Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

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

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

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Committee takes note of the comprehensive information provided in the Government’s report received in September 2008. The Government reports that the employment level of the population in the 15–64 age group was 66.3 per cent in 2006, rising to 68.3 per cent in 2007. In 2007, the level of female employment reached 6.4 per cent, satisfying the aim of the European Union Lisbon Strategy concerning the level of female employment. The Government also indicates that, in 2007, the economic activity rate of the population in the 15–64 age group was 72.9 per cent, whereas in 2006 it was 71.3 per cent. The Committee notes that the level of unemployment between 2002 and 2007 decreased from 12.2 per cent in 2002 to 6 per cent in 2007, but that it increased substantially to 6.5 per cent in 2008. The Government reports that it approved the Competitiveness of Commercial Activities and Innovation Promotion Programme for 2007–13 in 2007. The principal aims of the programme are to: (i) ensure favourable conditions for the development of commercial activities; (ii) foster the enhancement of national innovation capacity and efficiency; and (iii) achieve the considerable rise of competitiveness and productivity in the production sector by fostering the rise of production volume of high value added products. The Committee notes that the Government has established a National Development Plan (NDP), a medium-term planning document for the period 2007–13, to facilitate a balanced and sustainable development of the country and to ensure an increase in Latvia’s competitiveness. The Committee invites the Government to specify in its next report how, pursuant to Article 2 of the Convention, it keeps under review the measures and policies adopted according to the results achieved in pursuit of the objectives specified in Article 1. It recalls that, under the terms of Article 1, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment should be pursued “as a major goal”. The Committee asks the Government to include in its next report information on the impact of its 2007–13 Programme and NDP and of the various labour market reform measures undertaken on the current employment situation.

2. Regional development. The Committee notes that there continues to remain significant disparities in employment and unemployment levels among regions. The Government reports that the great difference between its most developed region, Riga, and the rest of Latvia with respect to economic activity and gross domestic product per capita hinders the formation of a uniform national tax and benefit system that promotes employment. In 2007, for instance, when the rate of registered unemployment in the Riga region was 3.1 per cent, the rate of registered unemployment in the Latgale region was 9.4 per cent. The Committee takes note that the Government developed the Polycentric Development priority, which, between 2007–13, will receive allocations from the EU funds to support 17 municipalities. The Committee also notes that the Government intends to establish administrative territories that are capable of economic development with local governments that can provide residents with high-quality services. The Government has further allocated a special purpose grant for investment in local governments. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures pursued to promote equal territorial development and higher employment levels, and the results thereof. Please also indicate the extent to which the aforementioned allocations promote employment in disadvantaged regions, including the enhancement of labour mobility.

3. Youth employment. The Government reports that the participation of young persons aged 15–24 years is lower than that of other age groups. In 2006 and 2007, respectively, 14.6 per cent and 16.4 per cent of the total number of young persons aged 15–19 years were economically active. For young persons aged 20–24, that figure increased from 67.6 per cent to 68.9 per cent, respectively, during those years. The Government reports that the discrepancy in economic activity reflects a trend for youth aged between 15–19 years to participate in the education system, and an increasing trend for youth aged between 20–24 years to participate in the labour market. The Government also reports that the unemployment level of young persons aged 15–24 decreased from 12.2 per cent in 2006 to 10.7 per cent in 2007, due, in part, to the economic development and active employment measures implemented by the State Employment Agency. The Committee welcomes receiving information on the implementation of such and other measures, designed to improve the accessibility of the labour market for young persons and their ability to find lasting and productive employment.

