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Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Russian Federation (RATIFICATION: 1979)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s report.

Article 2, paragraph 3, of the Convention. Compulsory education. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the Government’s information that the “Act to amend certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation concerning making general secondary education compulsory” was passed in July 2007. According to this Act, full general secondary education up to the age of 18 years has become compulsory in the Russian Federation since 1 September 2007. It also notes the Government’s information that sections 92 and 94 of the Labour Code limit the maximum hours of work per day and per week of children between 14 and 18 years working and attending an educational institution. Furthermore, the Committee notes the Government’s information that the proportion of children between 7 and 16 years enrolled in school is over 93 per cent. According to the statistics supplied by the Government, the number of children not studying at educational institutions is on the decline (from 40,579 in 2004 to 27,960 in 2006).

Article 7, paragraph 3. Determination of light work. The Committee had previously noted that under section 63(3) of the Labour Code a student of 14 years of age may perform light work outside of school hours provided that he/she has obtained the consent of a parent or guardian, and that the work does not prejudice his/her attendance at school and is not harmful to his/her health. It had noted the Government’s indication that the national legislation, while containing provisions which restrict or prohibit certain types of work for young persons and prescribe the number of hours during which such persons may work (section 94 of the Labour Code), does not determine directly the types of light work. Noting the absence of information on the measures taken to determine light work activities, as required by Article 7, paragraph 3, of the Convention, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide this information in its next report.

Article 8. Artistic performances. The Committee had previously noted that section 63(4) of the Labour Code authorizes the employment of children under 14 years of age in the film industry, theatres, theatrical or concert organizations, and circuses provided that the employer obtains the consent of one parent or guardian. It notes with interest the Government’s information that section 63 of the Labour Code, as amended by Act No. 90-FZ of 30 June 2006, states that the conclusion of labour contracts between persons under 14 years of age and film organizations, theatres, theatrical or concern organizations or circuses for artistic performances which are not hazardous to the health or morals of children, requires – besides the consent of parents and guardians – the authorization from the guardianship and trusteeship bodies. These are governmental executive authorities that monitor compliance with labour legislation in relation to persons under 18 years. The authorization from the guardianship and trusteeship bodies stipulates the maximum daily hours of work and other conditions under which the work may be carried out.