Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2006, publiée 96ème session CIT (2007)

The Committee recalls its previous observations regarding the persistent problems of deferred payment of wages, especially in the public sector, and the comments made in this connection by the Federation of Autonomous Comorian Workers’ Organization (USATC). The Committee has been noting for some time the Government’s reassurances that a consensus solution would be found for the settlement of wage arrears within the framework of the Higher Council for Labour and Employment (CSTE). To permit a proper assessment of the situation, the Committee has requested the Government to supply detailed information on the nature and extent of the problem, the practical measures taken so far and any results achieved.

In its last report, the Government merely indicates that its efforts to ensure the regular payment of wages are considerably hindered by political and economic constraints. The Government limits itself to reiterating its wish for a prompt resolution of the problem without, however, providing any specific information on the evolution of the situation, the measures taken or envisaged or any relevant proposals that may have been made by the CSTE. While fully appreciating that Comoros has been experiencing serious economic and political difficulties in the past few years, the Committee considers that the Government should have taken the necessary steps to closely monitor the situation with a view to formulating a time-bound plan for the elimination of the wage debt.

The Committee takes this opportunity to refer to paragraphs 356‑374 of its 2003 General Survey on the protection of wages in which it emphasized that breaking the vicious circle of non-payment or delayed payment of wages comprises three main elements: (i) efficient control; (ii) appropriate sanctions; and (iii) fair compensation for the loss incurred. It also stressed that the delayed payment of wages or the accumulation of wage arrears clearly contravenes the letter and the spirit of the Convention and probably makes the application of most of its other provisions simply meaningless (paragraph 355).

The Committee therefore urges the Government to intensify its efforts to put an end to practices which deprive workers of the fruits of their labour and inexorably affect the national economy in its entirety. The Committee asks the Government to provide for examination at its next session full particulars on the latest developments in relation to wage arrears including, for instance, the approximate number of workers affected, the branches of economic activity mostly concerned, the average length of delay in the payment of wages, the overall amount of outstanding wage arrears and any negotiated time schedule for the payment of the sums remaining due.