Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Antigua and Barbuda (Ratification: 2002)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Committee notes the Government’s reply received in September 2009 to its 2008 direct request. The Government reports that it still does not have an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, and that the global economic crisis has forced it to re‑evaluate its position as workers are losing their jobs and economic activities have slowed. The Committee notes with interest that the Government has introduced an unemployment fund to assist those workers who have lost their jobs. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on any measures or steps taken to ensure an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. The Committee would also welcome receiving information on any programmes or measures implemented as regards preserving jobs and economic activities during the global economic crisis.

2. Education and vocational training. The Committee notes with interest that the Government further reports that the National Training Agency Act took effect on 4 December 2008, which, in conjunction with the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education, aims to enhance technical and vocational training. The Committee invites the Government to supply information on how the National Training Agency (NTA) aims to coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

3. Article 2. Collection and use of employment data. The Government reiterates in its report that the Labour Department of Antigua and Barbuda houses a statistical unit which is charged with the collection of data in reference to employment. The Committee notes that the Government is seeking ILO technical assistance in setting up an effective statistical database. The Committee continues to invite the Government to supply information on steps taken to strengthen the capacity of the statistics unit of the Labour Department to collect and analyse statistical data and to assess the situation of, and trends in, employment, unemployment and underemployment.

4. Article 3. Participation of social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee notes that the National Labour Board has the mandate of reviewing the national Labour Code. This Board is comprised of representatives from government, the unions and the Employers’ Federation, and consultations are held through this forum. The Committee further notes that, according to part 1, section 4, of the National Training Agency Act, the Agency is governed by the board of directors comprising four public officers and seven private sector representatives, including representatives from the Trade Union Congress and the Employers’ Federation. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the consultations held by the NTA on the matters covered by the Convention, specifically, details of their contribution to the implementation of an active employment policy.