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

Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) - Denmark (Ratification: 1951)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report.

The Committee recalls that its previous comments concerned section 10 of Act No. 408 of 1988 establishing the Danish International Ships' Register (DIS) which prevented workers employed on board Danish ships but who are not residents of Denmark from being represented in collective bargaining by organizations of their own choosing, in contravention of Articles 2, 3 and 10 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government maintains the point of view which it has expressed in previous reports concerning the need for a broader discussion within the ILO on international registers based upon a study which could be made on the effects of such registers on non-domiciled seafarers' working and living conditions. The Government adds that most seafarers' organizations have made a two-year truce with the shipping federations in March 1997 securing the organizations' right to be represented in collective negotiations with the foreign organizations in order to make sure that the concluded agreements are at an acceptable international level.

While noting that an agreement has temporarily been reached with some seafarers' organizations concerning negotiations in respect of non-resident seafarers on board Danish ships, the Committee recalls that Articles 2, 3 and 10 provide that workers, without distinction, shall have the right to join the organization of their own choosing and that such organizations shall be able to function to ensure the furtherance and defence of their interests. It once again trusts that the Government will consider taking the necessary steps to ensure these non-resident seafarers the right to be represented by organizations of their own choosing.

The Committee is also addressing a request on another point directly to the Government.