Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Bahamas (Ratification: 1976)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Article 1(c) and (d) of the Convention. In comments made for many years, the Committee has referred to sections 128, 130 and 134 of the 1976 Merchant Shipping Act, under which various breaches of labour discipline are punishable with imprisonment (involving an obligation to work) and deserting seafarers may be forcibly returned on board ship; and sections 72 and 73 of the Industrial Relations Act (Official Gazette, Supplement Part I, 10 September 1970, No. 36), under which participation in a strike is punishable with imprisonment, involving an obligation to perform labour. The Committee noted the Government’s indication in its report received in 1999 that the abovementioned sections of the Merchant Shipping Act had not been amended. As regards the abovementioned provisions of the Industrial Relations Act, the Government stated that no such provisions had been applied for participation in an industrial action, that 1998 and early 1999 were typical examples of high industrial action activity and no repressive measures have been used against any group of participants. While noting this information, the Committee reiterates its hope that the necessary measures will be taken to amend or repeal the abovementioned provisions in order to bring the legislation into conformity with the Convention. It asks the Government to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in this regard and to supply a copy of the latest consolidated text of the Industrial Relations Act.

The Committee is addressing a more detailed request on the matter directly to the Government.