grew in the last two years in all the regions; the difference between regions with the highest and lowest employment rates declined by two percentage points. In 2003 the decline in the employment rate of young people (between 15 and 24 years of age) gradually came to a halt. The specific employment rate of inhabitants between the ages of 15 and 24 reached 27.2 per cent, which represented an increase of 0.4 percentage points in comparison with 2002. In 2003 there had been an overall decline of unemployment in the Slovak Republic. The average registered unemployment rate in 2003 reached 15.19 per cent which represented a decline of 2.6 percentage points in comparison with 2002. The registered unemployment rate declined in all the regions of the Slovak Republic.

With regard to point 2 (regional differences), she stated that the Slovak Government had adopted measures aimed at decreasing regional disparities in the field of employment. The Act on Employment Services which took effect on 1 February 2004 contained several means to support employment, which took the form of state aid. Such aid was provided based on systemic rules and could be claimed upon the fulfilment of conditions stipulated by law. The financial stimulation amounts were differentiated according to regions; the benefits were higher in economically weaker regions with high unemployment rate. The European Social Fund (ESF) resources were also used for decreasing regional disparities in the field of employment through two types of projects, the so-called national projects and demand-driven projects. The final beneficiaries/final users could use ESF assistance within the framework of calls for demand-driven projects, which were announced from 20 May 2004.

With regard to point 3 (youth employment), she noted that in 2003 the share of young persons from the total number of registered unemployed gradually declined and by the end of the year represented 34.4 per cent. This was 4.3 percentage points lower than in 2002. The support tools, programmes and projects within the active labour market policy had had a positive influence on the decrease in the unemployment of young persons between the ages of 15 and 29. Further measures for disadvantaged groups in the labour market, including young persons, consisted in graduate internship benefits, benefits for employment of disadvantaged jobseekers, and training or retraining benefits.

With regard to point 4 (employment among Roma), she noted that the Employment Services Act regulated the rights and duties of citizens in the field of employment services based on civic and not on ethnic, religious or other principles. Since the numbers of registered jobseekers from the Roma ethnic group were not monitored statistically, it was impossible to explicitly express their participation rates in assistance programmes implemented within the framework of active labour market measures. The active labour market measures were especially focused on disadvantaged jobseekers (i.e. citizens for whom finding employment was more difficult due to their age, family circumstances, period of unemployment, education, lack of experience and health status) and on regions with a persistently high unemployment rate. On 1 April 2004 the Social Development Fund (SDF) was established. It would implement the National Project VI co-financed by ESF. The Project aimed at increasing employability of socially excluded groups through social inclusion partnerships, which would be established on various territorial levels. Its goal was to identify, prepare and implement programmes of employment preparation and employment for the most socially disadvantaged citizens and members of separated and segregated communities.

Turning to point 5 (National Employment Plan), the speaker said that the structure of the 2003 National Action Plan on Employment (NAPE) corresponded to the four pillars of the European Employment Strategy. The regional aspects of the NAPE for 2003 were elaborated and aimed at specific regions, according to their needs. The Slovak Republic fully supported the Lisbon goals, amended by the Stockholm and Barcelona European Councils and would take them into consideration and further elaborate them in the NAPE for 2004. Simultaneously, there was full agreement with all four key messages endorsed by the Spring Council this year. Finally, with regard to point 6 (tripartite consultation), one of the general goals of the NAPE for 2003 was to involve in the solution of the labour market situation all ministries, other bodies of the state administration, autonomous bodies, social partners and other actors who implemented active labour market policy. The abovementioned actors were involved in the process not only in the implementation stage of the actual measures, but also directly in the process of the creation of this document, including the debate on the document in the stage prior to its submission for examination to the Cabinet and its advisory bodies. In addition to the fact that social partners directly participated in the preparation of other nationwide documents and bills, the Council of Economic and Social Consultation negotiated these documents or bills and also issued specific recommendations for the Cabinet. Any of the social partners could request an extraordinary session of this body. The NAPE for 2004 had equally been prepared in consultation with the social partners.

The Employer members thanked the Government representative for the information provided, which would have to be examined by the Committee of Experts. They noted that positive steps were being taken, including the adoption of the Employment Services Act, 2004. Therefore, while the policy directions that were being followed were correct, the problems remained substantial. In comparison with other countries, the unemployment rate was extremely high, even after taking into account the decline in unemployment indicated by the Government. A very large proportion of unemployment was long term, accompanied by very high rates of youth unemployment, at 37 per cent, and of persons with little or no education level. Moreover, unemployment was also particularly high among the Roma minority. It could therefore be concluded that there were structural problems related to employability and the overall participation rate was low at around 50 per cent, particularly in rural areas. Before the adoption of the Employment Services Act, the only apparent job creation programmes appeared to be through the development of existing cooperatives engaged in savings and credit activities, medical care and care for the elderly. The Employer members expected that the new legislation would address in some manner the need to promote entrepreneurship. The Committee of Experts had indicated that the Government had hitherto met with little success in placing young persons in jobs, despite initiatives for the provision of counselling and training services. The Employer members therefore understood that the Government's previous focus had been on prevention strategies rather than job creation. Fundamentally, the problem consisted in the lack of jobs and, where jobs were available, the lack of skills on the part of jobseekers. While the basis for reform appeared to be in place, the Employer members recalled that full employment could only be achieved in a stable political, economic and social environment, which had not been the case in the recent past, and required enabling factors, such as low inflation, low interest rates, coherent macroeconomic policies, secure property rights, enforceable contracts, open markets and an environment which fostered entrepreneurial activity and innovation. The Government therefore needed to set the clear policy priorities of creating and expanding employment, based on universal access to basic education, vocational training and skill development.