4. Older workers and other specific categories of vulnerable workers. The Government indicates that economic activity among the elderly is increasing. The economic activity of persons between 55–59 years of age has increased from 71.5 per cent in 2006, to 75.4 per cent in 2007. The economic activity among persons between 60–64 years of age increased from 41.5 per cent in 2006, to 41.9 per cent in 2007. The Government further reports that, although the level of economic activity for persons older than 65 had been increasing in recent years, that level recently decreased from 18 per cent in 2006, to 11.4 per cent in 2007. The employment level among the elderly has increased to 57.7 per cent among persons between 55–64 years of age in 2007, an increase attributed to the general increase in the demand for the labour force, as well as the introduction of active labour market measures for this age group. The Committee notes that, in 2007, persons with disabilities comprised one of the largest groups of unemployed persons, 6.4 per cent. The Government reports that it launched the pilot project “Complex inclusion programme” to provide the opportunity for persons with disabilities to master and upgrade the skills necessary for employment. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on measures taken to increase economic activity of the older population, and any such measures designed to encourage and support employment levels of other particular categories of workers, including women and workers with disabilities. The Committee also invites the Government to specify in its next report the impact of the “Complex inclusion programme” on finding lasting employment for persons with disabilities entering the labour market.

5. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee notes that, as set forth in the NDP, one of the Government’s goals is to involve more non-governmental organizations and social partners in policy drafting and the decision-making process. In its replies to the questionnaire for the General Survey on employment (2010), the Government reports that it established the National Tripartite Cooperation Council (NTCC) for consultations among appointed representatives of the Government, the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia and the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia on employment matters. The Government also reports that the opinion of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia is taken into account when setting the areas for training activities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held on the matters covered by the Convention with the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations including details of their contribution to the implementation of an active employment policy. It similarly requests being kept apprised of the manner in which the NTCC effects consultations and closer cooperation with the social partners, and the results of such consultations.

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

The Committee takes note of the detailed and comprehensive information provided by the Government in its report received in September 2006, including the information provided in response to the 2004 direct request.

1. Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Government reports that the Latvian National Reform Programme for 2005–08 identifies stimulating knowledge and innovation, fostering employment, and improving education and skills amongst its main economic policy directions, setting a national target employment rate of 67 per cent for 2010. The employment level of the population was 61.8 per cent in 2003, rising to 63.4 per cent in 2005. In 2003, the economic activity rate of the population in the 15–64 age group was 69.2 per cent, whereas in 2004 and 2005, it was 69.6 per cent and 69.5 per cent, respectively. From 2001 to 2005, the gross domestic product demonstrated an annual increase of 1.8 per cent, reaching 10.2 per cent in 2005. The Committee welcomes these results and asks that the Government continue providing information on the effect its general and sectoral economic policies have had in achieving its employment objectives.

2. The Committee notes the significant disparities in employment and unemployment levels amongst regions. In 2004, when the national unemployment level stood at 6.2 per cent, the unemployment level in the Latgale region was 12.2 per cent, whereas in the Riga region, the level of unemployment was 3.8 per cent. The Government also reports that the unemployment level in the Kurzeme, Zemgale and Vidzeme regions were slightly higher than the national average. In this connection, the Committee notes the measures taken to encourage regional development and diversity of employment opportunities in rural areas and small towns, such as the income tax incentives for businesses operating in specially assisted regions, as set forth in the Laws “On Enterprise Income Tax” and “On Personal Income Tax”. The Government also reports that it elaborated a set of principles of regional policy, upon which it was developing a Monitoring and Evaluation System for Regional Development (RAUNS) which seeks to ensure monitoring and evaluation of the regional policy in order to promote balanced and sustainable development of the country’s territories. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the measures pursued to promote equal territorial development and higher employment levels, and the results thereof. Please also provide information on the functioning and effectiveness of the tools developed to monitor the implementation of the principles underpinning the regional policy.

3. Youth employment. The Government reports that the unemployment level of young people aged 15–24 years is higher than that of other age groups. In 2004 and 2005, respectively, 37.3 per cent and 37.4 per cent of the total number of young people were economically active. The Committee notes that the unemployment ratio of young people was 18.5 per cent in 2003 and 12.9 per cent in 2005. The Government reports that this indicates a need to undertake further measures aimed at more efficient integration of youth into the labour market. In this regard, the Committee notes that, in 2005, 9,264 young persons were involved in the State Employment Agency’s competitive enhancement measure for the “Acquisition of working skills during summer holidays by persons studying in general secondary education or vocational secondary education establishments”. The Committee welcomes receiving information on the implementation of such, and other measures, designed to improve the accessibility of the labour market for young persons.

