Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156) - Slovakia (RATIFICATION: 2002)

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Article 2 of the Convention. Application to non-nationals. With reference to its previous comment, the Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report does not provide any new information on the number of foreigners with family responsibilities benefiting from social services from both public and private providers, as well as from employment services. Recalling that a new central statistics system was being developed, the Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide information, in its next report, on the number of foreigners with family responsibilities, disaggregated by sex, who are benefiting from childcare and employment services from both public and private providers.

Article 3. National policy. In reply to its previous request, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is attaching a report on the implementation of the Gender Equality Strategy and its Action Plan for 2014-19, which included objectives relating to the reconciliation of family, private and professional life, such as supporting gender audits aimed at the reconciliation of work and family life. It notes, however, that the web link provided is invalid. The Committee is therefore bound to repeat its request to the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Gender Equality Action Plan 2014–19 (as well as any subsequent plan), with a specific focus on the measures taken to promote reconciliation of family, private and professional life, including on the results of the gender audits conducted to this end. It further requests the Government to provide information on the impact of such measures on achieving the objectives of the Convention, by providing any copy of assessment report or study undertaken on the implementation of the National Strategy for Gender Equality and its Action Plan for 2014–19, as well as on any follow-up measures.

Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government indicates that the “Reconciliation of Family and Working Life” national project mainly focuses on the creation of flexible and atypical jobs, such as part-time employment, domestic work and teleworking. The Committee notes that in the framework of this project, a group of experts on equality between men and women was created, tasked with the creation of analytical, conceptual and methodological materials to be made available to employers to raise their awareness on the concept of work and family life balance. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the results achieved under the “Reconciliation of Family and Working Life” project in terms of the creation of flexible and atypical jobs for the benefit of workers with family responsibilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made, through the new central statistics system, in collecting information on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, as well as the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working-time arrangements, reduced working hours or remote work. Given that women continue to bear a disproportionate share of family responsibilities, the Committee requests the Government to strengthen its efforts to encourage employers to introduce flexible forms of work for workers with family responsibilities, as well as to encourage men to opt for paternity leave and flexible working arrangements, including in the framework of the “Reconciliation of Family and Working Life” project, and to provide information on the outcomes of these measures.

Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. With reference to its previous comment, the Committee notes that a draft National Strategy for the Development of Coordinated Early Intervention and Early Care Services 2021-2030 is being prepared, which mainly targets the social inclusion of children with health or social disadvantages and their families, but also aims to develop services to support the reconciliation of family and working life for all parents. The Government also indicates that in 2019, 36 projects were implemented in the country to create effective tools for young mothers to have a better access to the labour market with, among others, the provision of flexible forms of childcare. The Committee further notes the adoption of Act no 209/2019 Coll. which came into effect in January 2021 and introduced compulsory pre-primary education for children, one year before they start of compulsory primary school. The Government adds that more than 11,000 places in kindergartens are currently being created through two projects funded by the European Union. The Government also indicates that by July 2021, a total of 147,595 parents had applied for parental allowance (142,773 women and 4,822 men). However, the Government does not provide most of the statistical information requested by the Committee in its previous comment. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to increase access to adequate and sufficient public and private childcare and other care services and the results achieved, as well as on the number of parents, disaggregated by sex, with children under 3 years of age who have requested parental allowance and the number of recipients of the childcare allowance. Referring to its previous comments, it once again requests the Government to provide information on:

• (i)the number of public and private childcare providers available;
• (ii)the number and age of children requiring care;
• (iii) the number of children attending public and private childcare facilities; and
• (iv)the number of parents making use of the existing childcare and family services facilities available. The Committee also requests the Government to give more specific information on the nature of the flexible forms of childcare created in 2019.

Article 11. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comment, the Government refers to subsidies provided to non-governmental organizations who work in the area of equality between men and women. However, the Committee recalls that its previous requests concerned the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations in devising and applying measures designed to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken, in collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations, to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, as well as on the results achieved by such measures.

Enforcement. Noting that the Government’s report does not reply to its previous comment on this subject, the Committee is bound to once again requests the Government to provide information on:

• (i)any complaints received or infringements detected by the labour inspectorate relating to discriminatory practices against workers with family responsibilities, as well as any cases dealt with by the National Centre for Human Rights, the Ombudsperson, or the courts in this regard;
• (ii)the measures taken to strengthen labour inspectors’ sensitivity to the issue; and
• (iii)any progress made in the adoption of the legislative bill aimed at strengthening the independence and effective functioning of the National Centre for Human Rights.

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Practical application. Lack of statistical information. With regard to its previous comments, the Committee notes with regret that the Government provides no information on the progress made towards the establishment of a new central statistics system and that once again it does not provide most of the statistical information requested. The Committee once again recalls the importance of collecting and analysing sufficiently detailed statistical information in order to determine and assess the current situation of workers with family responsibilities, design appropriate responses and monitor and evaluate the impact of the measures which are being implemented. The Committee requests the Government to strengthen its efforts to collect comprehensive and sufficiently detailed data on the issues covered by the Convention, and to provide information in this regard, including on the progress made in establishing the new central statistics system. In the meantime, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide all available information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, any studies, surveys or reports that may enable the Committee to fully assess how the provisions of the Convention are applied in practice.

Articles 4(a) and 7 of the Convention. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment on the impact of the presence of young children on the employment rate of men and women and on the barriers to women’s access to employment, the Government indicates, in its report, that the “Reconciliation of Family and Working Life” national project started in September 2019. Its main objective is to improve the conditions for reconciling work and family life and increase the employment of people with parental responsibilities, especially women, by allowing employers who create jobs for workers with family responsibilities to apply for a financial contribution for a maximum of 12 months, depending on the duration of the contract, to cover up to 95 per cent of the total labour costs, not exceeding €844 (which represents 1.2 times the minimum wage). The Government indicates that the project is expected to provide employment to approximately 1,000 women and that, by 2020, 694 unemployed persons had been hired, 690 of whom were women, and 377 were women with children below 6 years of age. With reference to its previous comment and its general observation on workers with family responsibilities, which was adopted in 2019, the Committee requests the Government to continue and intensify its efforts to overcome the persistent obstacles faced by workers with family responsibilities, more particularly by mothers with young children, in exercising their right to free choice of employment and entering or re-entering into the labour market and participating in vocational training. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken to this end and the results achieved in this regard, and to specify the number of women and men with children below 6 years of age and with children between 6 and 10 years of age who have accessed employment or received other benefits under these measures. The Committee also asks the Government to continue to provide up-to-date information on the results achieved under the “Reconciliation of Family and Working Life” project in giving effect to the provisions of the Conventions. Noting the absence of information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of any collective agreements containing specific provisions in favour of workers with family responsibilities.

Article 6. Educational programmes. With reference to its previous comments and in the absence of a reply from the Government on this point, the Committee once again requests the Government to strengthen its efforts to take effective and proactive measures, such as public awareness-raising campaigns and education initiatives, to promote a more equitable sharing of family responsibilities between men and women, as well as a broader public understanding of various aspects of employment of workers with family responsibilities. It requests the Government to provide information on any survey, studies or programmes undertaken to this end, as well as specific information on the impact of such initiatives and any follow-up measures implemented.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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Article 2 of the Convention. Application to non-nationals. The Committee previously noted that, pursuant to section 3(3) of Act No. 448/2008 Coll. on Social Services and sections 2(2), 3 and 4 of Act No. 5/2004 Coll. on Employment Services, foreigners residing in the territory can benefit from social services from both public and private providers, as well as from employment services, and it requested the Government to provide information on the number of foreigners with family responsibilities benefiting from such services. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in its report, that this information is not available. Referring to its observation and noting that a new central statistics system is currently in development, the Committee trusts that the Government will be soon in a position to collect and provide information on the number of foreigners with family responsibilities, disaggregated by sex, who are benefiting from childcare and employment services from both public and private providers.

Article 3. National policy. Referring to its previous comments on the adoption of a new National Strategy for Gender Equality and its Action Plan for 2014–19, which includes objectives relating to the reconciliation of family, private and professional life, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the implementation of a certain number of measures will only be examined after 2019, but that some measures will be implemented in the interim, such as supporting gender audits aimed at the reconciliation of work and family life. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Gender Equality Action Plan 2014–19, with a specific focus on the measures taken to promote reconciliation of family, private and professional life, including on the results of the gender audits conducted to this end. It further requests the Government to provide information on the impact of such measures on achieving the objectives of the Convention, by providing any copy of assessment report or study undertaken on the implementation of the National Strategy for Gender Equality and its Action Plan for 2014–19, as well as on any follow-up measures.

Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. Regarding the take-up rates of men and women requesting reduced working hours and the number of people benefiting from special leave entitlements, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that this information is not available but that a centrally monitored system, currently under preparation, will cover the requested statistics. Referring to its previous comments on the “Family and Work” project, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that the project will enhance some of the already existing measures aimed at better reconciling work and family life, such as reduced working hours and remote work, but that information on the outcomes would be provided once the project is fully implemented. It notes that, in the framework of the National Employment Strategy until 2020, the Government indicated that flexible forms of work and working arrangements, which would help the employment of people with family responsibilities, are used only minimally and that the proportion of part-time work among women and men is one of the lowest in the European Union. Referring to its observation and noting that a new central statistics system is currently in development, the Committee trusts that the Government will be soon in a position to provide information on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, as well as the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working-time arrangements, reduced working hours or remote work in order to better reconcile work and family responsibilities. Given that women continue to bear a disproportionate share of family responsibilities, the Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken to encourage employers to introduce flexible forms of work for workers with family responsibilities, as well as to encourage men to opt for paternity leave and flexible working arrangements, including in the framework of the “Family and Work” project, and their outcomes.

Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. The Committee previously referred to the amendment of Act No. 571/2009 Coll. on Parental Allowance which enables parents to undertake paid activity of any kind without affecting their right to parental allowance and noted that a parent who returns to work before his or her child reaches the age of 3 can obtain either a parental allowance or apply for a childcare allowance. Noting that the Government does not provide information on the number of workers requesting parental allowances, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the average number of monthly recipients of the childcare allowance increased from 1,808 in 2013 to 1,888 in 2015. It notes the Government’s statement that it cannot provide information on the number of parents making use of public and private childcare providers as this information is not monitored. The Government adds that, as a result of the “Family and Work” project, new childcare facilities will be established, with a specific focus on encouraging employers in establishing small childcare facilities at their premises through public funding, but that relevant information will only be available once the project is fully implemented as partial data is not available. Referring to its observation and noting that a new central statistics system is currently in development, the Committee trusts that the Government will take the necessary steps without delay to collect relevant data on community services for children and other dependent persons. In the meantime, it requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken to increase access to adequate and sufficient public and private childcare and other care services, as well as on: (i) the number of public and private childcare providers available; (ii) the number and age of children requiring care; (iii) the number of children attending public and private childcare facilities; and (iv) the number of parents making use of the existing childcare and family services facilities, once available. It again requests the Government to provide information on the number of parents, disaggregated by sex, with children under 3 years of age who have requested parental allowance, as well as to continue to provide information on the number of recipients of the childcare allowance. Please provide information on innovative forms of childcare and other dependent services implemented as a result of the “Family and Work” project, including the number of childcare facilities established at the premises of employers.

Article 11. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. Referring to its previous comments on the 2006 “Methodological Guide for Persons Participating in Collective Bargaining in the Field of Equal Opportunities”, drafted by the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic, in cooperation with the Department of Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (MLSAF), the Committee notes the Government’s indication that this guide aims at raising awareness of trade union members by referring to concrete measures that could be taken in order to enable better reconciliation of work and family life at the workplace level, while emphasizing that collective bargaining could improve employment conditions of workers with family responsibilities. Noting the absence of information provided by the Government on the impact of the measures taken to promote equal opportunities for workers with family responsibilities in the context of the collective bargaining process and the methodological guide developed in that regard, the Committee again requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken, in collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations, to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, as well as on the results achieved by such measures.

Enforcement. The Committee notes the Government’s general indication on the functions of the National Centre for Human Rights but observes the absence of information concerning any concrete activity, study or report undertaken in relation with workers with family responsibilities. It notes that according to the last European Commission country report on non-discrimination (2017, pages 12 and 13), in 2016, the Centre dealt with 524 complaints of possible discriminatory treatment – out of which 24 concerned gender and 11 concerned family status – and that the Government was working on a legislative bill to strengthen the independence and effective functioning of the Centre. It also notes that, according to the annual report of the Ombudsperson, in 2015, no complaint related to equal treatment for workers with family responsibilities was registered. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that according to the 2015 annual report of the labour inspectorate, measures aimed at the reconciliation of work and family life adopted by employers were considered as being sufficiently effective as, in 2014, 167 inspections were carried out in employers’ premises and 136 labour law violations related to the reconciliation of work and family life were detected which marked an important decrease when compared to the previous year (when 1,085 violations were detected). The Government adds that this decrease was achieved by significantly increasing the penalties imposed by the labour inspectorate on employers committing such violations. The Committee however notes that, in its last concluding observations, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) recommended that the Government strengthen labour inspections and the sanctioning of discriminatory practices by employers based on pregnancy and following parental leave (CEDAW/C/SVK/CO/5-6, 25 November 2015, paragraph 29(d)). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any complaints received or infringements detected by the labour inspectorate relating to discriminatory practices against workers with family responsibilities, as well as any cases dealt with by the National Centre for Human Rights, the Ombudsperson, or the courts in this regard. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen labour inspectors’ sensitivity to the issue, as well as on any progress made in the adoption of the legislative bill aimed at strengthening the independence and effective functioning of the National Centre for Human Rights. The Committee further requests the Government to provide specific information on the activities of the National Centre for Human Rights and the Ombudsperson, undertaken in particular among employers, workers, as well as their respective organizations, to raise awareness about the legislative provisions aimed at ensuring equality of opportunity and treatment for both men and women workers with family responsibilities, as well as the procedures and remedies available.

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Practical application. Lack of statistical information. The Committee notes the Government’s repeated indication, in its report, that it is not in a position to provide the statistical information requested by the Committee as such information is not available. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the importance of collecting and analysing sufficiently detailed statistical information in order to determine and assess the current situation of workers with family responsibilities, design appropriate responses, and monitor and evaluate the impact of the measures which are being implemented. Noting the Government’s indication that a new central statistics system is currently in development with a new methodology for statistics gathering, the Committee trusts that the Government will strengthen its efforts to collect comprehensive and sufficiently detailed data on the issues covered by the Convention. In the meantime, it requests the Government to provide all available information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, any studies, surveys or reports that may enable the Committee to fully assess how the provisions of the Convention are applied in practice, and its evaluation of how progress is being made to address existing inequalities between men and women workers with family responsibilities and between these workers and workers without such responsibilities.

Articles 4(a) and 7 of the Convention. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. The Committee notes the Government’s repeated indication that several provisions of the Labour Code and Act No. 5/2004 Coll. on Employment Services are aimed at enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment and re-enter into the labour market after maternity or parental leave. It notes the Government’s indication that, as a result of the “Work and Family” project, new jobs will be created for which only persons with children below 6 years of age can be hired. The Government indicates that it will cover up to 90 per cent of real expenses to employers in such cases, and up to 50 per cent of real expenses to employers employing persons with children aged between 6 and 10 years of age. With regard to the number of men and women with family responsibilities participating in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market, and the number of whom subsequently entered into the labour market, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that this information is not available. The Committee however notes with concern that, in the framework of the National Employment Strategy until 2020, the Government acknowledged that the presence of children younger than 6 years of age in the family significantly reduces the employment rate of women (less than 40 per cent), while male employment increases (more than 83 per cent). It further notes that, in its concluding observations, the United Nations Committee of the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) expressed concern at the deeply rooted stereotypes regarding women and men in the family, with women continuing to bear a disproportionate share of family responsibilities, and at the lack of effective measures to promote the reconciliation of work and family life which constitutes a barrier to women’s access to employment, in particular for mothers with young children (CEDAW/C/SVK/CO/5-6, 25 November 2015, paragraphs 18 and 28). Referring to its last comments on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), where it highlighted the unbalanced share of family responsibilities and childcare between men and women, the Committee requests the Government to intensify its efforts to overcome the persistent obstacles faced by workers with family responsibilities, and more particularly by mothers with young children, in exercising their right to free choice of employment and entering or re entering into the labour market and participating in vocational training. It requests the Government to provide information on the concrete measures taken to this end, including in the framework of the “Work and Family” project, and the results achieved in this regard, while specifying the number of women and men with children below 6 years of age and with children between 6 and 10 years of age who have received employment or other benefits under these measures. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of any collective agreements containing specific provisions in favour of workers with family responsibilities.