The Worker members indicated that since 1996 unemployment had continued to rise, according to information contained in the observation made by the Committee of Experts. A substantial part of unemployment was of a structural nature, and it was characterized by a high level of long-term unemployment, representing over half of total unemployment. One young person in three was unemployed. The rate of unemployment varied considerably from region to region, rural and urban areas, and was particularly high among the Roma minority. However, the information contained in the Committee of Experts' observation dated from 2002. The Government had supplied new information on the employment situation since that date. Unemployment was a concern for a majority of the countries that were members of the Conference Committee, and it was more serious in some countries than others. The case of Slovakia highlighted the problems that were prevalent in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Worker member of Slovakia indicated that the unemployment figures given by the Committee of Experts for the period 1997-2000 remained practically unchanged at the present time, which showed that the Government had not succeeded in resolving the issue of unemployment in the regions, particularly in rural areas. The slight decrease in the unemployment rate, from 17 to 15 per cent, had largely been achieved by administrative measures, such as penalties for failure by the unemployed to cooperate with employment offices. In particular, the Government had not been successful in resolving the issue of long-term unemployment, which was particularly high for women and older workers. Moreover, active labour market measures, such as work experience for school leavers and support for self-employment, had not achieved the expected results. Against a background of continued redundancies, structural changes in the economy were continuing and employers were being relieved of their obligation to communicate job vacancies to employment offices. The results of this measure included a lack of information on the current situation with regard to the unemployed. The situation was being compounded by institutional changes and a reduction in the resources available for labour market measures.

The Government did not appear to be prepared to rebuild the system of employment services and many of the measures set out in the amended Employment Act had not yet been implemented. Other policy measures, such as the intention to increase employment in the services sector, were more a question of imagination than reality, particularly in view of the low level of wages. The unemployed were caught between a very diminished social welfare network and the fact that it was very difficult to find a job. Yet, the Government was doing little to prevent the majority of the population becoming poorer, while the few became even richer. The recent reforms in the fields of taxation, pensions and the privatization of heath care were replacing solidarity and humanity by profit and were increasing the level of dissatisfaction with the Government. The significant weakening of social dialogue, through the exclusion of trade unions from direct participation at any level, was in contradiction with trends in the European Union and the provisions of the Convention. The only solution was a return to genuine social dialogue in the field of employment and the strengthening of the role and responsibilities of the Government and the social partners in this area.

She added that discrimination in employment against the Roma minority was a common feature of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. As the Roma had little basic education, they were severely affected by long-term unemployment. It was clear that it was very important to provide them with assistance through active labour market policy measures and immediate education and training programmes.

The Worker member of the Czech Republic supported the position of the Slovak Confederation of Trade Unions concerning the application of Convention No. 122 by Slovakia. He understood the governance problems and obstacles of a State transforming its economy and society with the goal of becoming a strong and competitive member of the European Union in an era of globalization. The problems described in the report of the Committee of Experts with regard to Slovakia were similar to those in other Central and Eastern European countries, including the Czech Republic, although the concrete figures differed from one State to another. The average unemployment rate had rapidly increased since the beginning of the transition process at the end of the 1980s and currently stood at more than 10 per cent of the working population, not only in Slovakia but in most neighbouring countries as well. A significant part of unemployment in Slovakia and these other countries was of an often long-term structural nature and was well above average among youth, persons with lower levels of education and members of the Roma minority. The most effective way to reduce the still high rate of unemployment was through comprehensive and proactive state employment policies, and not through the deterioration of labour and social protection for workers and unemployed persons, or by relying on the invisible hand of the free market to create new jobs for everyone. He endorsed the system of social dialogue with broad participation of the social partners in the process of preparing new ideas for government decisions. He recommended the strengthening as opposed to the weakening of the Council for Economic and Social Consultation in Slovakia. Such an approach in government employment policy was in keeping with the principles and provisions of Convention No. 122 and its requirement of government responsibility.

The Government member of Argentina thanked the Government for the information provided. However, he expressed his hope that the Government would provide more precise information in future on the Roma minority.

The Worker member of the United Kingdom said that, although the Convention required policies to achieve full, freely chosen and productive employment, it was clear that the Roma were not being treated equally in Slovakia's active labour market policies. Although well aware that discrimination against the Roma in Central and Eastern Europe was not restricted to Slovakia, he expected that, as a new member of the European Union, Slovakia would make rapid progress against discrimination which hindered achieving the requirements of Convention No. 122. In some communities, Roma unemployment levels were close to 100 per cent. The welfare cuts imposed earlier this year had had a disproportionately discriminatory effect on the Roma and triggered violent reactions in some parts of Eastern Slovakia from both the Roma and non-Roma, to which the Government had responded with force. It was necessary for positive, supportive and non-coercive measures to be taken in active labour market policy for those already of legal working age who were excluded from equal access to employment. He welcomed the fact that the Committee of Experts indicated that the Government recognized the need for projects with a special focus on increasing the participation of the Roma in active labour market policy programmes. He welcomed an even greater commitment to increasing Roma participation in full, freely chosen and productive employment. In addition, the Government could not do without an effective statistical base. One could not measure progress in reducing discrimination unless its full extent was known. Nor was the labour market the same as an active labour market programme. An integrated and inclusive labour market required an end to social exclusion. Improved success in the employability of Roma children could not be expected while they were still subjected to segregated education in so-called "special schools" for children with special educational needs, segregation in Romani ghetto schools, segregation in all-Romani classes, and denial of enrolment of Romani children in mainstream schools. The speaker concluded by condemning the statement made by Ambassador van der Linden, former Head of the European Union delegation to Slovakia. The proposal that the so-called "Romani problem" could be solved by removing Roma children from their families and bringing them up in boarding schools so that they would be continually exposed "to the system of values which (were) dominant in our society" was an expression of crude racism against a community which had suffered enough attempts to destroy it in Europe, not least between 1939 and 1945. Ambassador van der Linden's comments went counter to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and were wholly incompatible with the fundamental principles of the ILO and with the development of active labour market policies as required under Convention No. 122.

