Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) - Djibouti (Ratification: 1978)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Protection in practice against acts of anti union discrimination and interference. The Committee notes the comments of 30 August 2013 by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) reporting persistent acts of anti-union discrimination against leaders of the Labour Union of Djibouti (UDT) and anti-union dismissals of members of a dockworkers’ union. In its previous comments, the Committee took note of comments received from the ITUC, the UDT and the General Union of Djibouti Workers (UGTD) reporting dismissals and acts of anti-union discrimination and interference in the postal sector and other sectors. The Committee observes that the Government merely reiterates the legislative provisions prohibiting and penalizing anti-union practices and refers to acts of discrimination that have already been examined by the Committee on Freedom of Association. The Committee therefore urges the Government to send its observations in reply to the serious allegations regarding the situation in the ports and postal sectors, and in particular on the situation of the UDT and its leaders, indicating inter alia any enquiries conducted by the authorities and their results.

More generally, the Committee notes with concern that according to comments received from the trade union organizations, some unions in the country are still facing serious impediments to the exercise of their trade union rights. The Committee again emphasizes that, under the Convention, the Government has a duty to ensure that workers enjoy adequate protection against acts of anti-union discrimination (Article 1 of the Convention) and to ensure that workers’ and employers’ organizations enjoy adequate protection against any acts of interference (Article 2). The Committee urges the Government to take all suitable measures to ensure such protection.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.