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

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) - Belize (Ratification: 1983)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

The Committee recalls with regret that it has been drawing the Government’s attention since 1989 to the need to ensure that workers benefit from adequate protection against anti-union discrimination. It recalls that the fines which may be imposed upon an employer found guilty of anti-union discrimination against workers may not exceed $250 (Labour Ordinance, Chapter 234, section 199). Given that the monetary penalties have not been revised in the light of inflation and do not exert a sufficiently dissuasive effect against acts of anti-union discrimination, the Committee requests that the Government take measures to amend the legislation to ensure that it is in full conformity with the Convention. The Committee hopes the Government will make every effort possible to take the necessary measures in the very near future.

Articles 3 and 4 of the Convention. The Committee notes that a draft Act (Trade Union Recognition Act) aimed at ensuring adequate recognition of unions has been submitted by the Government to the competent authority. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of the status of this draft.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.