Article 6. Educational programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as a result of the “Work and Family” project, several media information campaigns were implemented to raise awareness about the objectives of the project. It also takes note of the annual nationwide competition “Family Friendly Employer” organized by the Government which aims to raise public awareness about good practices for better conciliating work and family life. The Government adds that at a more local level, measures are implemented by individual municipalities and self-governing regions to help employers introducing additional measures to support reconciliation of work and family life. While welcoming these initiatives, the Committee notes that, in its concluding observations, the CEDAW expressed concern at the vigorous campaigns by non-State actors, including religious and civic organizations, the media and politicians, advocating traditional family values, overemphasizing the roles of women as mothers and caretakers and criticizing gender equality as “gender ideology” (CEDAW/C/SVK/CO/5-6, paragraph 18). The Committee requests the Government to strengthen its efforts to take effective and proactive measures, such as public awareness-raising campaigns and education initiatives, to promote a more equitable sharing of family responsibilities between men and women, as well as a broader public understanding of various aspects of employment of workers with family responsibilities. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on any survey, studies or programmes undertaken to this end, as well as specific information on the impact of such initiatives and any follow-up measures implemented.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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Article 2 of the Convention. Application to non-nationals. Regarding its previous comments on the application of the Convention to non-nationals, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that pursuant to section 3(3) of Act No. 448/2008 Coll. on social services of 30 October 2008, foreigners residing in the territory can benefit from social services provided by both the public and private providers. The Government further indicates that Act No. 5/2004 Coll. on Employment Services provides in sections 2(2), 3 and 4 that foreigners may benefit from employment services. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of foreigners, disaggregated by sex, with family responsibilities benefiting from childcare and employment services by both public and private providers.

Article 3. National policy. The Committee notes the adoption on 9 July 2014 of Resolution No. 335/2014 on the evaluation of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Gender Equality 2010–13. It also notes that a new National Strategy for Gender Equality and its Action Plan for 2014–19 has been adopted, which includes objectives relating to the reconciliation of family, private and professional life. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the National Labour Inspectorate prepares an annual report on the monitoring of goals set out in the “Measures for the reconciliation of life at work and in the family for the year 2006, with outlook towards 2010” strategy. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the results achieved under the “Measures for the reconciliation of family and work life for the year 2006, with outlook towards 2010” strategy and any adjustments or improvements made following the annual reports of the labour inspectorate. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Gender Equality Action Plan for the years 2014–19, and its impact on achieving the objectives of the Convention. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the number of men and women with family responsibilities participating in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market, indicating how many subsequently entered the labour market.

Articles 4(a) and 7. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government listing sections 164(1) and (3) and 166(2) of the Labour Code regarding working time arrangements and leave entitlements of workers with family responsibilities in the labour market. However, the Committee notes that no information is provided on specific measures facilitating entry or re-entry of workers with family responsibilities to employment and/or vocational training. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide specific information on any projects and programmes adopted promoting the entry or re-entry of workers with family responsibilities into the labour market and participation in vocational training, including information on their outcomes. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the relevant provisions of Act No. 5/2004 Coll. on Employment Services enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their free choice of employment. Please also provide copies of any collective agreements which include specific provisions in favour of workers with family responsibilities.

Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. Regarding the take up rates of men and women requesting reduced working hours, and the number of people benefiting from special leave entitlements, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is not possible to provide such information as the reductions take place within an institution or company. The Committee encourages the Government to take the necessary steps to collect data on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, as well as the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working-time arrangements, reduced working hours or home work in order to better combine work with family responsibilities, and to provide information on progress made in this regard. Please also provide specific information on the national Family and Work project and how it encourages employers to introduce flexible forms of work for parents.

Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. The Government indicates that in January 2011 an amendment entered into force of Act No. 571/2009 Coll. on the parental allowance and on the amendment of certain Acts, which enable parents to undertake paid activity of any kind without affecting their right to parental allowance, which is provided to parents in a monthly subsidy to help pay for childcare facilities. However, no information is provided regarding the number of workers requesting parental allowances. The Committee notes that a parent who returns to work before his or her child reaches the age of 3 can obtain either the parental allowance or apply for a childcare allowance and that, in 2013, the childcare allowance had 1,808 average monthly recipients, up from 56 average monthly recipients in 2012. Regarding the provision of public services in the form of childcare facilities, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, since 2009, social services have been provided under Act No. 448/2008 Coll. on Social Services, and that, as of December 2012, there were 915 facilities serving 35,293 clients for long-term care facilities, including day-care centres, facilities for the elderly, social services homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centres and care service centres. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of parents with children under 3 years of age who have requested parental allowance and information on the reason for the sharp increase in recipients of the childcare allowance from 2012 to 2013. Please also provide specific information on the number of parents making use of public and private childcare providers, respectively, and the obstacles encountered by parents in accessing such childcare, and on innovative forms of childcare services introduced under the Family and Work project. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the initiatives taken or envisaged to help reconcile work and family responsibilities in relation to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support”, and specify any relevant provisions in regards thereof.

Article 6. Educational programmes. The Committee notes from the Government’s report the national project of the Institute for Gender Equality, Gender Audit in Public Administration and Fulfilment of Generally Binding Regulations for the Field of Gender Equality, which the Government indicates is a methodological guideline for organizations and public institutions when employing and evaluating gender equality in their policies. The Committee notes, however, that no information was provided on measures taken to promote information and education which engender broader public understanding of the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers and of the problems of workers with family responsibilities. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide specific information on relevant surveys, studies or programmes undertaken to promote a broader public understanding of various aspects of employment of workers with family responsibilities and the need for a more equitable sharing of family responsibilities between men and women, including the impact of these initiatives and their practical follow-up.

Article 11. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Commission for Equal Opportunities for Men and Women at the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic, in cooperation with the Department of Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (MLSAF), created, in 2006, “A Methodological Guide for Persons Participating in Collective Bargaining in the Field of Equal Opportunities”. The Committee further notes the activities undertaken focusing on gender equality principles in collective agreements and policies of employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the impact of these measures on promoting equal opportunities for workers with family responsibilities in the context of the collective bargaining process. Please provide further information on any other measures taken in collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations to give effect to the principle of the Convention.

Enforcement. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the activities of the labour inspectorate, the National Centre for Human Rights and the Ombudsperson as regards the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment for both men and women workers with family responsibilities. The Committee also requests the Government to supply copies of any relevant judicial decisions in this regard.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Application to non-nationals. Regarding its previous comments on the application of the Convention to non-nationals, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the amended Act No. 195/1998, Coll. on social assistance extends social assistance to foreigners and stateless persons provided they are not receiving assistance under international agreements binding the Slovak Republic. The Government’s report also specifies that a natural person who is not a citizen of the Slovak Republic may benefit from those social services, social prevention and social guidance which are provided by private providers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on how in practise the Convention is applied to non-nationals, including relevant statistical data. In particular, the Committee invites the Government to clarify in its next report whether non-nationals are allowed to benefit solely from those social services, social prevention and social guidance which are provided for by private partners, or, whether they can also benefit from the services provided under the Employment Service Act.

Article 3. National policy. The Committee further notes the strategic document “Measures for the reconciliation of life at work and in the family for the year 2006, with perspective until 2010”, approved by government Resolution No. 560 of 21 June 2006. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that there is a trend towards an increasing ratio of women (66.23 per cent), including women with family responsibilities, among the jobseekers participating in training and other preparations for entry into the labour market. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the number of men and women with family responsibilities participating in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market indicating how many subsequently entered the labour market. The Committee also asks the Government to keep it informed of the progress made regarding the implementation of the measures set out in the 2006 strategic document on work and family, and their impact on achieving the objectives of the Convention.

Articles 4(a) and 7. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. With regard to its previous request for information on the practical implementation of the provisions included in the Labour Code and the Employment Service Act aimed at enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment, the Committee notes that according to the Government’s report those provisions may be implemented mainly through collective agreements, labour inspection and projects and programmes financed or co-financed by the European Social Fund. In this regard, the Committee also notes the amendments to Act No. 599/2003, Coll. on assistance in material hardship, providing for monetary benefits for a parent who takes care of a child younger than 1 year, receiving assistance in material hardship. Additionally, the Committee observes that the Office of Labour, under paragraph 46 of Act No. 5/2004 Coll. on employment services, may provide the jobseeker with a contribution for education and preparation for the labour market of up to 100 per cent of the costs of the first educational activity, up to 75 per cent of the cost of the second, and up to 50 per cent of each additional educational activity within two years of the commencement of first training. The Committee would appreciate receiving more information on any projects and programmes carried out with the support of the European Social Fund, which promote the integration of workers with family responsibilities, including information on their outcomes. The Committee also invites the Government to supply information on the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Labour Code and the Employment Service Act enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment. Please also provide copies of any collective agreements which include specific provisions in favour of workers with family responsibilities.

Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. The Committee recalls its previous comments regarding special leave entitlements and working time arrangements. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report even though the legislation contemplates the possibility of working shorter hours and the Labour Code explicitly establishes a guarantee of equal working conditions of employees working reduced hours and those working the established number of weekly hours, both men and women workers utilize this option only to a small extent. In 2004, for instance, approximately 0.7 per cent of men and 1.9 per cent of women worked shorter hours in order to care for children and other dependent persons. In particular, the Committee observes that surveys conducted in previous years confirmed that women generally showed no particular preference for shorter working hours in order to reconcile work and family life; instead they would opt for flexible forms of work, such as flexible hours, non-traditional working time arrangement, and telework. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, as well as the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working time arrangements, reduced working hours or homework in order to better combine work with family responsibilities.

Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. The Committee notes the enactment of Act No. 244/2005, Coll. effective from 1 July 2005, thereby amending the Act on parental contribution, which extended the framework for qualified care for children up to 3 and 6 years of age by granting a “parental contribution” to parents who take care of their children. The Committee also observes that according to the Government’s report, the utilization of the options provided for in the legislation is still insufficient. The Committee also notes that care for children below 2 years of age which had previously been provided by nurseries under the Ministry of Public Health, no longer exists and care for children of this age group is now provided by private providers for payment. The Committee invites the Government to keep it informed on the practical implementation of Act No. 244/2005 amending the Act on parental contribution, in particular on the number of parents taking care of children below 2 years of age who have requested such parental contribution. Please also provide information on the number of parents making use of private childcare providers and the obstacles encountered by parents in accessing such childcare. The Committee also draws attention to the fact that the Convention applies not only to workers with responsibilities in relation to their dependent children but also to workers with family responsibilities in relation to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support”. Therefore, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the initiatives taken or envisaged in that respect, including the status of the 2003 draft legislation regarding support services for dependent persons referred to in its previous report.

Article 6. Educational programmes. The Committee notes the projects aimed at eliminating gender-based segregation in the labour market and promoting work–life balance referred to in the Government’s report. In particular, the Committee observes that the Ministry of Education specifically requested universities preparing teachers and other educators to prepare their future graduates for the tasks involved in the education of students so that gender stereotypes can be removed. The Committee also notes the social audit project “Family and Work”, which aims at motivating employers toward the creation of working environments sensitive to the employees’ family responsibilities. Further, the Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the Confederation of Trade Unions’ Commission, the Independent Christian Trade Unions, the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights, the agency for small and medium-sized businesses and employers’ associations, intends to regularly carry out educational activities on the reconciliation of work and family for employers’ organizations, trade unions and Chambers of Commerce. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on both the impact of these initiatives in attaining the objectives of the Convention, and their practical follow-up.

Article 11. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that the measure “Support of pro-family collective bargaining through the recommended inclusion of implicit provisions for reconciliation of life at work and in the family into all collective agreement and contract types” has been incorporated in the strategic document adopted by the Government on 21 June 2006. The Committee also notes the extensive information supplied on the activities to sensitize social partners on the objectives of the Convention. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the measure “Support of pro-family collective bargaining” and invites the Government to keep it informed on its impact on the collective bargaining process.

Enforcement. The Committee notes that the National Labour Inspectorate and the regional labour inspectorates continue to execute special audits to monitor compliance with relevant legislation. It also notes that the measures envisioned under the 2006 strategic document include special measures aiming both at training labour inspectors and elaborating an effective methodology for controlling compliance of the working conditions with the objective of reconciling life at work and in the family. In addition to the role played by the labour inspectorate, the Committee also notes the role played by the National Centre for Human Rights and the Ombudsperson. The latter is reported to have received 5,000 claims since 2004, out of which 37 per cent concerned labour discrimination suffered by women. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of these bodies as regards the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment for both men and women workers with family responsibilities. The Committee also asks the Government to supply copies of any relevant judicial decisions in this regard.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

...

Article 2. Application to non-nationals. Regarding its previous comments on the application of the Convention to non-nationals, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the amended Act No. 195/1998, Coll. on Social Assistance extends social assistance to aliens and stateless persons provided they are not receiving assistance under international agreements binding the Slovak Republic. The Government’s report also specifies that a natural person who is not a citizen of the Slovak Republic may benefit from those social services, social prevention and social guidance which are provided by private providers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on how in practise the Convention is applied to non-nationals, including relevant statistical data. In particular, the Committee invites the Government to clarify in its next report whether non-citizens are allowed to benefit solely from those social services, social prevention and social guidance which are provided for by private partners, or, whether they can also benefit from the services provided under the Employment Service Act.

Article 3. National policy. The Committee further notes the strategic document “Measures for the reconciliation of life at work and in the family for the year 2006, with perspective until 2010”, approved by government resolution No. 560 of 21 June 2006. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that there is a trend towards an increasing ratio of women (66.23 per cent), including women with family responsibilities, among the jobseekers participating in training and other preparations for entry into the labour market. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the number of men and women with family responsibilities participating in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market indicating how many subsequently entered the labour market. The Committee also asks the Government to keep it informed of the progress made regarding the implementation of the measures set out in the 2006 strategic document on work and family, and their impact on achieving the objectives of the Convention.

Articles 4(a) and 7. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. With regard to its previous request for information on the practical implementation of the provisions included in the Labour Code and the Employment Service Act aimed at enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment, the Committee notes that according to the Government’s report those provisions may be implemented mainly through collective agreements, labour inspection and projects and programmes financed or co-financed by the European Social Fund. In this regard, the Committee also notes the amendments to Act No. 599/2003, Coll. on Assistance in Material Hardship, providing for monetary benefits for a parent who takes care of a child younger than 1 year, receiving assistance in material hardship. Additionally, the Committee observes that the Office of Labour, under paragraph 46 of Act No. 5/2004 Coll. on Employment Services, may provide the jobseeker with a contribution for education and preparation for the labour market of up to 100 per cent of the costs of the first educational activity, up to 75 per cent of the cost of the second, and up to 50 per cent of each additional educational activity within two years of the commencement of first training. The Committee would appreciate receiving more information on any projects and programmes carried out with the support of the European Social Fund, which promote the integration of workers with family responsibilities, including information on their outcomes. The Committee also invites the Government to supply information on the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Labour Code and the Employment Service Act enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment. Please also provide copies of any collective agreements which include specific provisions in favour of workers with family responsibilities.

Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. The Committee recalls its previous comments regarding special leave entitlements and working time arrangements. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report even though the legislation contemplates the possibility of working shorter hours and the Labour Code explicitly establishes a guarantee of equal working conditions of employees working reduced hours and those working the established number of weekly hours, both men and women workers utilize this option only to a small extent. In 2004, for instance, approximately 0.7 per cent of men and 1.9 per cent of women worked shorter hours in order to care for children and other dependent persons. In particular, the Committee observes that surveys conducted in previous years confirmed that women generally showed no particular preference for shorter working hours in order to reconcile work and family life; instead they would opt for flexible forms of work, such as flexible hours, non-traditional working time arrangement, and telework. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, as well as the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working time arrangements, reduced working hours or homework in order to better combine work with family responsibilities.

Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. The Committee notes the enactment of Act No. 244/2005, Coll. effective from 1 July 2005, thereby amending the Act on Parental Contribution, which extended the framework for qualified care for children up to 3 and 6 years of age by granting a “parental contribution” to parents who take care of their children. The Committee also observes that according to the Government’s report, the utilization of the options provided for in the legislation is still insufficient. The Committee also notes that care for children below 2 years of age which had previously been provided by nurseries under the Ministry of Public Health, no longer exists and care for children of this age group is now provided by private providers for payment. The Committee invites the Government to keep it informed on the practical implementation of Act No. 244/2005 amending the Act on Parental Contribution, in particular on the number of parents taking care of children below 2 years of age who have requested such parental contribution. Please also provide information on the number of parents making use of private childcare providers and the obstacles encountered by parents in accessing such childcare. The Committee also draws attention to the fact that the Convention applies not only to workers with responsibilities in relation to their dependent children but also to workers with family responsibilities in relation to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support”. Therefore, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the initiatives taken or envisaged in that respect, including the status of the 2003 draft legislation regarding support services for dependent persons referred to in its previous report.

