Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - Report No 336, March 2005

Effect given to the recommendations of the Committee and the Governing Body

1. 79. The Committee last examined this case, which concerns the need to revise the Industrial Relations Act in conformity with freedom of association principles, at its November 2004 session [see 335th Report, paras. 152-155]. The Committee noted with interest that, a White Paper was being prepared by a technical committee for the revision of the IRA and that consultations had taken place with employers' and workers' organizations in this context. The Committee requested the Government to keep it informed of the steps taken for the revision of the IRA and to maintain consultations with the social partners during the revision process.
2. 80. In a communication dated 5 January 2005, the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment sought the technical assistance of the ILO in order to further clarify certain concepts in relation to the White Paper on a New Framework for Industrial Relations in Mauritius which had been released on 5 November 2004 and had met with criticism from the employers' and workers' organizations. In a letter dated 7 February 2005, the Government indicates that the mission which took place from 30 January to 5 February 2005 had the opportunity to meet the employers' and workers' organizations, various officials as well as the Prime Minister and was very helpful in resuming dialogue with the social partners and bringing further clarifications on certain crucial principles underlying Convention No. 87. Finally, in a communication dated 11 February 2005, the Government indicated that it approved the ratification of Convention No. 87 and procedures were initiated to deposit the instrument of ratification.
3. 81. The Committee takes note with interest of the approval of the ratification of Convention No. 87 and the ongoing preparation of new legislation to revise the IRA. It strongly encourages the Government to maintain consultations with the social partners during the process of the revision of the IRA and reiterates its hope that this process will be concluded soon so as to bring the law into full conformity with Conventions Nos. 87 and 98. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed in this respect.