Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156) - Portugal (Ratification: 1985)

Referring to its previous direct request, the Committee notes with interest the information contained in the report and documentation supplied by the Government.

1. The Committee notes from the inventory of social services compiled by the Directorate-General of Social Action that an increased number of facilities has been established for the benefit of children, older or invalid persons, those with drug or alcohol dependence and families. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the number and nature of such services correspond to the needs of the communities.

2. The Committee has also noted with interest the survey carried out by the Commission for Equality at Work and Employment (CITE) on the application of the Act concerning the Protection of Maternity and Paternity (Act No. 4/84 of April 1984), which will be used as a basis for a study to be undertaken by the CITE, in collaboration with other bodies of the Ministry of Employment and Social Security, on the question of "family assistance for older persons: policies and initiatives in enterprises to provide support for older dependants". The Committee requests the Government to furnish information on the results of this survey together with details on any action taken to further promote the objectives of the Convention with regard to workers with responsibilities for older dependants.

3. The Committee notes with interest the vigorous campaign being carried out by the CITE to increase awareness and provide information concerning equality in employment. It hopes that the Government will continue these activities with a view to encouraging a change in the traditional attitudes towards the sharing of family responsibilities.

4. With respect to measures to stimulate the employment of workers with family responsibilities under Articles 4 and 7 of the Convention, the Committee notes the collaboration of CITE with the World Trade Centre in a programme to increase the integration of women into the labour market, undertaken within the framework of the NOW Initiative of the Commission of the European Communities which is aimed at giving women the necessary training and support to create and manage their own small businesses. It also notes with interest the inclusion of material on equality in vocational guidance and training programmes. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on positive measures to encourage the entry or re-entry into the labour market of workers with family responsibilities.

5. Having noted the texts of court decisions relating to the application of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to continue to furnish any other such material that indicates the practical way in which effect is given to the Convention.