Article 6. Educational programmes. The Committee notes the projects aimed at eliminating gender-based segregation in the labour market and promoting work–life balance referred to in the Government’s report. In particular, the Committee observes that the Ministry of Education specifically requested universities preparing teachers and other educators to prepare their future graduates for the tasks involved in the education of students so that gender stereotypes can be removed. The Committee also notes the social audit project “Family and Work”, which aims at motivating employers toward the creation of working environments sensitive to the employees’ family responsibilities. Further, the Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the Confederation of Trade Unions’ Commission, the Independent Christian Trade Unions, the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights, the agency for small and medium-sized businesses and employers’ associations, intends to regularly carry out educational activities on the reconciliation of work and family for employers’ organizations, trade unions and Chambers of Commerce. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on both the impact of these initiatives in attaining the objectives of the Convention, and their practical follow-up.

Article 11. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that the measure “Support of pro-family collective bargaining through the recommended inclusion of implicit provisions for reconciliation of life at work and in the family into all collective agreement and contract types” has been incorporated in the strategic document adopted by the Government on 21 June 2006. The Committee also notes the extensive information supplied on the activities to sensitize social partners on the objectives of the Convention. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the measure “Support of pro-family collective bargaining” and invites the Government to keep it informed on its impact on the collective bargaining process.

Enforcement. The Committee notes that the National Labour Inspectorate and the regional labour inspectorates continue to execute special audits to monitor compliance with relevant legislation. It also notes that the measures envisioned under the 2006 strategic document include special measures aiming both at training labour inspectors and elaborating an effective methodology for controlling compliance of the working conditions with the objective of reconciling life at work and in the family. In addition to the role played by the labour inspectorate, the Committee also notes the role played by the National Centre for Human Rights and the Ombudsperson. The latter is reported to have received 5,000 claims since 2004, out of which 37 per cent concerned labour discrimination suffered by women. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of these bodies as regards the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment for both men and women workers with family responsibilities. The Committee also asks the Government to supply copies of any relevant judicial decisions in this regard.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. Definition of “dependent family member”. With respect to its request for clarification as to the definition of “other members of their family who clearly need care or support”, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that this provision is applied by article 116 of the Civil Code, pursuant to which “[a] close person is a direct-line relative, sibling and spouse; other persons in a familial or other relationship are deemed mutually close persons when one of them would, on reasonable grounds, perceive harm suffered by the other one as harm suffered by himself/herself”.

Article 2. Application to non-nationals. Regarding its previous comments on the application of the Convention to non-nationals, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the amended Act No. 195/1998, Coll. on Social Assistance extends social assistance to aliens and stateless persons provided they are not receiving assistance under international agreements binding the Slovak Republic. The Government’s report also specifies that a natural person who is not a citizen of the Slovak Republic may benefit from those social services, social prevention and social guidance which are provided by private providers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on how in practise the Convention is applied to non-nationals, including relevant statistical data. In particular, the Committee invites the Government to clarify in its next report whether non-citizens are allowed to benefit solely from those social services, social prevention and social guidance which are provided for by private partners, or, whether they can also benefit from the services provided under the Employment Service Act.

Article 3. National policy. The Committee notes with interest that the issue of reconciliation of work and family life has been a priority of the Government since 2005 and that the state family policy has identified this problem as a priority for the years 2005–06. The Committee further notes the strategic document “Measures for the reconciliation of life at work and in the family for the year 2006, with perspective until 2010”, approved by government resolution No. 560 of 21 June 2006. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that there is a trend towards an increasing ratio of women (66.23 per cent), including women with family responsibilities, among the jobseekers participating in training and other preparations for entry into the labour market. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the number of men and women with family responsibilities participating in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market indicating how many subsequently entered the labour market. The Committee also asks the Government to keep it informed of the progress made regarding the implementation of the measures set out in the 2006 strategic document on work and family, and their impact on achieving the objectives of the Convention.

Articles 4(a) and 7. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. With regard to its previous request for information on the practical implementation of the provisions included in the Labour Code and the Employment Service Act aimed at enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment, the Committee notes that according to the Government’s report those provisions may be implemented mainly through collective agreements, labour inspection and projects and programmes financed or co-financed by the European Social Fund. In this regard, the Committee also notes the amendments to Act No. 599/2003, Coll. on Assistance in Material Hardship, providing for monetary benefits for a parent who takes care of a child younger than 1 year, receiving assistance in material hardship. Additionally, the Committee observes that the Office of Labour, under paragraph 46 of Act No. 5/2004 Coll. on Employment Services, may provide the jobseeker with a contribution for education and preparation for the labour market of up to 100 per cent of the costs of the first educational activity, up to 75 per cent of the cost of the second, and up to 50 per cent of each additional educational activity within two years of the commencement of first training. The Committee would appreciate receiving more information on any projects and programmes carried out with the support of the European Social Fund, which promote the integration of workers with family responsibilities, including information on their outcomes. The Committee also invites the Government to supply information on the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Labour Code and the Employment Service Act enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment. Please also provide copies of any collective agreements which include specific provisions in favour of workers with family responsibilities.

Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. The Committee recalls its previous comments regarding special leave entitlements and working time arrangements. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report even though the legislation contemplates the possibility of working shorter hours and the Labour Code explicitly establishes a guarantee of equal working conditions of employees working reduced hours and those working the established number of weekly hours, both men and women workers utilize this option only to a small extent. In 2004, for instance, approximately 0.7 per cent of men and 1.9 per cent of women worked shorter hours in order to care for children and other dependent persons. In particular, the Committee observes that surveys conducted in the previous years confirmed that women generally showed no particular preference for shorter working hours in order to reconcile work and family life; instead they would opt for flexible forms of work, such as flexible hours, non-traditional working time arrangement, and telework. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, as well as the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working time arrangements, reduced working hours or homework in order to better combine work with family responsibilities.

Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. The Committee notes the enactment of Act No. 244/2005, Coll. effective from 1 July 2005, thereby amending the Act on Parental Contribution, which extended the framework for qualified care for children up to 3 and 6 years of age by granting a “parental contribution” to parents who take care of their children. The Committee also observes that according to the Government’s report, the utilization of the options provided for in the legislation is still insufficient. The Committee also notes that care for children below 2 years of age which had previously been provided by nurseries under the Ministry of Public Health, no longer exists and care for children of this age group is now provided by private providers for payment. The Committee invites the Government to keep it informed on the practical implementation of Act No. 244/2005 amending the Act on Parental Contribution, in particular on the number of parents taking care of children below 2 years of age who have requested such parental contribution. Please also provide information on the number of parents making use of private childcare providers and the obstacles encountered by parents in accessing such childcare. The Committee also draws attention to the fact that the Convention applies not only to workers with responsibilities in relation to their dependent children but also to workers with family responsibilities in relation to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support”. Therefore, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the initiatives taken or envisaged in that respect, including the status of the 2003 draft legislation regarding support services for dependent persons referred to in its previous report.

Article 6. Educational programmes. The Committee notes the projects aimed at eliminating gender-based segregation in the labour market and promoting work–life balance referred to in the Government’s report. In particular, the Committee observes that the Ministry of Education specifically requested universities preparing teachers and other educators to prepare their future graduates for the tasks involved in the education of students so that gender stereotypes can be removed. The Committee also notes the social audit project “Family and Work”, which aims at motivating employers toward the creation of working environments sensitive to the employees’ family responsibilities. Further, the Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the Confederation of Trade Unions’ Commission, the Independent Christian Trade Unions, the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights, the agency for small and medium-sized businesses and employers’ associations, intends to regularly carry out educational activities on the reconciliation of work and family for employers’ organizations, trade unions and Chambers of Commerce. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on both the impact of these initiatives in attaining the objectives of the Convention, and their practical follow-up.

Article 11. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that the measure “Support of pro-family collective bargaining through the recommended inclusion of implicit provisions for reconciliation of life at work and in the family into all collective agreement and contract types” has been incorporated in the strategic document adopted by the Government on 21 June 2006. The Committee also notes the extensive information supplied on the activities to sensitize social partners on the objectives of the Convention. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the measure “Support of pro-family collective bargaining” and invites the Government to keep it informed on its impact on the collective bargaining process.

