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

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Sierra Leone (Ratification: 1985)

Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee recalls that since 2004 it has been requesting the Government to provide information on the manner in which it ensures effective tripartite consultations. In its report, the Government indicates that, in accordance with the Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations (Act No. 18 of 1971), tripartite consultation on labour matters are held on a regular basis within the Joint Consultative Committee. Section 8 of the Act establishes that the Joint Consultative Committee is composed of an equal number of representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government reports that tripartite consultations are held with regard to the matters covered under Article 5 (1) of the Convention and that reports of the meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee are compiled regularly. The Committee notes, however, that the Government does not provide information on the frequency, content or outcome of the tripartite consultations held. Lastly, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that efforts have been undertaken to ensure compliance with the obligations deriving from the Conventions that it has ratified, including Convention No. 144. The Government indicates, however, that further measures need to be taken to ensure its effective application. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the frequency, content and outcome of tripartite consultations held on all matters relating to international labour standards covered by the Convention: the questionnaires on the Conference agenda items (Article 5(1)(a)); the submission of instruments adopted by the Conference to the competent authorities (Article 5(1)(b)); the re-examination at appropriate intervals of unratified Conventions and Recommendations to which effect has not yet been given (Article 5(1)(c)); and reports to be presented on the application of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(d)). It also requests the Government to provide copies of the reports of the meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee. The Committee recalls that the Government may avail itself of the technical assistance of the Office with respect to its efforts to implement the Convention.

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 continue to provide updated information in its next report on the impact of the 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 reinforce the capacity of the tripartite constituents and strengthen mechanisms and procedures, as well as challenges and good practices identified.