Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) - Chile (Ratification: 2011)

Follow-up to the recommendations of the tripartite committee (representation made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution)

The Committee notes that in March 2016 the Governing Body approved the report of the tripartite committee set up to examine the representation alleging non observance of the Convention by Chile, made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the College of Teachers of Chile AG (GB.326/INS/15/6).

Article 3 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers. The Committee notes with interest from the Government’s report that the national occupational safety and health (OSH) policy was approved by Supreme Decree No. 47 of 4 August 2016. The Committee notes that the policy was developed in three phases in which consultations were held at the national and regional levels with the participation of various social actors, representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations and various public bodies having expertise in occupational safety and health matters. The Committee also notes that, in relation to the representation, the Government and the College of Teachers of Chile AG have held consultations in a number of round tables since November 2014, and particularly the technical round table on the excessive workload of teachers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consideration given to the specific problems of teachers within the framework of the national policy.

Article 4(1) and (2). Progressive development of a national system for occupational safety and health. The Committee notes that the tripartite committee that examined the representation considered that the Government was taking measures to adapt the relevant legislation to the OSH problems of teachers, and particularly the problems related to the “excessive teaching workload”, and to revise section 69 of the Teachers’ Statute and its regulations in terms of the proportion of hours spent on non-teaching or supplementary activities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard.

The Committee also notes that the tripartite committee trusted that the Government would take the necessary measures as soon as possible, in consultation with the College of Teachers, to re-examine the legislation with regard to the time required for the teacher appraisal process and the locations assigned for the process. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on this subject.

Article 5. National programme. The tripartite committee encouraged the Government to set up a national OSH programme which takes account of the specific features of teaching work and includes objectives, targets and indicators of progress. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, with a view to the approval of the national OSH policy, a first workshop would be held in December 2016 to prepare the national programme. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the preparation of the national programme and the manner in which the specific features of teaching work have been taken into account in this respect.

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