4. Older workers and other specific categories of vulnerable workers. The Committee notes that in 2004, 52.3 per cent of persons between 55 and 64 years of age were economically active, whereas in 2005 the proportion of economically active persons in this age group was 54.2 per cent. The employment level of older people (age group 55–64) is steadily growing. In 2004, the employment level of older persons increased by 3.9 percentage points from 44.1 per cent to 48 per cent, increasing by a subsequent 1.8 percentage points in 2005 to 49.8 per cent. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on measures taken to continue the trend of increased economic activity of the older population, and any such measures designed to encourage and support employment levels of other particular categories of workers, including women and workers with disabilities.

5. Education and training policies. The Government reports that while, for the most part, jobseekers have a relatively high level of education, i.e. in 2005, 67.6 per cent of jobseekers had secondary education or secondary vocational education, and 10.7 per cent had higher education, many workers lack information and communication technology skills, communication skills, foreign language skills and knowledge in business basics in accordance with the requirements of the modern labour market. The Committee notes that in 2005, 7.6 per cent of the population aged 25–64 were involved in education and training activities, whereas in 2004 the rate stood at 9.1 per cent. The number of unemployed persons involved in the active employment measures of the State Employment Agency (SEA) increased considerably and, in 2005, 10,435 unemployed persons were involved in vocational training, retraining and qualification improvement activities organized by the SEA, while 152,950 unemployed persons were involved in competitiveness enhancement measures. The Committee notes that a national programme on “Development and implementation of the lifelong learning strategy” was elaborated, aimed at developing a single concept approach to lifelong learning, determining the preferable lines of development and defining objectives and tasks for lifelong learning up until 2010, and determining the distribution of responsibilities for its implementation. The national programme has the following objectives: (a) the implementation of a balanced and modern education system and education policy in line with the labour market requirements; (b) provision of lifelong learning according to the interests of the population, its capacities and plans for regional economic development; and (c) ensuring the capacity of the education system to implement the Lifelong Learning Strategy in the long term. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide, in its next report on Conventions Nos 142 and 122, which are due in 2008, information on the measures taken in the area of education and training policies and on their relation with prospective employment opportunities.

6. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee notes with interest that the development of the National Lisbon Programme of Latvia pursuing the European Union initiative was coordinated by the Supervisory Board of the Lisbon Strategy which also consulted the Saeima and representatives of the Latvian Employers’ Confederation and the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia. The Government also reports that a strategic line of activity of the SEA was the development of closer and more efficient cooperation with its partners – employers and local authorities, so as to efficiently promote employment and reduce unemployment in the regions. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on the consultations held on the matters covered by the Convention with the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations including details of their contribution to the implementation of an active employment policy. It similarly welcomes being kept apprised of the manner in which the SEA effects consultations and closer cooperation with the social partners, and the results of such consultations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes the Government’s reports for the periods ending June 2003 and June 2004. It also notes with interest the joint assessment by the European Commission and the Government of the employment policy priorities in February 2003 and the first National Action Plan for Employment, submitted to the European Commission in October 2004. In a context of sustained economic growth, the employment situation was characterized by a regular increase in activity rates and a fall in the unemployment rate, which was however still at the high level of 10.7 per cent in 2003 (compared with 12.1 per cent in 2002). The Committee notes that, despite the favourable trends, several characteristics of the employment situation remain a matter of concern, such as the rate of 18.5 per cent for youth unemployment (compared with 20.8 per cent in 2002), the high proportion of long-term unemployment (43.8 per cent of total unemployment), wide regional disparities and an unemployment rate which remains higher for persons who are not of Latvian origin. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the employment policy implemented in this context, particularly in relation to the following aspects.

1. General and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes the series of measures carried out with the support of the European Union with a view to promoting more balanced regional development, particularly through fiscal incentives for new activities and assistance for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the contribution made by these measures to the achievement of the employment objectives. It also requests the Government to indicate the impact on employment that is expected or observed as a result of measures relating to individual income tax and the minimum wage.

