Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - Report No 331, June 2003

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

1. 61. The Committee last examined this case at its November 2001 meeting, where it requested the Government to keep it informed of developments concerning the recognition of the Uganda Textile, Garments, Leather and Allied Workers’ Union (UTGLAWU) at the Nytil Picfare company, later taken over by Southern Range Nyanza Ltd. The Committee also requested information about various legal proceedings filed by UTGLAWU against a number of companies to obtain recognition for collective bargaining purposes. Finally, the Committee had requested the Government to keep it informed of any progress made in the adoption of two draft bills which would amend provisions of the Trade Unions Decree inconsistent with freedom of association principles [see 326th Report, paras. 115-119].
2. 62. In a communication of 24 January 2003, the Government indicates that the matter of recognition is being pursued afresh with the new management, which is agreeable to negotiations. The parties have held one meeting and another one is planned; the parties are still negotiating. It is hoped that the negotiations will be fruitful in solving this long-standing matter, failing which the Government will take appropriate action.
3. 63. The Committee notes this information. Recalling that this matter has been pending since 1998, the Committee requests the Government to speed up the process and to keep it informed of any progress achieved concerning the recognition of UTGLAWU by Southern Range Nyanza Ltd. Noting that the Government has not provided information on the other legal proceedings filed by UTGLAWU, nor on the adoption of two draft bills (elaborated with ILO technical assistance) amending provisions of the Trade Unions Decree inconsistent with freedom of association principles, the Committee requests once again the Government to provide such information in the near future.