Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - Report No 329, November 2002

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

1. 19. The Committee last examined this case, which concerns the eviction of trade union premises and confiscation of trade union property of the National Syndical Federation (GMH), at its March 2002 meeting [327th Report, paras. 30-32]. On that occasion, the Committee recalled that this case, which dates back to March 1998, involved very serious allegations of freedom of association principles, i.e. acts by the authorities which make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for a trade union to function normally. The Committee once again requested the Government to initiate, as soon as possible, discussions with the complainant organization in order to settle the issues of trade union premises and confiscation of trade union property of the GMH.
2. 20. In a communication dated 11 September 2002, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy recalls that the premises on 8 Christo Belchev St. was given to the management of the Ministry of Commerce/present Ministry of Economy. It indicates that it has once again sent a letter to the Ministry of Economy, asking for assistance in finding a solution to this case. The Government also indicates that other existing and unsettled property issues such as unpaid rent to the Ministry constitute obstacles for the settlement of the present case.
3. 21. The Committee notes this information. It regrets that more than three years after the filing of the complaint, the Government has not settled the issues of trade union premises and confiscation of trade union property of the GMH. The Committee once again urges the Government to hold, without delay, discussions with the complainant organization with a view to settling the pending issues, and requests to be kept informed of developments.