2. Labour market policy measures. The Committee notes the active labour market policy measures implemented by the State Employment Agency. It notes that in 2003 the measures taken in relation to the vocational training, recycling and skills enhancement of the unemployed made it possible for over half of the beneficiaries to find another job. Please continue to provide information that is as detailed as possible on the contribution of these measures to the effective and long-term integration of the persons concerned into employment. Please provide information on the results achieved by job subsidy measures for workers approaching retirement age and unemployed persons with disabilities. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the implementation of active labour market policy measures is coordinated with unemployment benefit.

3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Committee notes that the National Action Plan for Employment was submitted to the National Tripartite Cooperation Council before being approved by the Government. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate the manner in which the consultation of the representatives of the persons affected is extended to include the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the various measures envisaged by the Plan.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

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 2000 direct request which read as follows:

1.  The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s brief first and second reports.

2.  Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention.   The Committee notes that the Ministry of Welfare has drafted a concept paper, "On Promoting Employment in the Country", which provides for annual development of the National Employment Plan, based on EU guidelines and the existing employment situation in the country. Please provide further details on the content of this concept and on the National Employment Plan.

3.  Article 1, paragraph 2(a) and (c).   The Committee notes that official unemployment reached 9.1 per cent in 1999, and labour force survey data show an unemployment rate of 13.5 per cent in 1999. Youth, people with disabilities and older workers were most likely to be unemployed. The long-term unemployed comprise 30 per cent of all unemployed. The total decrease in employment from 1990 to 1996 was 28 per cent, with decreases mainly in industry and construction, although employment in the service sector and agriculture actually increased slightly. Please continue to provide disaggregated data on labour market trends, including labour force survey statistics, particularly for youth, people with disabilities, older workers and the long-term unemployed. The Committee notes that the Government’s main objective of employment policy is to provide both balanced employment throughout the country and equal opportunities. Please provide further information on how these objectives are being attained in practice, particularly for women and socially disadvantaged groups. The Committee also refers to its 1999 direct request under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it asked the Government to indicate the manner in which protection from discrimination on the basis of national origin is currently provided in practice.

4.  The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on monetary, fiscal, trade or investment policies. The Committee would appreciate receiving such information, as requested in the report form under Article 1.

5.  The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it undertakes active labour market policies, and asks the Government to provide further details on these policies and programmes. The Committee also notes the statistics provided on participation rates for paid short-term work. Of those unemployed seeking paid short-term work, only 27 per cent were able to obtain work, indicating that more funding is needed to enable more people to participate in these public work projects. Please provide further information on whether more funding is available or whether alternative programmes are being offered. Please also provide further information on how the National Employment Service encourages jobseekers to seek assistance and to facilitate placement.

6.  The Committee notes the information provided on the percentage of unemployed persons receiving training and the placement rates. It appears that training is fairly effective in helping to promote employment, but that there currently is not enough training being provided. Please provide further information on the types of training offered, and on whether the Government plans to extend the services available.

7.   Article 2.   The Government states that the task force for development of the National Employment Plan comprises officials of the Ministries of Welfare, Education and Science, Finance and others. The Government states that the State Employment Service makes a quarterly analysis of the demand and supply of the workforce and collects information about expected vacancies. This information is used to develop new policies and programmes. The Government has established on-the-job training and craft training as a result. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further information on how employment promotion is reviewed within the framework of coordinated economic and social policies.

8.   Article 3.   The Government states that the concept paper "On Promoting Employment in the Country" provides for the establishment of the Employment Council within the institutional framework of the National Tripartite Cooperation Council. The task force that develops the National Employment Plan includes representatives of social partners. There is also a Tripartite Cooperation Council for Vocational Education and Employment which contains a further Tripartite Cooperation Sub-Council for Labour Affairs. The Committee notes this information with interest and would appreciate receiving more details on whether the social partners also participate in formulating programmes and in the review process. Please also provide information on whether consultations are carried out with representatives of rural and informal sector workers, as requested in the report form under Article 3.

