Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Suriname (Ratification: 1976)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and implementation of active employment policy measures. The Government reports that, following its ratification of the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), amendments were made to the national legislation. The Committee notes the adoption of the Private Employment Agencies Act 2017 (S.B. 2017, No 42) as well as the Labour Exchange Act (LEA 2017) (S.B. 2017, 67). It further notes the Government’s indication that the LEA 2017 reshapes the legal basis of labour exchange, introducing regulated freedom for intermediating institutions, ethical codes for intermediaries and employers, as well as protection of the rights of jobseekers. The Government further reports that its Labour Market division is engaged in the process of upgrading the public employment service to enable it to provide improved services to the community. In this context, the Committee notes that training was held in June 2018, with technical advisory support from the ILO, in the framework of the implementation of the Decent Work Country Program (DWCP) for Suriname. The objective of the training was to build the capacity of the public employment service (PES) and private employment agencies (PEAs) to respond quickly to developments in the labour market and highlight good practices. The Government indicates that staff from Paramaribo and Nickerie Employment Services, as well as business representatives and trade unions, participated in the training. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information in response to its previous comments concerning employment trends. It further notes that, according to the 2017 Economic Survey of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Suriname’s 2016 economic crisis, brought on by the decline of commodity prices and cessation of alumina production, has begun to abate in 2017, as revenues over the first five months of 2017 expanded by 32 per cent relative to the same period in 2016. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the new legislation on the promotion of full, productive and sustainable employment. It further requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the active labour market measures taken to reduce unemployment and increase employment levels. The Committee also reiterates its request that the Government provide up-to-date statistical information, disaggregated by age and sex, on the nature, extent and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment in the country, as well as to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to promote job creation and inclusive growth.

Women’s employment. Education and vocational training. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide detailed information on progress achieved in increasing the participation of women in the labour market. The Government reports that no assessment has been done with regard to the impact of measures taken in this regard. The Committee notes that the information provided by the Government on training organized by the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development (SAO) indicates that training programs remain highly segregated, with women being concentrated in certain traditionally feminine occupations, such as textiles, home care, nursing help and maternity care. In this regard, the Committee notes the 2018 concluding observations made by the Committee on the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), in which it expresses concern at women’s unequal access to employment opportunities despite their higher participation and attainment rates at all levels of education and the disproportionately high unemployment rate among women, in particular rural women, Maroon women and indigenous women. The CEDAW Committee also noted continued occupational segregation of women, their concentration in low paying jobs in the informal economy and their underrepresentation in non traditional occupations and managerial posts. In this regard, the CEDAW Committee invites the Government to implement targeted measures to address occupational segregation and promote women’s access to formal employment, including in managerial or decision-making positions and in non-traditional occupations (CEDAW/C/SUR/CO/4-6, paragraphs 36 (d) (e) and 37(e)). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on specific measures taken or envisaged to address occupational gender segregation, including measures taken to provide women with a broader choice of educational and vocational training opportunities, including in relation to non-traditional occupations. The Committee further requests the Government to provide detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age, and sex on the impact of technical and vocational training programmes in terms of providing employment opportunities to women as well as information on measures designed to improve the employment situation of Maroon women, including provision of entrepreneurship training.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that, according to available World Bank statistics, youth unemployment levels remain high (15.69 per cent in 2016 and 15.86 per cent in 2017). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to promote full, productive and lasting employment for young women and men.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the social partners are involved in the elaboration of Government policies (Policy Declaration, Development Plan), and the Labour Advisory Board (AAC) regularly issues recommendations on various subjects related to employment policy. In this regard, the Committee also notes that in the process of developing legislation, consultations have been held with a number of specific groups, such as the LGBT community, young persons, labour unions, the business community and religious groups. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on consultation with the social partners as well as other social actors and to indicate the manner in which account has been taken of their opinions in formulating of employment policies and programmes.