Enforcement. The Committee notes that the National Labour Inspectorate and the regional labour inspectorates continue to execute special audits to monitor compliance with relevant legislation. It also notes that the measures envisioned under the 2006 strategic document include special measures aiming both at training labour inspectors and elaborating an effective methodology for controlling compliance of the working conditions with the objective of reconciling life at work and in the family. In addition to the role played by the labour inspectorate, the Committee also notes the role played by the National Centre for Human Rights and the Ombudsperson. The latter is reported to have received 5,000 claims since 2004, out of which 37 per cent concerned labour discrimination suffered by women. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of these bodies as regards the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment for both men and women workers with family responsibilities. The Committee also asks the Government to supply copies of any relevant judicial decisions in this regard.

CMNT_TITLE

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Definition of “dependent family member”. With respect to its request for clarification as to the definition of “other members of their family who clearly need care or support”, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that this provision is applied by article 116 of the Civil Code, pursuant to which “[a] close person is a direct-line relative, sibling and spouse; other persons in a familial or other relationship are deemed mutually close persons when one of them would, on reasonable grounds, perceive harm suffered by the other one as harm suffered by himself/herself”.

2. Article 2. Application to non-nationals. Regarding its previous comments on the application of the Convention to non-nationals, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the amended Act No. 195/1998, Coll. on Social Assistance extends social assistance to aliens and stateless persons provided they are not receiving assistance under international agreements binding the Slovak Republic. The Government’s report also specifies that a natural person who is not a citizen of the Slovak Republic may benefit from those social services, social prevention and social guidance which are provided by private providers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on how in practise the Convention is applied to non-nationals, including relevant statistical data. In particular, the Committee invites the Government to clarify in its next report whether non-citizens are allowed to benefit solely from those social services, social prevention and social guidance which are provided for by private partners, or, whether they can also benefit from the services provided under the Employment Service Act.

3. Article 3. National policy. The Committee notes with interest that the issue of reconciliation of work and family life has been a priority of the Government since 2005 and that the state family policy has identified this problem as a priority for the years 2005–06. The Committee further notes the strategic document “Measures for the reconciliation of life at work and in the family for the year 2006, with perspective until 2010”, approved by government resolution No. 560 of 21 June 2006. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that there is a trend towards an increasing ratio of women (66.23 per cent), including women with family responsibilities, among the jobseekers participating in training and other preparations for entry into the labour market. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the number of men and women with family responsibilities participating in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market indicating how many subsequently entered the labour market. The Committee also asks the Government to keep it informed of the progress made regarding the implementation of the measures set out in the 2006 strategic document on work and family, and their impact on achieving the objectives of the Convention.

4. Articles 4(a) and 7. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. With regard to its previous request for information on the practical implementation of the provisions included in the Labour Code and the Employment Service Act aimed at enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment, the Committee notes that according to the Government’s report those provisions may be implemented mainly through collective agreements, labour inspection and projects and programmes financed or co-financed by the European Social Fund. In this regard, the Committee also notes the amendments to Act No. 599/2003, Coll. on Assistance in Material Hardship, providing for monetary benefits for a parent who takes care of a child younger than one year, receiving assistance in material hardship. Additionally, the Committee observes that the Office of Labour, under paragraph 46 of Act No. 5/2004 Coll. on Employment Services, may provide the jobseeker with a contribution for education and preparation for the labour market of up to 100 per cent of the costs of the first educational activity, up to 75 per cent of the cost of the second, and up to 50 per cent of each additional educational activity within two years of the commencement of first training. The Committee would appreciate receiving more information on any projects and programmes carried out with the support of the European Social Fund, which promote the integration of workers with family responsibilities, including information on their outcomes. The Committee also invites the Government to supply information on the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Labour Code and the Employment Service Act enabling workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment. Please also provide copies of any collective agreements which include specific provisions in favour of workers with family responsibilities.

5. Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. The Committee recalls its previous comments regarding special leave entitlements and working time arrangements. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report even though the legislation contemplates the possibility of working shorter hours and the Labour Code explicitly establishes a guarantee of equal working conditions of employees working reduced hours and those working the established number of weekly hours, both men and women workers utilize this option only to a small extent. In 2004, for instance, approximately 0.7 per cent of men and 1.9 per cent of women worked shorter hours in order to care for children and other dependent persons. In particular, the Committee observes that surveys conducted in the previous years confirmed that women generally showed no particular preference for shorter working hours in order to reconcile work and family life; instead they would opt for flexible forms of work, such as flexible hours, non-traditional working time arrangement, and telework. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, as well as the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working time arrangements, reduced working hours or homework in order to better combine work with family responsibilities.

6. Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. The Committee notes the enactment of Act No. 244/2005, Coll. effective from 1 July 2005, thereby amending the Act on Parental Contribution, which extended the framework for qualified care for children up to three and six years of age by granting a “parental contribution” to parents who take care of their children. The Committee also observes that according to the Government’s report, the utilization of the options provided for in the legislation is still insufficient. The Committee also notes that care for children below 2 years of age which had previously been provided by nurseries under the Ministry of Public Health, no longer exists and care for children of this age group is now provided by private providers for payment. The Committee invites the Government to keep it informed on the practical implementation of Act No. 244/2005 amending the Act on Parental Contribution, in particular on the number of parents taking care of children below 2 years of age who have requested such parental contribution. Please also provide information on the number of parents making use of private childcare providers and the obstacles encountered by parents in accessing such childcare. The Committee also draws attention to the fact that the Convention applies not only to workers with responsibilities in relation to their dependent children but also to workers with family responsibilities in relation to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support”. Therefore, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the initiatives taken or envisaged in that respect, including the status of the 2003 draft legislation regarding support services for dependent persons referred to in its previous report.

7.  Article 6. Educational programmes. The Committee notes the projects aimed at eliminating gender-based segregation in the labour market and promoting work–life balance referred to in the Government’s report. In particular, the Committee observes that the Ministry of Education specifically requested universities preparing teachers and other educators to prepare their future graduates for the tasks involved in the education of students so that gender stereotypes can be removed. The Committee also notes the social audit project “Family and Work”, which aims at motivating employers toward the creation of working environments sensitive to the employees’ family responsibilities. Further, the Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the Confederation of Trade Unions’ Commission, the Independent Christian Trade Unions, the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights, the agency for small and medium-sized businesses and employers’ associations, intends to regularly carry out educational activities on the reconciliation of work and family for employers’ organizations, trade unions and Chambers of Commerce. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on both the impact of these initiatives in attaining the objectives of the Convention, and their practical follow-up.

8. Article 11. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that the measure “Support of pro-family collective bargaining through the recommended inclusion of implicit provisions for reconciliation of life at work and in the family into all collective agreement and contract types” has been incorporated in the strategic document adopted by the Government on 21 June 2006. The Committee also notes the extensive information supplied on the activities to sensitize social partners on the objectives of the Convention. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the measure “Support of pro-family collective bargaining” and invites the Government to keep it informed on its impact on the collective bargaining process.

9. Enforcement. The Committee notes that the National Labour Inspectorate and the regional labour inspectorates continue to execute special audits to monitor compliance with relevant legislation. It also notes that the measures envisioned under the 2006 strategic document include special measures aiming both at training labour inspectors and elaborating an effective methodology for controlling compliance of the working conditions with the objective of reconciling life at work and in the family. In addition to the role played by the labour inspectorate, the Committee also notes the role played by the National Centre for Human Rights and the Ombudsperson. The latter is reported to have received 5,000 claims since 2004, out of which 37 per cent concerned labour discrimination suffered by women. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of these bodies as regards the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment for both men and women workers with family responsibilities. The Committee also asks the Government to supply copies of any relevant judicial decisions in this regard.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

[…]

2. Article 1 of the Convention. Definition of “dependent child” and “dependent family member”. The Committee notes the broad definition of “family member” in section 40(5) of the Labour Code and the definition of dependent child in section 9 of the Act on Social Insurance – Collection of Laws No. 461/2003. The Committee also notes that sections 68(3), 103(g), 165 of the Labour Code refer to care of a “close person”. The Committee requests the Government to clarify in its next report how the “other members of their immediate family who clearly need care or support” are defined for the purposes of the application of the Convention.

3. Article 2. Application to non-nationals. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the measures taken to give effect to the Convention apply to all branches of the economy and to all categories of workers. It also notes that certain provisions cited in the report as relevant to the application of the Convention, particularly references to the Employment Services Act and the Social Assistance Act, apply only to citizens. In this regard, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to paragraph 47 of its 1993 General Survey on workers with family responsibilities which points out that the Convention is intended to cover all workers living in a particular country, whether or not they are nationals of that country. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the Convention is applied to non-citizens residing in the territory of Slovakia.