The Government representative recalled that she had provided the Committee of Experts with additional information on developments in the employment situation between August 2002 and the present day. She noted that this information was complex and that the statistics on unemployment were official statistics of the Slovak Republic. She also emphasized that the labour legislation in her country was based on the principle of non-discrimination in relation to all persons on the Slovak territory. Her Government was currently preparing a new report on the Convention, which would include all the relevant information. In conclusion, she thanked the social partners for the interest shown in this question.

The Worker members indicated that they had taken note of the new information supplied by the Government regarding employment and unemployment, as well as employment policies. They added that the results achieved in the field of employment were weak and that there was a slowdown of social dialogue. Three points should be emphasized. First, the Government had to take more initiatives in support of youth in the fields of education and employment. Second, the Government also had to adopt a programme to combat the exclusion of the Roma minority from the education system and facilitate their access to employment. Third, the participation of the social partners was important for the adoption of an effective policy of employment promotion. The Government should therefore assume its responsibility in the field of employment and supply detailed information to the Committee of Experts on the employment policy and on discrimination practices against young persons and the Roma minority. Finally, the ILO should pay greater attention to the problems of the new countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

The Employer members recalled that the present case involved a country in transition and that the transformation to a free market economy was not an easy process. It appeared that a reform strategy was in place in the Slovak Republic, although a number of years would be needed to see whether the country was on the right path. Nevertheless, the initial indications were hopeful and it was important that the Government was engaged in ongoing dialogue with the Committee of Experts on these matters.

The Committee noted the detailed information provided by the Government representative on the most recent labour market trends, including the measures to promote employment creation. The Committee also noted the ensuing discussion concerning the difficulties encountered in achieving full employment. In accordance with the Convention, the active employment policy had to be integrated as a priority in all economic and social policies in close relation to educational and vocational training policies. The Committee hoped that, in its next report on the application of the Convention, the Government would be in a position to show that the difficulties encountered in the labour market in Slovakia were being overcome, and that in particular a more balanced regional development was being achieved, employment created in rural areas and responses found to the specific needs of the most vulnerable workers, namely youth and the Roma population. The Committee noted the report on projects for the integration of the Roma population and hoped that the Government would provide information on the results achieved. In this respect, the Committee urged the Government to renew its efforts to strengthen social dialogue on employment policy, as the participation of the social partners in the formulation of employment policy and in securing support for the achievement of the objective of full employment was an essential requirement of this priority Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2009 observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active labour market measures. Youth unemployment. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2008, replying to the observation of 2007. It notes that youth unemployment has decreased (from 26.6 per cent in 2006 to 20.3 per cent in 2007) due to more targeted active labour market policy measures and increased participation in education and training. The Government refers to the school leavers’ work experience programme as an efficient active labour market tool designed to prevent long-term unemployment of young persons under 25 years of age. This programme allows school leavers to acquire vocational skills and practical experience through work experience in a job which corresponds to the educational level they have achieved. The Committee further notes that under the National Reform Programme for 2008–10, a set of new active labour market policy measures were adopted in 2008 with the objective of decreasing regional differences in employment rates, especially in underdeveloped regions with high unemployment rates. It notes that long-term unemployment remains the highest in the European Union (EU) area (8.3 per cent in 2007 with the overall unemployment rate standing at 11 per cent) and the share of older workers in the labour force is far below the EU average. As regards other measures taken to ensure coordination between lifelong learning policies and prospective employment opportunities, the Committee notes that, by Resolution No. 382 of 25 April 2007, a Strategy of Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Counselling was established. The Committee asks the Government to include information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken in tackling regional disparities and long-term unemployment with specific reference to the measures implemented under the Strategy of Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Counselling in favour of young unemployed.