Small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government reports that the Foundation for Productive Work Units (SPWE) is taking specific measures at both the organizational and policy levels to support the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At the organizational level, a quality management system is being implemented within the SWPE. From a policy standpoint, it is focusing on its core business, including in the areas of: coaching, training and technical assistance for start-ups; promotion of business unit facilities and entrepreneurship support. The SWPE is also participating in the Alliance for Decent Work and Economic Growth which is focussing on decent work and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities. The Committee notes that the Board for Cooperatives (RACO) is advising the Minister of Labour on cooperative policy and legislation and promoting the development of new and existing cooperatives. The Committee requests the Government to supply statistical data on the number and type of newly created SMEs. It further requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to generate employment for particular categories of workers, such as people with disabilities through the promotion of cooperatives and micro-business, particularly in regions with the highest unemployment rates.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy measures. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there have been no legislative or administrative changes since its last report. The Government indicates that it is in the process of implementing the recently adopted Decent Work Country Programme with technical advisory support from the ILO. The Committee further notes that the Labour Exchange Bureau and the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development (SAO), two of the national institutions responsible for employment policy, have launched the Labour Market Policy Programme (Programma arbeidsmarketbeleid), training 60 persons in rural areas of the country to enhance their employability. The Government reports that, from June 2012 to December 2013, the Employment Agency of the Labour Market Department went to underprivileged neighbourhoods and rural areas of the country, in addition to Paramaribo, to bring services to jobseekers. The Agency registered 462 persons residing in these underprivileged areas with the Labour Exchange Bureau, out of which 66 persons were placed and 25 were provided with training. The Government reports that, according to ILOSTAT, the unemployment rate in Paramaribo and Waricka reached 10.7 per cent in 2014. The Committee further notes that, according to the 2016 Economic Survey of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Suriname’s economy contracted by an estimated 2 per cent in 2015, as falling oil and gold prices took their toll on the national economy. In addition, the ECLAC Economic Survey indicates that the closure of the Suralco Alumina Refinery in late 2015 led to steep declines in exports and foreign exchange earnings. The Survey indicates that, given the economic downturn, unemployment is estimated to have risen in 2015 and 2016 by two or more percentage points. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information in its next report, including statistics disaggregated by age and sex, on trends in the labour market relating to employment, unemployment and underemployment in both urban and rural areas of the country. It further requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to address the economic situation in the country and promote job-rich and inclusive growth.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners and affected groups. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the social partners are consulted in the beginning when the overall government policy is formulated. The Government adds that the Labour Advisory Board (AAC), the technical Social Economic Council (SER) and the Tripartite Consultation (TO) are all used to consult the social partners. In its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, paragraph 91, the Committee noted that “it is the joint responsibility of governments and the representative organizations of employers and workers to ensure that representatives of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries”. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on specific measures taken or envisaged to ensure the participation of workers’ and employers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of employment policies as well as on measures taken to consult representatives of the groups affected by these policies. It further requests the Government to provide examples of decisions reached through such consultations.

Support to small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government reports that the Foundation for Productive Work Units (SPWE) continues to provide technical and administrative assistance to small enterprises by offering coaching and consultancy services. It undertakes research on problems and possibilities for small enterprises and it organizes tailor-made trainings for start-ups and small enterprises. The Government reports that, during the period from May 2012 to May 2015, the SPWE provided training to 1,497 potential entrepreneurs (775 women and 722 men). The Government indicates that the Board for Cooperatives (RACO) is in charge of providing training to cooperatives on administration and management. During the abovementioned period, the RACO supported the development of five cooperatives in rural areas and held training sessions for students based in these regions, focusing on the agriculture and handicraft sectors. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken to support the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises and the impact of such measures in stimulating employment, including for persons belonging to groups vulnerable to decent work deficits and exclusion from the labour market, such as persons with disabilities, and indigenous and tribal peoples.