9.   Part V of the report form.   The Committee notes from information supplied by the Office that the Government has received assistance from the ILO, with UNDP support, to help formulate a National Poverty Reduction Strategy as part of the follow-up to the 1995 World Summit for Social Development. Latvia participated in the ILO regional conference in 2000 on poverty reduction in the Baltic States. UNDP and ILO have also launched a programme on reducing regional economic and employment differences through promotion of local economic development and sustainable livelihood in eastern Latvia. The Committee requests that the Government supply further information on the outcome of this cooperation and any follow-up measures taken as a result.

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

1.  The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s brief first and second reports.

2.  Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention.  The Committee notes that the Ministry of Welfare has drafted a concept paper, "On Promoting Employment in the Country", which provides for annual development of the National Employment Plan, based on EU guidelines and the existing employment situation in the country. Please provide further details on the content of this concept and on the National Employment Plan.

3.  Article 1, paragraph 2(a) and (c).  The Committee notes that official unemployment reached 9.1 per cent in 1999, and labour force survey data show an unemployment rate of 13.5 per cent in 1999. Youth, people with disabilities and older workers were most likely to be unemployed. The long-term unemployed comprise 30 per cent of all unemployed. The total decrease in employment from 1990 to 1996 was 28 per cent, with decreases mainly in industry and construction, although employment in the service sector and agriculture actually increased slightly. Please continue to provide disaggregated data on labour market trends, including labour force survey statistics, particularly for youth, people with disabilities, older workers and the long-term unemployed. The Committee notes that the Government’s main objective of employment policy is to provide both balanced employment throughout the country and equal opportunities. Please provide further information on how these objectives are being attained in practice, particularly for women and socially disadvantaged groups. The Committee also refers to its 1999 direct request under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in which it asked the Government to indicate the manner in which protection from discrimination on the basis of national origin is currently provided in practice.

4.  The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on monetary, fiscal, trade or investment policies. The Committee would appreciate receiving such information, as requested in the report form under Article 1.

5.  The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it undertakes active labour market policies, and asks the Government to provide further details on these policies and programmes. The Committee also notes the statistics provided on participation rates for paid short-term work. Of those unemployed seeking paid short-term work, only 27 per cent were able to obtain work, indicating that more funding is needed to enable more people to participate in these public work projects. Please provide further information on whether more funding is available or whether alternative programmes are being offered. Please also provide further information on how the National Employment Service encourages jobseekers to seek assistance and to facilitate placement.

6.  The Committee notes the information provided on the percentage of unemployed persons receiving training and the placement rates. It appears that training is fairly effective in helping to promote employment, but that there currently is not enough training being provided. Please provide further information on the types of training offered, and on whether the Government plans to extend the services available.

7.  Article 2.  The Government states that the task force for development of the National Employment Plan comprises officials of the Ministries of Welfare, Education and Science, Finance and others. The Government states that the State Employment Service makes a quarterly analysis of the demand and supply of the workforce and collects information about expected vacancies. This information is used to develop new policies and programmes. The Government has established on-the-job training and craft training as a result. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further information on how employment promotion is reviewed within the framework of coordinated economic and social policies.

8.  Article 3.  The Government states that the concept paper "On Promoting Employment in the Country" provides for the establishment of the Employment Council within the institutional framework of the National Tripartite Cooperation Council. The task force that develops the National Employment Plan includes representatives of social partners. There is also a Tripartite Cooperation Council for Vocational Education and Employment which contains a further Tripartite Cooperation Sub-Council for Labour Affairs. The Committee notes this information with interest and would appreciate receiving more details on whether the social partners also participate in formulating programmes and in the review process. Please also provide information on whether consultations are carried out with representatives of rural and informal sector workers, as requested in the report form under Article 3.

9.  Part V of the report form.  The Committee notes from information supplied by the Office that the Government has received assistance from the ILO, with UNDP support, to help formulate a National Poverty Reduction Strategy as part of the follow-up to the 1995 World Summit for Social Development. Latvia participated in the ILO regional conference in 2000 on poverty reduction in the Baltic States. UNDP and ILO have also launched a programme on reducing regional economic and employment differences through promotion of local economic development and sustainable livelihood in eastern Latvia. The Committee requests that the Government supply further information on the outcome of this cooperation and any follow-up measures taken as a result.