Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Burundi (Ratification: 1997)

The Committee notes the observations made by the Trade Union Confederation of Burundi (COSYBU), received on 30 August 2018, and the Government’s response thereto, received on 22 September 2018.

Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. In its 2017 comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide a copy of the legislative, administrative or any other provisions that give effect to the Convention, in particular those governing the composition and operation of the National Social Dialogue Committee (CNDS) and the provincial social dialogue committees (CPDS), as well as to supply information on the consultations held annually on the matters concerning international labour standards set out in Article 5(1) of the Convention. In its observations, the COSYBU indicates that the social partners have proposed the ratification of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129). The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s response, both Conventions are currently under examination by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Security (MPTSS). The COSYBU also refers to a lack of prior consultation regarding certain issues that do not fall within the scope of the Convention; therefore the Committee will not address these. In its response to the observations, the Government indicates that it has always consulted employers’ and workers’ organizations and that there are regular meetings in which all discussions of relevance to the lives of workers take place in a framework of social dialogue. It is nevertheless noted that the Government has once again omitted to respond to the specific points previously raised by the Committee. The Committee therefore once again reiterates its request that the Government provide copies of the legislative, administrative or other provisions giving effect to the Convention, and particularly those governing the composition and operation of the CNDS and the CPDS. It also once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the frequency, content and outcome of the tripartite consultations held on each of the matters relating to international labour standards set out in Article 5(1) of the Convention.

Article 4. Administrative support. In its previous comments, the Committee invited the Government to describe the manner in which administrative support is ensured for the consultation procedures required by the Convention, as well as to indicate whether arrangements have been made in accordance with Article 4(2) of the Convention, with regard to the financing of any necessary training of participants in the consultation procedures. The Committee notes with regret that the Government has not provided information on this point. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to describe the manner in which administrative support is provided for the consultation procedures envisaged by the Convention and to specify whether arrangements have been made or are envisaged, in accordance with Article 4(2), or the financing of any necessary training of participants in the consultation procedures.