Women’s employment. Education and vocational training. The Committee notes the adoption in 2014 of the National Basic Care Insurance Act, the General Pensions Act, which includes maternity protection provisions, and the Minimum Wage Act. The legislation aims to facilitate participation of women in the labour market. The Government indicates that the National Basic Care Insurance Act covers pregnancy expenses except remuneration and promotes the employability of women, as well as the newly established After School Programme (Naschoolse Opvang). With regard to the Minimum Wage Act, adopted by the National Assembly, The Government adds that the Minimum Wage Act aims to reduce the gender wage gap. A draft of a new Maternity Protection Act, to guarantee the rights of pregnant women and mothers, has to be submitted to the Labour Advisory Board. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the employment measures taken to facilitate the participation of women in the labour market. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information, including statistics disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of its technical and vocational training programmes in terms of providing employment opportunities to its beneficiaries, particularly women and young persons.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Consultation of social partners. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report received in October 2012, including replies to the matters raised in the 2010 direct request. The Government reports that the Foundation for Productive Work Units (SPWE) is one of the institutions through which active employment policy is implemented. The SPWE has a role in the execution of government policy for entrepreneurs through training and awareness. Young persons are also being targeted during fairs in which the SPWE participates. In order to stimulate employment, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment started visiting different areas in the country where no labour offices are located nearby. The Labour Exchange Bureau, the SPWE and the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development (SAO) will be engaged jointly in these visits. The Government reports that one of the goals of these visits is to register persons seeking employment. The Government further indicates that a project was implemented in 2010 in cooperation with UNICEF in order to improve the matching of persons seeking work and jobs; improve the knowledge, skills, attitudes and motivation of persons seeking work; and eliminate social barriers hindering access to the labour market. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the number of employed persons reached 131,350 in 2010, while in the same year the number of unemployed persons was measured at 10,749 and discouraged workers accounted for 6,542 persons. The Government states that unemployment was measured at 8 or 12 per cent in 2010 according to the strict or relaxed definitions. Furthermore, the Government indicates that the consultation of persons affected is not incorporated in the formulation and implementation of employment policies. Policy programmes are formulated, adapted and implemented based on statistics. The Government adds that a national report on the informal economy was launched in 2007, and in this regard several consultations were held. The information contained in this report is used in the formulation and implementation of employment policy. The Committee recalls that Article 3 of the Convention requires consultations with representatives of all persons affected, and particularly representatives of employers and workers, in the formulation and implementation of employment policies. It is the joint responsibility of the Government and the representative organizations of employers and workers to ensure that the representatives of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on measures taken to implement an active employment policy and to match employers and persons seeking employment in rural areas. It also invites the Government to include updated information on trends in the labour market, particularly levels and trends relating to employment, unemployment and underemployment in the country. The Committee also requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the social partners are consulted regarding the formulation and implementation of employment policies.

Support to small and medium-sized enterprises. In reply to the previous direct request, the Government indicates that the SPWE has executed some measures to further the creation of small enterprises through the continuation of the Jep’ Kraka Ju Baka (JKJB-Fund) for small businesses and the continuation of the possibility of leasing production units at a low cost. The Government reports that 63 small business entrepreneurs have benefited from the JKJB-Fund. It also reports on other measures assisting small enterprises, such as the Competitiveness Enhancement Programme which aims to assist small enterprises with a growth potential in the agriculture and tourism sectors. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken to support the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises and their results in stimulating employment.

Women’s employment. Education and vocational training. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the training programmes held and the number of participants. It notes that there are more women than men participating in these programmes. However, women continue to predominate in training programmes leading to occupations traditionally held by women, such as cooking, cleaning and childcare services. The Government reports that since 2010, the Labour Exchange Department requires persons seeking employment to participate in a training programme before being placed. It adds that unemployed persons lack certain qualifications according to employers. The programme is focused on topics which include: basic rights and duties of workers, social skills, and writing résumés. The Government further reports that between August 2010 and August 2012, a total of 90 training programmes have been organized by the SPWE and 1,188 potential entrepreneurs were trained (497 men and 691 women). The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the results of its technical and vocational training programmes in terms of providing employment opportunities to its beneficiaries. It also invites the Government to provide information on the participation of women in the labour market and on the measures ensuring free choice of employment, giving workers the fullest possible opportunity to qualify for and use their skills, in accordance with Article 1(2)(c) of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Consultation of social partners. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report received in October 2012, including replies to the matters raised in the 2010 direct request. The Government reports that the Foundation for Productive Work Units (SPWE) is one of the institutions through which active employment policy is implemented. The SPWE has a role in the execution of government policy for entrepreneurs through training and awareness. Young persons are also being targeted during fairs in which the SPWE participates. In order to stimulate employment, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment started visiting different areas in the country where no labour offices are located nearby. The Labour Exchange Bureau, the SPWE and the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development (SAO) will be engaged jointly in these visits. The Government reports that one of the goals of these visits is to register persons seeking employment. The Government further indicates that a project was implemented in 2010 in cooperation with UNICEF in order to improve the matching of persons seeking work and jobs; improve the knowledge, skills, attitudes and motivation of persons seeking work; and eliminate social barriers hindering access to the labour market. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the number of employed persons reached 131,350 in 2010, while in the same year the number of unemployed persons was measured at 10,749 and discouraged workers accounted for 6,542 persons. The Government states that unemployment was measured at 8 or 12 per cent in 2010 according to the strict or relaxed definitions. Furthermore, the Government indicates that the consultation of persons affected is not incorporated in the formulation and implementation of employment policies. Policy programmes are formulated, adapted and implemented based on statistics. The Government adds that a national report on the informal economy was launched in 2007, and in this regard several consultations were held. The information contained in this report is used in the formulation and implementation of employment policy. The Committee recalls that Article 3 of the Convention requires consultations with representatives of all persons affected, and particularly representatives of employers and workers, in the formulation and implementation of employment policies. It is the joint responsibility of the Government and the representative organizations of employers and workers to ensure the representatives of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of the active population are associated as closely as possible with the formulation and implementation of measures of which they should be the prime beneficiaries. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on measures taken to implement an active employment policy and to match employers and persons seeking employment in rural areas. It also invites the Government to include updated information on trends in the labour market, particularly levels and trends relating to employment, unemployment and underemployment in the country. The Committee also requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the social partners are consulted regarding the formulation and implementation of employment policies.

