Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention, 1921 (No. 14) - Bolivia (Plurinational State of) (Ratification: 1954)

The Committee notes the indications contained in the Government's response to its previous comments and, in particular, the Government's statement to the effect that it will duly take into account the Committee's comment, in particular in respect of the application of Convention No. 14, during its revision of the General Labour Law. The Committee trusts the Government will provide full information in its next report in respect of the questions raised in the Committee's previous observation which read follows:

In earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 31 of Decree No. 244 of 1943 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Law), an employer may grant to a worker, in the event of work on the weekly rest day, either compensatory rest or compensatory remuneration. In a report received in February 1991, the Government indicated that the General Labour Law was in the process of revision with the technical assistance of the ILO. In its report for 1994 on the application of several Conventions, including Convention No. 14, the Government indicates there have been no legislative changes.

The Committee must recall that Article 5 of the Convention provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. It hopes that the new legislation will be adopted as soon as possible, with a provision to ensure that workers employed on a weekly rest day are granted a compensatory rest. It requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect and to supply a copy of the relevant text when it is adopted.

The Committee also requests the Government to refer to the comments that it has made under Convention No. 106.

The Committee again reiterates its hope that the Government will make every effort to adopt the necessary measures in the very near future.