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Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156) - Argentina (RATIFICATION: 1988)

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Unemployed Heads of Household Programme of 2002, to which it referred in its previous report, has gradually been replaced by other programmes. In this respect, the Government indicates that 31 per cent of the beneficiaries have ceased to receive assistance due to their entry into the labour market, 14 per cent no longer receive benefits because their children have reached the age of majority, 7 per cent have joined the training and employment insurance scheme, 10 per cent have registered under the system of universal child allowances and 22 per cent have opted for the Family Programme for Inclusion. The Government indicates that universal child allowance has been received by 3,200,000 parents. It also refers to the More and Better Work for Youth Programme, which is intended for young persons between 18 and 24 years of age with a low educational level, low income and little work experience. In the context of this programme, places are financed in municipal crèches for young parents and the continuation in work of young pregnant women is promoted. The Government adds that the Coordination Unit for Gender Equity and Equality of Opportunities (CEGIOT), of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, promotes the inclusion in collective agreements of provisions on gender equity and the reconciliation of family and working life, for which a guide to proposed clauses for inclusion in collective agreements has been produced and workshops are held with the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing practical information on the implementation of these plans and programmes in practice and their impact on the application of the principles of the Convention.

Article 4. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the Network of Employment Services, which coordinates all local strategies for the implementation of national employment programmes. In the context of the Network, 350 employment offices have been established to promote gender equity, provide vocational guidance and supply information on crèches and other childcare facilities. With regard to the amendment of section 183 of Act No. 20744 on benefits for mothers with sick children to extend the benefits to fathers, the Government indicates that a draft amendment to this effect exists. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the operation of the Employment Services Network, and particularly the tangible measures envisaged in the context of the Network to establish effective equality of opportunities and treatment between men and women workers, and particularly those with family responsibilities. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any progress relating to the draft amendment of section 183 of Act No. 20744 with a view to extending to fathers the benefits envisaged for mothers with children who have disabilities.

Article 5. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that according to the document “Gender equity in post-convertibility collective bargaining”, 56 collective agreements concluded during the period 2003–07 in sectors such as telephones, health and public administration in which childcare services are established or allowances are provided for this purpose. The Government indicates that in a significant percentage of cases childcare allowances are paid to women workers, with the exception of the national administration, in which there is no distinction between men and women. The Government also refers to the “Buena Cosecha” programme in the Province of Mendoza, which consists of play centres and educational centres for the children of temporary workers in the vineyards. According to the Government, attempts are being made to implement these programmes in other provinces. The Government also provides a list of the practical measures to reconcile family responsibilities and work life adopted by enterprises, including: breast-feeding facilities, childcare allowances and telework systems. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the practical measures, compatible with national conditions and possibilities, adopted to take account of the needs of workers with family responsibilities, and particularly to extend to fathers the benefits and allowances already available to mothers.

Article 6. The Committee notes the Government’s information on training workshops on workers with family responsibilities held by certain private enterprises, and on the preparation of educational materials to be distributed to teachers and trainers, as well as the preparation of training courses containing evaluation mechanisms. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the training activities carried out to achieve broader understanding by society concerning the problems of workers with family responsibilities.

Article 7. The Committee notes that the Government refers to the Labour Insertion Programme (PIL), which offers financial incentives to enterprises which recruit persons covered by the Training and Employment Insurance Scheme and the More and Better Work for Youth Programme. The Government also refers to other initiatives in the provinces for the employment of unemployed women and the training of women with a view to their integration into the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on any other measures related to the application of this Article.

Article 11. While noting the action undertaken by the Tripartite Committee for Equality of Opportunities and Treatment (CTIO), the Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the various measures intended to give effect to the provisions of the Convention that are adopted in collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations.