Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Yemen (Ratification: 1976)

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The Committee notes that the Government’s overdue report on Convention No. 81 has not been received. In light of its urgent appeal launched to the Government in 2022, the Committee proceeds with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal.

The Committee also notes the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground and the presence of armed groups and armed conflict.

Labour law reform. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that it will provide a copy of the Labour Code, which includes amendments to the powers of inspectors and concerning the protection of inspectors, once it has been promulgated. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation in the country,the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary steps to amend the Labour Code and indicate any developments in this regard.

Articles 4, 5(a) 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the Convention. Effective organization and functioning of the labour inspection system under the supervision and control of a central authority, including the provision of sufficient human resources and material means to the labour inspection services and adequate conditions of service to labour inspectors. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that instruments of coordination shall be put in place between the General Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (GAOSH) and the General Administration of Labour Inspection (GALI), and that there shall be coordination with Government bodies providing similar services. The Government also indicated that financial resources are limited due to the impact of the conflict and the difficult economic situation, and once stability returns, funding will be allocated to support inspection and enable it to carry out its task of monitoring the application of labour legislation. In addition, the Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that as part of the project of restructuring of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MOSAL), internet and computer services have been extended to all general departments, but these are still extremely limited. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to: (i) ensure coordination between the GAOSH and the GALI, and other public or private institutions and bodies engaged in work similar to labour inspection; (ii) increase the number of labour inspectors; and (iii) ensure that the conditions of service of labour inspections, including the system of remuneration and wage levels, are such that labour inspectors are independent of improper external influences, and that they enjoy the required neutrality for the proper discharge of their duties, in conformity with the principles laid down in Article 6.

In this regard, while welcoming the provision of internet and computer services in all general departments, the Committee encourages the Government to intensify its efforts to provide labour inspection services with the necessary financial and material resources to operate effectively. It once again requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the budget of the MOSAL allocated for this purpose, also specifying the proportion of the national budget.

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