Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117) - Bahamas (Ratification: 1976)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report in reply to its previous comments.

Article 4(e) of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to send a copy of the draft Bill to revise the Cooperative Act as soon as it is adopted.

Article 5. The Committee notes the Government's indication that the Department of Community Health, in conjunction with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, seeks to ensure that a minimum standard of living and the provision of essential family needs are met. It asks the Government to provide any official survey that has been undertaken in this respect.

Articles 6, 7, 8 and 9. The Committee notes the Government's indication that migrant workers living away from home are provided with housing, food and water by the employer, and that provisions are made to facilitate the transfer of assistance to their families. It requests the Government to continue to provide further information on specific measures taken in this regard and, in particular, indications on the number of workers either immigrating or emigrating for employment.

Article 12. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the general regulation is that no more than 45 per cent of one's wages be committed or contracted to pay financial obligations. The Government further indicates that, in the event of emergencies, the employer may advance a part of or the whole of up to one month's wages and the repayment may be spread over three to six months. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the above regulation.

Article 14. The Committee notes the Government's reference to the Labour Market Information Newsletter on wage rates that was supposed to be attached to the Government's report but was not received. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a copy of the above document.

Article 15. The Committee notes with interest the Government's statement that the Education Act was amended in 1996, increasing the compulsory school age from 14 to 16 years. However, given that a copy of this Act, as amended, was not received, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would send a copy of it.