Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

Workers' Representatives Convention, 1971 (No. 135) - Costa Rica (Ratification: 1977)

The Committee notes the Government's report.

The Committee notes with interest that a Central Labour Council made up of government, employers' and workers' representatives has been established to achieve a consensus on major social and labour questions, and that it has approved a national agenda which includes items concerning freedom of association.

The Committee recalls that for many years it has been drawing the Government's attention to the fact that, in Costa Rica, the protection of workers' representatives against dismissals or other acts which are prejudicial to their functions or trade union activities leaves much to be desired, as no relevant legislation exists and protection clauses are not systematically included in collective agreements.

The Committee notes from the Government's report that the draft of the comprehensive revision of the Labour Code has not yet been adopted and that it is being examined by a special government committee prior to being submitted to the Legislative Assembly for final approval.

The Committee hopes that the draft Code which the Government has referred to in its reports since 1981 and, in particular, the Bill to guarantee trade union rights will be adopted shortly and asks the Government to inform it when this draft legislation is adopted and to provide copies, and to indicate any other legislative measures that have been taken to ensure that full effect is given to the Convention.