Roma minority. In reply to previous comments, the Government indicates that a number of pilot projects are being carried out to create employment opportunities for members of the Roma community through partnerships with regional governments, employers, Roma organizations, NGOs and public employment services. These measures include educational activities, financial support for the establishment of municipal social enterprises, and the provision of financial subsidies for job creation under the state budget. In this connection, the Government states that the objective to create job opportunities for the Roma minority and to offer education and training in line with the needs of the local labour market has been achieved to a modest extent. The Committee notes that a special focus has been placed on improving the level of educational attainment of the Roma minority with the adoption in 2008 of a new programme for upbringing and education of the Roma children and pupils, including promotion of their secondary and tertiary education. The Committee requests the Government to continue to report on the activities undertaken with a view to promoting productive employment of the Roma population, in particular with regard to the measures implemented to increase their success in achieving appropriate levels of qualifications and skills.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government reiterates that the comments of social partners are duly taken into account in the elaboration of legislative and other measures to be taken in relation to employment policy, notably through consultations carried out at the national level within the tripartite Economic and Social Council. It states that representatives of disadvantaged groups, including the Roma minority, have been consulted on the implementation of employment-related measures designed for disadvantaged jobseekers. The Committee also understands that under the National Reform Programme for 2008–10 the Government intends to review the labour legislation and that consultations with the social partners are expected to play a key part in this process. The Committee again asks the Government to provide indications in its next report on the progress made in involving the social partners in the design and application of employment policies. The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active labour market measures. Youth unemployment. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2008, replying to the observation of 2007. It notes that youth unemployment has decreased (from 26.6 per cent in 2006 to 20.3 per cent in 2007) due to more targeted active labour market policy measures and increased participation in education and training. The Government refers to the school leavers’ work experience programme as an efficient active labour market tool designed to prevent long-term unemployment of young persons under 25 years of age. This programme allows school leavers to acquire vocational skills and practical experience through work experience in a job which corresponds to the educational level they have achieved. The Committee further notes that under the National Reform Programme for 2008–10, a set of new active labour market policy measures were adopted in 2008 with the objective of decreasing regional differences in employment rates, especially in underdeveloped regions with high unemployment rates. It notes that long-term unemployment remains the highest in the European Union (EU) area (8.3 per cent in 2007 with the overall unemployment rate standing at 11 per cent) and the share of older workers in the labour force is far below the EU average. As regards other measures taken to ensure coordination between lifelong learning policies and prospective employment opportunities, the Committee notes that, by Resolution No. 382 of 25 April 2007, a Strategy of Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Counselling was established. The Committee asks the Government to include information in its next report on the impact of the measures taken in tackling regional disparities and long-term unemployment with specific reference to the measures implemented under the Strategy of Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Counselling in favour of young unemployed.

Roma minority. In reply to previous comments, the Government indicates that a number of pilot projects are being carried out to create employment opportunities for members of the Roma community through partnerships with regional governments, employers, Roma organizations, NGOs and public employment services. These measures include educational activities, financial support for the establishment of municipal social enterprises, and the provision of financial subsidies for job creation under the state budget. In this connection, the Government states that the objective to create job opportunities for the Roma minority and to offer education and training in line with the needs of the local labour market has been achieved to a modest extent. The Committee notes that a special focus has been placed on improving the level of educational attainment of the Roma minority with the adoption in 2008 of a new programme for upbringing and education of the Roma children and pupils, including promotion of their secondary and tertiary education. The Committee requests the Government to continue to report on the activities undertaken with a view to promoting productive employment of the Roma population, in particular with regard to the measures implemented to increase their success in achieving appropriate levels of qualifications and skills.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government reiterates that the comments of social partners are duly taken into account in the elaboration of legislative and other measures to be taken in relation to employment policy, notably through consultations carried out at the national level within the tripartite Economic and Social Council. It states that representatives of disadvantaged groups, including the Roma minority, have been consulted on the implementation of employment-related measures designed for disadvantaged jobseekers. The Committee also understands that under the National Reform Programme for 2008–10 the Government intends to review the labour legislation and that consultations with the social partners are expected to play a key part in this process. The Committee again asks the Government to provide indications in its next report on the progress made in involving the social partners in the design and application of employment policies.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Labour market trends and employment policy. The Committee takes note of the detailed information contained in the Government’s report, received in November 2006, in response to previous comments. The Government indicates that the economy continued to grow strongly resulting in an increase in the number of enterprises (12.8 per cent increase) and non-profit organizations (7.5 per cent) in 2005. As a result, the unemployment rate continued to decline; the rate of registered unemployment decreased to 9.8 per cent by 31 October 2006. Under the “National Action Plan of Employment for the years 2004–06”, the Government had undertaken a large number of active labour market measures to try and achieve the three general objectives of full employment; increased quality and productivity of labour; and strengthening social cohesion and inclusion, set out in the plan. In total, the use of active labour policy instruments assisted 239,921 persons into employment in 2005, of which 62 per cent were long-term unemployed persons. Youth unemployment rate, despite having declined since the Government’s last report in 2004, was still among the highest in the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) member countries (26.6 per cent in 2006). In addition, according to an OECD report “Jobs for Youth: The Slovak Republic”, almost 60 per cent of registered unemployed persons aged between 15 and 24 had been looking for employment for more than a year. As indicated by the Government, a major problem in entering into employment was that jobseekers did not have the necessary qualifications to fill available job vacancies. In addition, despite all regions reporting decreasing numbers of applicants for employment and rates of registered unemployment in 2005, there was still a large disparity between the unemployment rate in Bratislava (2.86 per cent) and the other regions, in particular Banskà Bystrica (18.18 per cent), Prešov (16.08 per cent) and Košice (17.95 per cent). The Committee recalls that, as required by Convention No. 122, employment creation is linked to the successful coordination of macroeconomic policies as well as structural policies. It asks the Government to supply information in its next report on the impact of the measures undertaken to tackle regional disparities and structural unemployment specifically on the measures taken to provide lasting employment to young workers under the age of 26 years and first time employment seekers. It also requests to include information on the impact of the measures implemented to ensure that educational and life-long learning policies are coordinated with prospective employment opportunities.

2. Roma minority. The Committee notes the activities carried out under the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2004–06 which was adopted to address the exclusion of the Roma community. The Government reports that, with the assistance of various Government projects, 3,000 jobs were created in 2005 for the placement of the Roma population into employment and that 6,000 further jobs were anticipated to be created in 2006. In this regard, the Committee refers to its observation on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), and requests the Government to continue to report on the activities of its National Action Plan, and related measures, to promote productive employment of the Roma population.

3. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee notes the Government’s statement indicating that the social partners participated in the elaboration of the National Action Plan of Employment for the years 2004–06 and that their comments were taken into account. The Committee recalls its previous observation and, in particular, that in June 2004 the Conference Committee had urged the Government to renew its efforts to strengthen social dialogue on employment policy, as the participation of the social partners in the formulation of employment policy and in securing support for the achievement of the objective of full employment was an essential requirement of this priority Convention. Article 3 of the Convention provides that the measures to be taken in relation to employment policy should take fully into account the experience and views of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations with a view to securing their full cooperation in formulating and implementing employment policies. Governments and representative organizations of employers and workers share responsibility for ensuring that representatives of the more vulnerable or marginalized groups of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries (see General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment, paragraph 493). The Committee asks again the Government to provide indications in its next report on the progress made in involving the social partners in order to ensure that the objectives of the Convention are being achieved. Please also indicate the manner in which the opinions of the representatives of persons affected by the employment policy measures, including the opinions of representatives of the Roma population, have been taken into account with regard to the employment policy measures designed for disadvantaged jobseekers.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its 2005 observation which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in August 2004 and the comments supplied by the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic (KOZ SR) in September 2004.

2. It also notes the discussion on the application of the Convention in the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 92nd Session (June 2004) of the Conference. The Conference Committee hoped that the Government would be in a position to state in its report that the difficulties encountered in the labour market in Slovakia were being overcome and that, in particular, a more balanced regional development was being achieved, with employment created in rural areas and responses found to the specific needs of the most vulnerable workers, namely youth and the Roma population.

3. The Government indicates in its report that there has been a rising employment trend in the labour market accompanied by a decline in unemployment. From the regional aspect, the employment rate increased in all the regions – the difference between regions with the highest and the lowest employment rates declined by two percentage points. In 2003, the decline in the employment rate of young people gradually came to a halt. The Committee notes that, in spite of the positive economic growth, the employment rate in Slovakia (63.3 per cent for men and 52.2 per cent for women) remains low in relation with the European Union goals. The unemployment rate declined from 17.5 to 15.19 per cent, but remains very high for youth (34.5 per cent) and for long-term unemployment (11.1 per cent). The estimated unemployment rate of the Roma minority is extremely high, close to 70 per cent, and almost 100 per cent in the segregated settlements. Regional disparities remain considerable and are mainly caused by the Bratislava region, where strong performance seems to be in striking contrasts with the rest of the country.

4. The Government further indicates in its report that measures were taken to reduce the differences between individual regions, including financial incentives under the new Employment Services Act. The Government lists the allocations provided by the European Social Fund for individual national projects (for the support of the unemployed persons with an emphasis on the long-term unemployed and disadvantaged groups on the labour market, some €26 million were allocated; for the employment of people with disabilities, some €9 million; for training of unemployed persons, some €10 million and for the reintegration to labour market of the long-term unemployed, some €12.5 million). In this regard, the Committee recalls that, as required by the Convention, success in employment creation is linked to the successful coordination of macroeconomic policies as well as structural policies. It therefore asks the Government to report in detail on how employment policy measures are reviewed regularly within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. In particular, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Action Plan for Employment for the period 2004-06, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as young persons, women jobseekers, long-term unemployed and workers with disabilities. The Committee further requests the Government to include, in its next report, disaggregated data on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment. Please also indicate the measures taken to reduce labour market differentials in the country (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

5. Equal opportunities for the Roma minority. In reply to previous comments, the Government states that since the number of registered jobseekers from the Roma minority was not monitored statistically, it is impossible to indicate their participation in programmes implemented in the labour market. The Government further indicates that Act No. 5/2004 on employment services regulates the rights and duties of citizens in the field of employment based on civil principles and not ethnic, religious or other principles. The system integrated into the Employment Services Act is aimed at the reduction of direct and indirect discrimination in access to employment. The Committee recalls that an employment policy, in conformity with Convention No. 122, must aim at ensuring freedom of choice of employment and the fullest possible opportunity in employment and training, in particular for vulnerable groups like the Roma minority (Article 1, paragraph 2(c). See also paragraph 109 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment). The Committee therefore requests the Government to also include in its next report detailed information on the effectiveness of the measures taken and the placement on the labour market of the beneficiaries of the active labour measures designed for disadvantaged jobseekers such as those of the Roma minority.

6. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee notes the comment made the by KOZ SR indicating that trade unions and employers have been excluded from the active participation in dialogue which should take place in the context of the Council of Economic and Social Agreement (CESA). The KOZ SR indicates that the critical opinions of the social partners in relation to important social and economic matters were unacceptable for the Government. The KOZ SR refused to be a part of the formal evaluation of the NEP for 2003 and hopes that the Government will avoid the same mistakes with regard to the implementation of the NEP for 2004-06. The Conference Committee had urged the Government to renew its efforts to strengthen social dialogue on employment policy, as the participation of the social partners in the formulation of employment policy and in securing support for the achievement of the objective of full employment was an essential requirement of this priority Convention. The Committee recalls that Article 3 of the Convention provides that, the measures to be taken in relation to employment policy should take fully into account the experience and views of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations with a view to securing their full cooperation in formulating and implementing employment policies. Governments and representative organizations of employers and workers share responsibility for ensuring that representatives of the more vulnerable or marginalized sectors of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries (see General Survey, op. cit., paragraph 493). The Committee, in the same way as the Conference Committee, trusts that the Government will be able to provide indications in its next report on the progress made to obtain the involvement of the social partners in order to ensure that the objectives of the Convention are being achieved. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of the representatives of persons affected by the employment policy measures, including the opinions of representatives of the Roma population, have been taken into account with regard to the employment policy measures designed for disadvantaged jobseekers.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government in August 2004 and the comments supplied by the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic (KOZ SR) in September 2004.

