Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) - Cuba (Ratification: 1975)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, particularly concerning the education system in the country.

Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 225 of the Labour Code prohibits the admission of persons under 18 years of age to certain types of hazardous employment, namely underground work or work involving the handling of substances which may harm their health. It noted that the scope of this provision is not sufficiently broad to cover all the types of employment or work likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons, as required by the Convention. The Committee notes that section 192 of the draft Labour Code prohibits young persons under 18 years of age from being occupied in work which: exposes them to physical and psychological maltreatment; is performed at night, underground or underwater; is performed at dangerous heights or in confined spaces; is performed with heavy loads; or exposes young people to dangerous substances, or to temperatures, noise or vibrations which are harmful to their health and development. The Committee notes that section 192 of the draft Labour Code gives effect to Article 3, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention. It notes the Government’s indication that before the draft Labour Code is submitted to Parliament for approval, it will be the subject of a second round of consultations with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee also notes that the Government expresses willingness to comply with its comments in order to give effect to the Convention. The Committee hopes that the new Labour Code will be adopted soon and asks the Government to keep the Office informed of any progress made in this respect.