Support to small and medium-sized enterprises. In reply to the previous direct request, the Government indicates that the SPWE has executed some measures to further the creation of small enterprises through the continuation of the Jep’ Kraka Ju Baka (JKJB-Fund) for small businesses and the continuation of the possibility of leasing production units at a low cost. The Government reports that 63 small business entrepreneurs have benefited from the JKJB-Fund. It also reports on other measures assisting small enterprises, such as the Competitiveness Enhancement Programme which aims to assist small enterprises with a growth potential in the agriculture and tourism sector. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken to support the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises and their results in stimulating employment.

Women’s employment. Education and vocational training. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the training programmes held and the number of participants. It notes that there are more women than men participating in these programmes. However, women continue to predominate in training programmes leading to occupations traditionally held by women, such as cooking, cleaning and child-care services. The Government reports that since 2010, the Labour Exchange Department requires persons seeking employment to participate in a training programme before being placed. It adds that unemployed persons lack certain qualifications according to employers. The programme is focused on topics which include: basic rights and duties of workers, social skills, and writing resumes. The Government further reports that between August 2010 and August 2012, a total of 90 training programmes have been organized by the SPWE and 1,188 potential entrepreneurs were trained (497 men and 691 women). The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the results of its technical and vocational training programmes in terms of providing employment opportunities to its beneficiaries. It also invites the Government to provide information on the participation of women in the labour market and on the measures ensuring free choice of employment, giving workers the fullest possible opportunity to qualify for and use their skills, in accordance with Article 1(2)(c) of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement included in the report received in August 2010 that the labour market institutions established with regard to employment policy are the following: the Foundation for Productive Work Units (SPWE), the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development (SAO), the Labour Exchange Bureau and the Labour Market Department. The Government provided employment statistics from 1995–2008 (Paramaribo and Wanica) indicating that the number of employed persons grew from 124,118 in 2007 to 127,162 in 2008, while the number of unemployed persons decreased from 14,806 to 13,082 during the same period. The Committee also notes employment data provided by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) which indicates that, in 2010, Suriname’s economy is expected to grow by around 4 per cent in light of increasing gold production and an expanding petroleum sector. ECLAC envisages a stronger demand for private housing and ongoing public infrastructure development projects and the subsequent expansion of construction and commercial services which account for 17 per cent of GDP. Agriculture, which employs a sizeable proportion of the workforce is also expected to increase its productivity levels. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on measures taken to implement an active employment policy through the abovementioned labour market institutions. It also requests the Government to include in its next report updated information on trends in the labour market, particularly levels and trends relating to employment, underemployment and unemployment in the country.

2. Support to small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government indicates that the SPWE’s target group for small and medium-sized enterprises includes the following sectors: timber production and processing, food processing, textile processing, handicraft and maintenance and repair. The Government indicates further support for small and medium-sized enterprises through the continuation of the Jep’ Kraka Ju Baka Fund (JKJB-Fund) which was established through a joint effort by the SPWE and the Credit Cooperation “de Schakel”. The Committee notes this effort has resulted in a total of 59 loan applications and the distribution of 31 loans, 13 of which were granted to males and 18 to females. In addition, the Committee notes the efforts to promote an entrepreneurial culture through practical skills training in identifying problems, analysing problems and problem solving. Some 250 participants underwent these entrepreneurial skills trainings in 2008 and 614 in 2009. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on continuing measures taken to support the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises and their results to stimulate employment.