2. It also notes the discussion on the application of the Convention in the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 92nd Session (June 2004) of the Conference. The Conference Committee hoped that the Government would be in a position to state in its report that the difficulties encountered in the labour market in Slovakia were being overcome and that, in particular, a more balanced regional development was being achieved, with employment created in rural areas and responses found to the specific needs of the most vulnerable workers, namely youth and the Roma population.

3. The Government indicates in its report that there has been a rising employment trend in the labour market accompanied by a decline in unemployment. From the regional aspect, the employment rate increased in all the regions - the difference between regions with the highest and the lowest employment rates declined by two percentage points. In 2003, the decline in the employment rate of young people gradually came to a halt. The Committee notes that, in spite of the positive economic growth, the employment rate in Slovakia (63.3 per cent for men and 52.2 per cent for women) remains low in relation with the European Union goals. The unemployment rate declined from 17.5 to 15.19 per cent, but remains very high for youth (34.5 per cent) and for long-term unemployment (11.1 per cent). The estimated unemployment rate of the Roma minority is extremely high, close to 70 per cent, and almost 100 per cent in the segregated settlements. Regional disparities remain considerable and are mainly caused by the Bratislava region, where strong performance seems to be in striking contrasts with the rest of the country.

4. The Government further indicates in its report that measures were taken to reduce the differences between individual regions, including financial incentives under the new Employment Services Act. The Government lists the allocations provided by the European Social Fund for individual national projects (for the support of the unemployed persons with an emphasis on the long-term unemployed and disadvantaged groups on the labour market, some €26 million were allocated; for the employment of people with disabilities, some €9 million; for training of unemployed persons, some €10 million and for the reintegration to labour market of the long-term unemployed, some €12.5 million). In this regard, the Committee recalls that, as required by the Convention, success in employment creation is linked to the successful coordination of macroeconomic policies as well as structural policies. It therefore asks the Government to report in detail on how employment policy measures are reviewed regularly within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. In particular, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the results and progress achieved with the implementation of the measures envisaged by the National Action Plan for Employment for the period 2004-06, including information on the employment situation of socially vulnerable groups such as young persons, women jobseekers, long-term unemployed and workers with disabilities. The Committee further requests the Government to include, in its next report, disaggregated data on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment. Please also indicate the measures taken to reduce labour market differentials in the country (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

5. Equal opportunities for the Roma minority. In reply to previous comments, the Government states that since the number of registered jobseekers from the Roma minority was not monitored statistically, it is impossible to indicate their participation in programmes implemented in the labour market. The Government further indicates that Act No. 5/2004 on employment services regulates the rights and duties of citizens in the field of employment based on civil principles and not ethnic, religious or other principles. The system integrated into the Employment Services Act is aimed at the reduction of direct and indirect discrimination in access to employment. The Committee recalls that an employment policy, in conformity with Convention No. 122, must aim at ensuring freedom of choice of employment and the fullest possible opportunity in employment and training, in particular for vulnerable groups like the Roma minority (Article 1, paragraph 2(c). See also paragraph 109 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment). The Committee therefore requests the Government to also include in its next report detailed information on the effectiveness of the measures taken and the placement on the labour market of the beneficiaries of the active labour measures designed for disadvantaged jobseekers such as those of the Roma minority.

6. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee notes the comment made the by KOZ SR indicating that trade unions and employers have been excluded from the active participation in dialogue which should take place in the context of the Council of Economic and Social Agreement (CESA). The KOZ SR indicates that the critical opinions of the social partners in relation to important social and economic matters were unacceptable for the Government. The KOZ SR refused to be a part of the formal evaluation of the NEP for 2003 and hopes that the Government will avoid the same mistakes with regard to the implementation of the NEP for 2004-06. The Conference Committee had urged the Government to renew its efforts to strengthen social dialogue on employment policy, as the participation of the social partners in the formulation of employment policy and in securing support for the achievement of the objective of full employment was an essential requirement of this priority Convention. The Committee recalls that Article 3 of the Convention provides that, the measures to be taken in relation to employment policy should take fully into account the experience and views of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations with a view to securing their full cooperation in formulating and implementing employment policies. Governments and representative organizations of employers and workers share responsibility for ensuring that representatives of the more vulnerable or marginalized sectors of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries (see General Survey, op. cit., paragraph 493). The Committee, in the same way as the Conference Committee, trusts that the Government will be able to provide indications in its next report on the progress made to obtain the involvement of the social partners in order to ensure that the objectives of the Convention are being achieved. Please also indicate the manner in which the views of the representatives of persons affected by the employment policy measures, including the opinions of representatives of the Roma population, have been taken into account with regard to the employment policy measures designed for disadvantaged jobseekers.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the detailed report supplied by the Government and the comprehensive documentation appended for the period ending August 2002.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The data provided by the Government shows that unemployment has continually increased since 1996, reaching an estimated 18.5 per cent in 2002. The Government also indicates that a substantial part of unemployment is of a structural nature and is characterized by: a high level of long-term unemployment (over half of total unemployment); high unemployment among people with lower levels of education; high unemployment among youths in the 15-24 year age bracket; a wide regional variation in unemployment; and a particularly high unemployment rate among the Roma minority. The Government states that the national employment rate is relatively low at 51.8 per cent and that there also exist wide regional variations in employment rates, ranging from 70 per cent in the Bratislava region to as low as 50 per cent in the Kosice region. For the period 1997-2000, the overall employment rate in the country fell by over 4 per cent. However, employment rose by 2 per cent in Bratislava, and remained broadly stable in Trnava and Presov. All other regions experienced falling employment, with the sharpest declines (more than 6 per cent) in Kosice, Zilina and Banska Bystrica.