4. Article 3. National policy. The Committee notes the provisions prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation based, among others, on sex, marital and family status in the Acts mentioned in point 1 of this direct request. It asks the Government to clarify in its next report whether the ground of “family status” includes “family responsibilities”. Noting further that employees in the civil service and public function are only covered by the provisions of the Labour Code, if stipulated by a special regulation, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the specific provisions in the Labour Code aimed at assisting workers with family responsibilities apply to employees in the civil service and public function.

5. Articles 4(a) and 7. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. The Committee notes with interest that section 41(6) of the Labour Code prohibits the employer from asking for information about pregnancy and family conditions, and that sections 158 and 166, paragraph 1, of the Code provide that employees who return to work upon completion of maternity or parental leave shall be transferred to their original work or other work corresponding to the employment contract. Sections 153 and 154 provide for retraining of employees who cared for a child or for a dependent family member upon their return to work when they have been transferred to a new type of work or method of working. In addition, the Committee notes that the Act on Employment Services establishes conditions to assist certain categories of citizens with parental responsibilities to access employment through the employment intermediary system and their participation in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market. Measures include special contributions granted to employers providing jobs for disadvantaged jobseekers and contributions for childcare services for parents participating in the education programme, and preparation for the labour market (sections 8(d) and (e), 46(5) and (6) and 50 of the Act). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical application of the abovementioned provisions in the Labour Code and the Employment Services Act, including the number of male and female jobseekers participating in the education programme who have been granted contributions for childcare by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and the Family (MLSAF).

6. Vocational training. Further to the above, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that women, in the interest of family responsibilities, are often prepared to accept low-quality employment and that the prevailing orientation of women in education to humanities decreases their chances in the labour force. Therefore, retraining emphasizes computer literacy skills in the area of information technologies. The Government’s report further indicates that, in 2003, the National Labour Office provided for retraining of 13,787 women, 2,625 of whom were 45 years of age or older. Retraining courses were completed by 1,962 registered unemployed women (64.8 per cent of the total monthly average number of registered unemployed persons subject to retraining) and courses were mostly completed by women after maternity leave or women with low qualifications or education. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the number of men and women with family responsibilities participating in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market or any other vocational training programmes, the type of training courses they have followed and the number of them that have entered or re-entered the labour force following such training or preparation for the labour force.

7. Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. The Committee notes with interest the various provisions in the Labour Code regarding flexible working time arrangements and overtime (sections 87, 88, 163, 164 and 165), paid leave entitlements (section 141), including parental leave (sections 166 to 168) and breaks for breastfeeding (section 170), taking into account the needs of pregnant women, and male and female employees caring for children or for a close person who is mostly or completely disabled and not provided with social or institutional care facilities. It also notes the possibility of using flexible models of labour organization, such as reduced working hours and homework (sections 49, 50 and 52) and the Government’s indication that very few employers and workers are using this possibility in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, disaggregated by sex, on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, and an indication of the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working time arrangements, reduced working hours or homework in order to better combine work with family responsibilities.

8. Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report concerning the type and the extent of the social services provided under the Act No. 195/1998 on Social Assistance to citizens depending on assistance of another person. Furthermore, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that childcare for children above the age of 4 years old is relatively well established (at 30 September 2002, the kindergartens accommodated 70 per cent of all children of 4 years old, and 84.1 per cent of the 5 year-old children) but that childcare for children below the age of 2 is a problematic area and that the numbers and capacities of these professional establishments are unsatisfactory and are located mainly in urban areas. The Government also indicates that, with respect to children below the age of 3, many parents prefer to combine paid work and professional care of children, notwithstanding the existence of parental contributions. In this regard, the Committee notes the indications by the Government that the National Action Plan for Employment, as well as the Concept on Equality of Opportunities for Women and Men, include the provision of social services to working parents with small children and for persons depending on care of employed persons, and that many of the regional and district offices are seeking non-traditional and financially less demanding ways of spreading social services for families. In addition, the Committee notes that the MLSAF prepared draft legislation in 2003 with the objective of providing broader supportive services mainly to men and women caring for persons dependent on them and that it initiated a project introducing, among others, the issue of harmonizing work and family life into the agenda of the local and regional self-governments, which commenced in 2003. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on: (1) the status of the abovementioned draft legislation and the outcome of the initiatives taken by the local and regional self-governments seeking non-traditional and financially less demanding ways of spreading social services designed for families; (2) the number of workers with family responsibilities engaged in and seeking employment, and the number and age of children requiring care; (3) whether the childcare facilities and social services meet the present demand for such facilities and whether measures are being taken or contemplated to attempt to satisfy the demand for childcare facilities for children below the age of 2, and the progress achieved in this respect.

9. Article 6. Educational programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that women’s role with respect to the family and maternity is frequently considered as an obstacle to their work due to dominant gender stereotypes and traditional perceptions of family roles in Slovakia. It also notes that various educational and information activities have been carried out by the Government, the social partners and civil society organizations to promote equal opportunities between men and women, including activities to raise awareness on the need to harmonize work and family life, and on the status of workers with family responsibilities in the labour market. The Committee request the Government to continue to supply information on relevant surveys, studies or programmes undertaken, including those conducted by the Centre for Labour and Family Studies, to promote a broader public understanding of various aspects of employment of workers with family responsibilities and the need for a more equitable sharing of family responsibilities between men and women. Please also supply information on the programmes undertaken to address stereotyping with respect to family responsibilities.

10. Article 8. Termination of employment. The Committee notes the relevant provisions in the Labour Code protecting from unlawful termination pregnant women, female or male employees who are on maternity or parental leave, or who are caring for a child younger than 3 years old, as well as those who care for a close person who is severely disabled. It also notes that security for an employee upon temporary incapacity during pregnancy, maternity and parenthood shall be governed by special regulations (section 156). Please provide copies of the regulations concerned, as well as information on any court decisions concerning violations of the abovementioned provisions, illustrating that family responsibilities do not constitute a valid reason for termination of employment.

11. Article 11. Participation of workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Committee notes the cooperation between the MLSAF and the Confederation of Trade Unions to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. It also notes that the MLSAF annually evaluates the “Concept of Equality of Opportunities of Women and Men” in cooperation with the social partners and that it presents a report for discussion to the Council of Economic and Social Agreement. Noting further that methods are being sought in cooperation with the social partners to assist workers with family responsibilities to integrate into the labour market, the Committee asks the Government to provide additional information on the outcomes of this cooperation with the social partners.

12. Part IV of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the anti-discrimination legislation is not applied in practice and that very few women utilize the court procedures to claims their rights. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the provisions relevant to workers with family responsibilities are applied and to supply copies of relevant court or tribunal decisions that may have involved questions relating to the application of the Convention.

13. Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee notes the various practical initiatives mentioned in the Government’s report aimed at facilitating the integration of workers with family responsibilities into the labour market and assisting them to harmonize their work and family life. These include, among others, the European Community Initiative EQUAL and Measure 2.2. on “Removing obstacles to the equality of men and women in the labour market, with emphasis on the harmonization of working and family life” under the Sector Operational Programme – Human Resources, and the preparation of a concept note by the MLSAF in 2004 to propose measures in support of harmonizing working and family life and the creation of a helpful environment for parents in the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information in its next report on the practical follow-up of the abovementioned initiatives and the results achieved.

CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information provided by the Government in its first report, from which it appears that the Government has adopted a national policy to enable persons with family responsibilities who are engaged or wish to engage in employment to exercise that right without being subject to discrimination and without conflict between their employment and family responsibilities. This policy is embodied, in particular, in Act No. 311/2001 Coll. Labour Code as amended, Act No. 312/2001 Coll. on the Civil Service as amended, Act No. 552/2003 on Work Performed in Public Interest, Act No. 5/2004 on Employment Services, Act No. 195/1998 on Social Assistance, as amended, Act No. 261/2001 Coll. on Social Insurance, as amended, Act No. 280/2002 on Parental Contributions, and Act No. 365/2004 on Equal Treatment in Certain Areas and Protection Against Discrimination, amending and supplementing certain other laws. The Committee also notes the National Action Plan for Women in the Slovak Republic and the Concept for Equality of Opportunities for Women and Men defining measures to promote equal opportunities for workers with family responsibilities.

