Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - Report No 353, March 2009

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

1. 271. The Committee last examined this case at its March 2008 meeting. On that occasion the Committee regretted that, although the workers concerned were either dismissed or locked out in January 2005 and arbitration procedures commenced in June 2005, the latter had yet to be concluded. It once again expressed the hope that the arbitration procedure would be concluded without delay and, if the allegations of anti-union discrimination were confirmed, that the arbitration award would include suitable measures to remedy any effects of anti-union discrimination including, in light of the closing of the factory, ensuring full compensation such as to constitute a dissuasive sanction against any recurrence of such acts. The Committee further requested the Government to keep it informed in this respect [see 349th Report, paras 285–287].
2. 272. In a communication of 21 July 2008, the Government states that the arbitration procedure was concluded on 14 March 2008 and that the 86 workers concerned were each granted compensation comprising six months’ wages – 40,500 rupees. A copy of the arbitration award is attached to the Government’s communication. The Government further indicates that the company’s management staff are expatriates and had left Sri Lanka; steps have been taken however to determine their location in order to execute the award.
3. 273. The Committee takes note the above information. Noting the difficulties arising from the fact that the company’s management have left Sri Lanka, the Committee trusts that the Government will take all necessary measures to ensure the execution of the arbitration award.