2. The Committee notes with concern the recent trends in the labour market which indicate a worsening situation and which have reinforced the extent of regional employment imbalances. Bratislava, which is home to only 11 per cent of the national population, accounts for 15 per cent of all employment in the country. On the other hand, rural areas have the highest concentration of unemployed people. To combat rural unemployment and poverty within certain regions, the Government has undertaken the elaboration and realization of a job-creation programme through the development of existing cooperatives and the establishment of new ones, including new types such as cooperatives engaged in savings and credit activities, medical activities and care for the elderly, cooperative nurseries and kindergartens and cooperatives in the field of the travel industry, culture and trades. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further information on policies and programmes aimed at promoting more balanced regional development and stimulating job creation in rural areas. Please provide further information on trends in regional development, and on the outcome of measures to promote employment in rural areas.

3. The Government explains that unemployment among young persons aged 15-24 is an issue of particular concern. In 2001, unemployment for the 15-24 year age bracket went up by 2 percentage points reaching 37.2 per cent. To address the problems of this group the Government has implemented an employment support programme for young people that provides counselling and job subsidies in the form of wage and social insurance reimbursements for employers. According to preliminary statistical data, through this programme 4,304 registered unemployed persons were placed in jobs, representing a 29 per cent success rate. The Committee notes this information and trusts that the Government will continue to provide information on policies and programmes that address the special needs of vulnerable groups of workers as well as data on the levels and trends in employment for these groups.

4. The Government acknowledges the need for projects with a special focus on increasing the participation of the Roma in active labour market policy programmes. The projects specifically targeting the Roma minority include, inter alia, improving employability; counselling for the long-term registered unemployed; a project for 700 long-term unemployed Roma aiming to collect data with a view to identify better the problems that the Roma face in the labour market; vocational training for registered unemployed persons without education; as well as other support programmes seeking to provide more opportunities to members of this large ethnic minority. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of further developments in this regard. Please also indicate the approximate number of workers concerned by these measures and the results obtained.

5. The Government also explains that it has adopted a National Employment Plan (NEP) that follows the four-pillar structure of the European Employment Strategy, but taking into account the specific conditions of the Slovak labour market. A central feature of the Plan is the Government’s commitment to preventive strategies, enabling early identification of individual capabilities and needs of unemployed persons. Preferential support will be given to the employment of registered unemployed persons in the open labour market. The activities of the National Labour Office (the public employment service) will be systematically evaluated, as will programmes to integrate the registered unemployed into employment. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate being kept informed of progress made in the implementation of the NEP. Please also state whether special difficulties have been encountered in attaining the objectives of the NEP and indicate the degree to which these difficulties have been overcome.

6. Article 3. The Committee notes the information received on the consultative role of the Council for Economic and Social Agreement (CESA) in the preparation of bills and policy documents of national significance such as the National Employment Plan and the National Action Plan for Employment for 2002 and 2003. Additionally, regional and district bodies of state administration also take part in the documents assessment as well as regional self-government authorities. The Committee would appreciate receiving, in the Government’s next report, further information on the decisions taken by the CESA in relation to employment policies as well as any additional information on efforts to engage the social partners in employment promotion in the sense requested by this provision of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

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 that the Government has targeted small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a source of new jobs and has enacted legislation more favourable to SMEs and made loans available. It has also adopted Act No. 254/1998 on increasing public works. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the participation rates and outcomes of these programmes, particularly as they affect the long-term unemployed and youth. It would also appreciate details on spending for active labour market policies, and trends in the number of participants in the various programmes, if available. It also requests further information on the employment objectives of the Government’s privatization policy. The Committee also notes that Act No. 387/1996 on employment includes provisions for promoting employment of persons with disabilities. With reference to its comments made under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), the Committee notes that no mention is made of measures taken to assist various minority groups which have been particularly affected by the increase in unemployment. The Committee asks the Government to describe measures taken to meet the needs of these workers, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

The Committee notes that Act No. 387, as amended, provides for the participation of social partners through regional and district levels of the National Labour Office and the tripartite Governing Committees of the regional and district labour offices. The Committee requests information on whether representatives of other sectors of the economically active population are also consulted, as specified in the report form under Article 3. It also asks for more details on whether the district and regional offices are consulted in the review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, of the employment policies and programmes, as required in Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes 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 reads as follows:

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending October 1998. The Government states that the rapid growth of unemployment, from 1.5 per cent in 1991 to around 13 per cent in 1997, is due to rapid conversion of the arms industry and other related industries, and to the decrease in employment in agriculture and construction. Consequently, the Government did not obtain its goal of reducing unemployment to under 10 per cent, and long-term unemployment has increased. However, there have also been increases in employment in the private sector, particularly in finance and insurance, and among workers aged 45-49 and 20-24. Youth unemployment, however, remains around 30 per cent of total unemployment as the youth labour force participation rate continues to rise.