2. Article 1 of the Convention. Definition of "dependent child" and "dependent family member". The Committee notes the broad definition of "family member" in section 40(5) of the Labour Code and the definition of dependent child in section 9 of the Act on Social Insurance - Collection of Laws No. 461/2003. The Committee also notes that sections 68(3), 103(g), 165 of the Labour Code refer to care of a "close person". The Committee requests the Government to clarify in its next report how the "other members of their immediate family who clearly need care or support" are defined for the purposes of the application of the Convention.

3. Article 2. Application to non-nationals. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the measures taken to give effect to the Convention apply to all branches of the economy and to all categories of workers. It also notes that certain provisions cited in the report as relevant to the application of the Convention, particularly references to the Employment Services Act and the Social Assistance Act, apply only to citizens. In this regard, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to paragraph 47 of its 1993 General Survey on workers with family responsibilities which points out that the Convention is intended to cover all workers living in a particular country, whether or not they are nationals of that country. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the Convention is applied to non-citizens residing in the territory of Slovakia.

4. Article 3. National policy. The Committee notes the provisions prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation based, among others, on sex, marital and family status in the Acts mentioned in point 1 of this direct request. It asks the Government to clarify in its next report whether the ground of "family status" includes "family responsibilities". Noting further that employees in the civil service and public function are only covered by the provisions of the Labour Code, if stipulated by a special regulation, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the specific provisions in the Labour Code aimed at assisting workers with family responsibilities apply to employees in the civil service and public function.

5. Articles 4(a) and 7. Measures to promote free choice of employment and integration in the labour market. The Committee notes with interest that section 41(6) of the Labour Code prohibits the employer from asking for information about pregnancy and family conditions, and that sections 158 and 166, paragraph 1, of the Code provide that employees who return to work upon completion of maternity or parental leave shall be transferred to their original work or other work corresponding to the employment contract. Sections 153 and 154 provide for retraining of employees who cared for a child or for a dependent family member upon their return to work when they have been transferred to a new type of work or method of working. In addition, the Committee notes that the Act on Employment Services establishes conditions to assist certain categories of citizens with parental responsibilities to access employment through the employment intermediary system and their participation in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market. Measures include special contributions granted to employers providing jobs for disadvantaged jobseekers and contributions for childcare services for parents participating in the education programme, and preparation for the labour market (sections 8(d) and (e), 46(5) and (6) and 50 of the Act). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical application of the abovementioned provisions in the Labour Code and the Employment Services Act, including the number of male and female jobseekers participating in the education programme who have been granted contributions for childcare by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and the Family (MLSAF).

6. Vocational training. Further to the above, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that women, in the interest of family responsibilities, are often prepared to accept low-quality employment and that the prevailing orientation of women in education to humanities decreases their chances in the labour force. Therefore, retraining emphasizes computer literacy skills in the area of information technologies. The Government’s report further indicates that, in 2003, the National Labour Office provided for retraining of 13,787 women, 2,625 of whom were 45 years of age or older. Retraining courses were completed by 1,962 registered unemployed women (64.8 per cent of the total monthly average number of registered unemployed persons subject to retraining) and courses were mostly completed by women after maternity leave or women with low qualifications or education. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the number of men and women with family responsibilities participating in the National Programme of Education and Preparation for the Labour Market or any other vocational training programmes, the type of training courses they have followed and the number of them that have entered or re-entered the labour force following such training or preparation for the labour force.

7. Article 4(b). Working hours and leave entitlements. The Committee notes with interest the various provisions in the Labour Code regarding flexible working time arrangements and overtime (sections 87, 88, 163, 164 and 165), paid leave entitlements (section 141), including parental leave (sections 166 to 168) and breaks for breastfeeding (section 170), taking into account the needs of pregnant women, and male and female employees caring for children or for a close person who is mostly or completely disabled and not provided with social or institutional care facilities. It also notes the possibility of using flexible models of labour organization, such as reduced working hours and homework (sections 49, 50 and 52) and the Government’s indication that very few employers and workers are using this possibility in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, disaggregated by sex, on the number of men and women exercising their right to parental leave, and an indication of the number of men and women employees requesting flexible working time arrangements, reduced working hours or homework in order to better combine work with family responsibilities.

8. Article 5. Community services for children and other dependent persons. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report concerning the type and the extent of the social services provided under the Act No. 195/1998 on Social Assistance to citizens depending on assistance of another person. Furthermore, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that childcare for children above the age of 4 years old is relatively well established (at 30 September 2002, the kindergartens accommodated 70 per cent of all children of 4 years old, and 84.1 per cent of the 5 year-old children) but that childcare for children below the age of 2 is a problematic area and that the numbers and capacities of these professional establishments are unsatisfactory and are located mainly in urban areas. The Government also indicates that, with respect to children below the age of 3, many parents prefer to combine paid work and professional care of children, notwithstanding the existence of parental contributions. In this regard, the Committee notes the indications by the Government that the National Action Plan for Employment, as well as the Concept on Equality of Opportunities for Women and Men, include the provision of social services to working parents with small children and for persons depending on care of employed persons, and that many of the regional and district offices are seeking non-traditional and financially less demanding ways of spreading social services for families. In addition, the Committee notes that the MLSAF prepared draft legislation in 2003 with the objective of providing broader supportive services mainly to men and women caring for persons dependent on them and that it initiated a project introducing, among others, the issue of harmonizing work and family life into the agenda of the local and regional self-governments, which commenced in 2003. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on: (1) the status of the abovementioned draft legislation and the outcome of the initiatives taken by the local and regional self-governments seeking non-traditional and financially less demanding ways of spreading social services designed for families; (2) the number of workers with family responsibilities engaged in and seeking employment, and the number and age of children requiring care; (3) whether the childcare facilities and social services meet the present demand for such facilities and whether measures are being taken or contemplated to attempt to satisfy the demand for childcare facilities for children below the age of 2, and the progress achieved in this respect.

9. Article 6. Educational programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that women’s role with respect to the family and maternity is frequently considered as an obstacle to their work due to dominant gender stereotypes and traditional perceptions of family roles in Slovakia. It also notes that various educational and information activities have been carried out by the Government, the social partners and civil society organizations to promote equal opportunities between men and women, including activities to raise awareness on the need to harmonize work and family life, and on the status of workers with family responsibilities in the labour market. The Committee request the Government to continue to supply information on relevant surveys, studies or programmes undertaken, including those conducted by the Centre for Labour and Family Studies, to promote a broader public understanding of various aspects of employment of workers with family responsibilities and the need for a more equitable sharing of family responsibilities between men and women. Please also supply information on the programmes undertaken to address stereotyping with respect to family responsibilities. 

10. Article 8. Termination of employment. The Committee notes the relevant provisions in the Labour Code protecting from unlawful termination pregnant women, female or male employees who are on maternity or parental leave, or who are caring for a child younger than 3 years old, as well as those who care for a close person who is severely disabled. It also notes that security for an employee upon temporary incapacity during pregnancy, maternity and parenthood shall be governed by special regulations (section 156). Please provide copies of the regulations concerned, as well as information on any court decisions concerning violations of the abovementioned provisions, illustrating that family responsibilities do not constitute a valid reason for termination of employment.

11. Article 11. Participation of workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Committee notes the cooperation between the MLSAF and the Confederation of Trade Unions to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. It also notes that the MLSAF annually evaluates the "Concept of Equality of Opportunities of Women and Men" in cooperation with the social partners and that it presents a report for discussion to the Council of Economic and Social Agreement. Noting further that methods are being sought in cooperation with the social partners to assist workers with family responsibilities to integrate into the labour market, the Committee asks the Government to provide additional information on the outcomes of this cooperation with the social partners.

12. Part IV of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the anti-discrimination legislation is not applied in practice and that very few women utilize the court procedures to claims their rights. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the provisions relevant to workers with family responsibilities are applied and to supply copies of relevant court or tribunal decisions that may have involved questions relating to the application of the Convention.

13. Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee notes the various practical initiatives mentioned in the Government’s report aimed at facilitating the integration of workers with family responsibilities into the labour market and assisting them to harmonize their work and family life. These include, among others, the European Community Initiative EQUAL and Measure 2.2. on "Removing obstacles to the equality of men and women in the labour market, with emphasis on the harmonization of working and family life" under the Sector Operational Programme - Human Resources, and the preparation of a concept note by the MLSAF in 2004 to propose measures in support of harmonizing working and family life and the creation of a helpful environment for parents in the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information in its next report on the practical follow-up of the abovementioned initiatives and the results achieved.