Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117) - Guatemala (Ratification: 1989)

Parts I and II of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living. The Committee notes the detailed information provided in the report received in September 2008, which includes a very descriptive document from the Ministry of Economy on the Government’s plans for 2008–12. Four strategic programmes stand out in the following areas: solidarity, governance, productivity and regionalism. To strengthen productive activity, an emergency plan has been established for the production of staple grains, leasing of land and the delivery of fertilizers at subsidized prices. Furthermore, the Government intends to devise an agricultural policy to meet the needs of domestic consumption and to market surpluses abroad. The Government has also communicated the main features of policy relating to monetary, foreign exchange and credit matters approved by the Bank of Guatemala. The Committee welcomes the information received and requests the Government to continue preparing reports on the application of the Convention, which will enable it to examine the manner in which it is ensured that “the improvement of standards of living” has been regarded as “the principal objective in the planning of economic development” (Article 2 of the Convention). Please specify whether the objectives set out in the Government’s plan for 2008–12 have been achieved and whether measures to promote productive capacity and improve the standards of living of agricultural producers have been successful (Article 4).

Part IV. Wages. In a direct request, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the manner in which it ensures the application of Article 12 of the Convention on advances on the remuneration of workers.

Part VI. Education and training. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the courses offered by the Technical Institute for Training and Productivity (INTECAP). The Committee refers to the comments on the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) with regard to matching the education and training offered with employment policies.