The Committee notes that the Government has targeted small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a source of new jobs and has enacted legislation more favourable to SMEs and made loans available. It has also adopted Act No. 254/1998 on increasing public works. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the participation rates and outcomes of these programmes, particularly as they affect the long-term unemployed and youth. It would also appreciate details on spending for active labour market policies, and trends in the number of participants in the various programmes, if available. It also requests further information on the employment objectives of the Government’s privatization policy. The Committee also notes that Act No. 387/1996 on employment includes provisions for promoting employment of persons with disabilities. With reference to its comments made under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), the Committee notes that no mention is made of measures taken to assist various minority groups which have been particularly affected by the increase in unemployment. The Committee asks the Government to describe measures taken to meet the needs of these workers, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

The Committee notes that Act No. 387, as amended, provides for the participation of social partners through regional and district levels of the National Labour Office and the tripartite Governing Committees of the regional and district labour offices. The Committee requests information on whether representatives of other sectors of the economically active population are also consulted, as specified in the report form under Article 3. It also asks for more details on whether the district and regional offices are consulted in the review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, of the employment policies and programmes, as required in Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

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

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report for the period ending October 1998. The Government states that the rapid growth of unemployment, from 1.5 per cent in 1991 to around 13 per cent in 1997, is due to rapid conversion of the arms industry and other related industries, and to the decrease in employment in agriculture and construction. Consequently, the Government did not obtain its goal of reducing unemployment to under 10 per cent, and long-term unemployment has increased. However, there have also been increases in employment in the private sector, particularly in finance and insurance, and among workers aged 45-49 and 20-24. Youth unemployment, however, remains around 30 per cent of total unemployment as the youth labour force participation rate continues to rise.

The Committee notes that the Government has targeted small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a source of new jobs and has enacted legislation more favourable to SMEs and made loans available. It has also adopted Act No. 254/1998 on increasing public works. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the participation rates and outcomes of these programmes, particularly as they affect the long-term unemployed and youth. It would also appreciate details on spending for active labour market policies, and trends in the number of participants in the various programmes, if available. It also requests further information on the employment objectives of the Government's privatization policy. The Committee also notes that Act No. 387/1996 on employment includes provisions for promoting employment of persons with disabilities. With reference to its comments made under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), the Committee notes that no mention is made of measures taken to assist various minority groups which have been particularly affected by the increase in unemployment. The Committee asks the Government to describe measures taken to meet the needs of these workers, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

The Committee notes that Act No. 387, as amended, provides for the participation of social partners through regional and district levels of the National Labour Office and the tripartite Governing Committees of the regional and district labour offices. The Committee requests information on whether representatives of other sectors of the economically active population are also consulted, as specified in the report form under Article 3. It also asks for more details on whether the district and regional offices are consulted in the review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, of the employment policies and programmes, as required in Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

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

The Committee took note of the Government's report which covers the period ending September 1996 and contains statistics on employment and unemployment, the principles of employment policy and the measures implemented to promote employment and to combat unemployment. It observes, however, that the report provides only a partial response to the questions in the report form and invites the Government to supply, in its next report, complete information on the effect given to each of the provisions of the Convention with particular reference to the following points.

1. The Committee notes the statistical tables taken from the labour force survey. It would be grateful if the Government would also provide, in its next report, statistics showing more clearly the main developments in the labour force, employment and unemployment, for example in the form of indicators such as employment growth rates, and activity, employment and unemployment rates by sex, age and level of skills. Please also provide data on the duration of unemployment, the proportion of long-term unemployment within overall unemployment and the number of people becoming unemployed and those finding jobs. According to the information which is available to the Committee, in December 1995 the unemployment rate stood at 13.1 per cent (compared to 14.8 per cent in 1994). It was 11.9 per cent for men, 14.5 per cent for women and 22.6 per cent for young people under the age of 25. In addition, unemployment appeared to affect mostly unskilled workers and was characterized by significant regional discrepancies.

2. In this context, the Committee observes that the Government has set itself the medium-term aim of bringing unemployment down to below 10 per cent in 1998. It notes its statement to the effect that each of the macroeconomic policy measures is envisaged in terms of its effect on unemployment. In this respect, the Committee notes the indications relating to the policy of infrastructure investment and the development of the tax system which must enhance the competitiveness of enterprises, in particular for exports, and promote the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would also provide information on the employment objectives of the privatization policy. In addition, please specify the way in which the main objectives of the monetary and budgetary policies are decided and kept under review on the basis of their perceived or anticipated effect on employment, in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention.

3. The Committee also notes the different programmes implemented in order to promote rural development, self-employment and the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises. It invites the Government to provide information on the results which these programmes have achieved in terms of preserving or creating jobs. Similarly, the Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain more detailed information on the nature and scope of the different active labour market policy measures to which it refers, such as retraining of jobseekers and employment or public works programmes for the unemployed. Please indicate the number of participants in these programmes together with any assessment available of their contribution to the integration of participants into employment. Please indicate whether specific measures have been adopted or are envisaged for the benefit of categories of people experiencing particular difficulties in obtaining or retaining jobs, such as, for example, the handicapped.

4. The Committee notes that the report does not contain any information on the effect given to Article 3 of the Convention. It emphasizes that the full application of this provision of the Convention is of particular importance in the context of structural labour market reform. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain complete information on the way in which the required consultations are guaranteed during both the preparation and application of employment policy measures.