Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156) - Uruguay (Ratification: 1989)

1. Articles 3, 4 and 5 of the Convention. With regard to points 1, 2 and 4 of its previous direct request, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will send the requested information shortly and that it has not done so before due to changes in the objectives of the former National Institute for the Family and Women, now known as the National Women’s Institute, which reports to the Ministry of Social Development and is responsible for gender policies. The Committee recalls that the Convention has, in fact, the dual objective of creating equality of opportunity and treatment in working life between men and women with family responsibilities, on the one hand, and between men and women with such responsibilities and workers without such responsibilities, on the other (General Survey, 1993, paragraph 25). The Committee also recalls that the implementation of the Convention requires measures to be taken in a number of distinct areas, responsibility for which is normally vested in more than one government agency or ministry or indeed, non-governmental organizations (General Survey, 1993, paragraphs 62 and 63). The Committee, therefore, awaits the information promised by the Government and requests that the Government’s response takes into consideration the comments made previously in respect of the objective and scope of the Convention and the diversification of the measures necessary for its implementation.

2. Article 5. Childcare services and facilities. The Committee notes the statistical data provided by the Government concerning the number of children in the country, children in early childhood public education, and registered practices in the private sector which provide childcare facilities and services. The Committee notes that the statistical data provided by the Government does not indicate the percentage of male and female children who attend public schools in relation to the total number. The Committee requests the Government to provide further, more detailed information on this matter, including, insofar as is possible, statistical data, so that it can assess compliance with this Article of the Convention.

3. Article 6. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the National Directorate of Employment (DINAE) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Tripartite Committee for Equality of Opportunity and Treatment in Working Life, and the National Women’s Institute aim to raise awareness in respect of the content of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide more detailed information on the measures taken to promote, through information and education, a broader understanding of the principles set forth in the Convention.

4. Article 8. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has no new information concerning judicial or administrative rulings pertaining to the Convention. In the event that any rulings of this kind are issued, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information thereon in its next report.

5. Article 9. With regard to the information requested concerning the scope and application in practice of Act No. 16045 with respect to the prohibition of discrimination against workers with family responsibilities, the Committee notes the information which was provided by the Government in its report concerning the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), and which was referred to in the comments on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111). The Committee refers in this regard to the abovementioned comments and asks the Government for information relating specifically to the application of the present Convention in respect of complaints received and subsequent rulings issued.

6. Article 11. With regard to the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the preparation and implementation of the measures adopted to give effect to the Convention, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is continuing its work to develop this issue further. The Committee requests the Government, once again, to continue it efforts in this area and asks it to provide detailed information in this respect in its next report.