Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Albania (Ratification: 1999)

Article 5(1) of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the composition of the National Labour Council (NLC) changed in April 2018. The Government further indicates that the most representative workers’ and employers’ organisations participating in the NLC are determined by decision of the Council of Ministers every three years. The Committee welcomes the information provided by the Government with regard to the tripartite consultations held within the NLC on matters related to international labour standards in June 2020. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication that, in the tripartite consultations held, the social partners concurred with the Government’s proposal to ratify the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). The Government adds that measures have been taken to initiate the process of ratification of Convention No. 190, which is expected to be ratified in 2020. The Government indicates that prior to the ratification, the relevant institutions should examine whether the national legislation is in line with the provisions of the convention or whether the introduction of legal amendments are needed. In addition, the Government indicates that, in the context of the NLC discussions, the social partners discussed the measures taken by the Government to address the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the finance, health, education and touristic sectors. Lastly, the Government indicates that the social partners are consulted with regard to reports on ratified Conventions, submitted under article 22 of the ILO Constitution. The Committee nevertheless notes that the Government does not provide information on the tripartite consultations held with regard to questionnaires on Conference agenda items (Article 5(1)(a)); the submission of instruments adopted by the Conference to the National Assembly (Article 5(1)(b)), and the possible denunciation of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(e)). The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide updated detailed information on the content and the outcome of the tripartite consultations held on all matters concerning international labour standards covered by the Convention, including on the questionnaires on Conference agenda items (Article 5(1)(a)); the proposals to be made to the Albanian Parliament in connection with the submission of Conventions and Recommendations pursuant to article 19 of the ILO Constitution (Article 5(1)(b)); and the possible denunciation of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(e)).

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee recalls the comprehensive guidance provided by international labour standards. It encourages member States to engage in tripartite consultation and social dialogue more broadly as a solid foundation for developing and implementing effective responses to the profound socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on measures taken in this respect, in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention and Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Recommendation No. 152, including with regard to steps taken to build the capacity of the tripartite constituents and strengthen mechanisms and procedures, as well as challenges and good practices identified.