3. Education and vocational training. The Government indicates that the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development (SAO) maintains the continued responsibility for providing technical and vocational training. The Committee notes SAO training activities have been expanded to particular districts and seek to provide specialized training for special target groups such as school drop-outs and juvenile delinquents. It also notes efforts to ensure that training programmes meet the demands of the labour market through the first Labour Market Information Fair held in February 2009. The fair sought to promote entrepreneurship and skills for product development and innovation and to gain insight into labour market trends and developments. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results of its technical and vocational training programmes in terms of providing employment opportunities to its beneficiaries. Please also report on new measures taken to ensure that the skills acquired through training programmes meet the demands of the labour market.

4. Article 3. Consultations with social partners. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the manner in which representatives of persons affected are consulted in the formulation and implementation of its employment policies. Please also indicate the measures taken or contemplated to involve representatives of persons working in the rural sector or in the informal economy in the consultations required under the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in September 2008. The Committee notes from Panorama Laboral 2008 that there was a 1.6 per cent growth in employment in 2008, but the rate of unemployment for the same year was 15.6 per cent, representing a 1.1 per cent increase over the previous year. The Government also refers to its 2007 National Employment Report which addresses, among other things, the economic, social and sectoral policies. The Committee recalls its previous request for information on the results of the implementation of the Multi-Annual Development Plan 2006–11, and asks the Government to provide further information in its next report on the measures taken to attain the objectives of its employment policy, and the implications thereof.

2. Support to small and medium-sized enterprises. The Government indicates that it is seeking to address unemployment through the creation of credit facilities for small businesses. In this regard, the Committee notes that the Foundation for Productive Work Units (SPWE) provides technical and administrative assistance to small enterprises through consultancy services. The SPWE delivered six, 15 and 12 courses in 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. The Government indicates that there has been no significant progress in the establishment of the Social Investment Fund, which was intended to provide credit facilities for small and medium-sized enterprises. A microfinance programme was, however, launched on 28 August 2008 and has since facilitated the provision of small loans. The Government also reports that the JKJB-Fund, which is a joint effort between the SPWE and the Saving and Credit Cooperation de Schakel, provides small loans to entrepreneurs of small businesses at a low rate of interest. The JKJB-Fund will make small loans available from June 2008 to June 2010, and is focused on four geographical areas. In so doing, applicants are given counselling, training and assistance in the preparation of their business plans. The Committee welcomes receiving information on measures taken to support the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises and, as a result, to stimulate employment. The Government may consider it useful to consult the provisions of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).

3. Education and vocational training. The Government also indicates that the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development (SAO) seeks to train the employed and unemployed and to promote the enhancement of skills and development of artisanship, through the coordination and promotion of training and retraining activities. The SAO also provides specialized training programmes for specific target groups, such as women and young persons. The Government further indicates that it is in the process of creating further training opportunities through the establishment of the Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre, which seeks to train or enable training for all workers and potential workers in the hospitality and tourism sector in Suriname. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results of its technical and vocational training programmes and the measures taken to ensure that the skills acquired through such training programmes meet the demands of the labour market.

4. Article 3. Consultations with social partners. The Government indicates that the National Commission on Employment has already fulfilled its task, in that it finalized the National Employment Report in 2007. The Government indicates that it still intends to transform the National Commission on Employment into a permanent tripartite entity, the National Council for Employment, which would be tasked with providing advice and reviewing the national labour policy. The Committee notes that the Labour Advisory Board did not hold consultations with respect to policy matters. However, it formulated advice to the Minister of Labour on the draft Labour Act, and proposals relating to contract labour and national sickness insurance. The Committee also notes that the Social Economic Council had yet to be installed, and thus no tripartite consultations were undertaken therein. The Government indicates, however, that it is intensively engaged in reviewing the labour legislation in Suriname, and has installed six commissions tasked with revising various parts of the legislation. The Government indicates that the views of tripartite partners are taken into consideration when amendments or new laws are recommended, through their participation in the commissions and consultations. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information in its next report on the manner in which representatives of persons affected are consulted in the formulation and implementation of its employment policies. Please also indicate the measures taken or contemplated to involve representatives of other sectors of the active population, such as persons working in the rural sector or in the informal economy in the consultations required under the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Integration of an active employment policy with economic and social policy. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government for the period ending in September 2006, which included information regarding the registration and placement of jobseekers and labour market information for the districts of Paramaribo and Wanica (the unemployment rate was at 8 per cent in 2004). The Government also responded that the provisions of the Constitution as well as of the State Decree on Terms of Reference of Departments (SB, 1991, No. 58) and the Act on the Labour Advisory Board (SB, 1984, No. 105) implement the Convention. It indicated that employment objectives are included in the Multi-Annual Development Plan (MDP) 2006–11, in particular the eradication of unemployment through the creation of facilities for small businesses; achieving a gender balance by promoting the employment of women in management positions; vocational training; and the creation of a social investment fund to provide credit facilities for small businesses. It also responded that its Policy Document for 2006–10 provides for the renaming of the National Commission on Employment to the National Council for Employment, which is to operate on a tripartite basis with the purpose of formulating proposals to increase productive employment. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the results concerning the implementation of the MDP, in particular with respect to the employment objectives it outlined in its report and their interaction with other social and economic objectives. It would also like to be kept informed on the impact the suggestions the National Council for Employment has on creating more productive employment.

2. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government indicated the tripartite manner in which the MDP was realized, as well as the tripartite consultations undertaken by the Labour Advisory Board and the Social Economic Council. It also indicated the establishment of a tripartite commission to develop proposals concerning the instalment of a minimum wage system. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed on consultations undertaken in the formulation of policy documents or by government bodies. It also asks the Government to provide further information on the role and functions of the National Council for Employment, in particular with respect to the way consultations are undertaken with employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as other affected groups.

3. Part V of the report form. ILO technical cooperation. The Committee notes the response concerning difficulties in finding funding and the lack of approval for certain technical projects. It asks the Government to keep providing information on how these difficulties are being overcome and draws the Government’s attention to the technical assistance provided by the ILO to implement active employment measures.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. Integration of an active employment policy with economic and social policy. The Committee notes the report provided by the Government for the period ending in June 2004, which included information regarding the registration and placement of jobseekers and labour market information for the district of Paramaribo and Wanica (the unemployment rate declined from more than 10 per cent between 1999 to 2002, to 7 per cent in 2003). The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to indicate in its next report that employment does have a central place in macroeconomic and social policies and in the design and implementation of the main economic and social policies and measures (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). The Committee considers it essential for employment objectives to be included "as a major goal" from the outset in discussions of the formulation of economic and social policies, to ensure that these objectives are truly an integral part of policies that are adopted (paragraph 490 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment).

2. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the functioning of the different advisory bodies. It asks the Government to provide further information on the manner in which consultations are ensured, including any examples of the questions addressed or the decisions reached on the matters covered by the Convention through the tripartite bodies that the Government has described. Please also provide information on whether consultations are carried out with representatives of the rural sector and of the informal economy (Article 3).

3. ILO technical cooperation. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the implementation of the projects it has described in its previous report (Part V of the report form).

4. The preparation of the next report including information requested in this direct request, will certainly provide the Government and the social partners with an opportunity to evaluate the progress made towards the achievement of the objective of full and productive employment of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2002 containing information in response to previous comments.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes that according to a survey held in 1999, the unemployment rate for the two most populous districts in Suriname increased by 3 per cent over the previous year reaching 14 per cent. Approximately 50 per cent of the unemployed were young persons between the ages of 15 and 29. The Government states that its employment policy goals include, inter alia, the establishment of cooperatives, the modernization of the public mediation service, the development of vocational training for disadvantaged groups of workers and the promotion of gender equity and equality in the labour market. The Government has also established a specialized unit within the Ministry of Labour to collect and analyse data on the labour market to be used in the development of employment programmes and policies. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive details on the various programmes implemented and their impact on employment promotion both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled workers. Please also supply information on underemployment as requested in the report form.

2. Article 3. The Government states that the institutions responsible for advising on and implementing employment policy are tripartite and report to the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment. Further to its previous request, the Committee again asks the Government to provide more detailed information on the functioning of these bodies, such as copies of texts relating to their duties, composition and operation.

3. Part V of the report form. In reply to its 2001 direct request, the Committee notes the information concerning the UNDP/ILO technical cooperation project on poverty eradication, including the Social Safety Net Programme and the Resource Development and Employment Programme. The Government explains that its efforts in this regard have been hindered due to, inter alia, lengthy administrative procedures and a shortage of human and financial resources. Please continue to supply information in future reports on the implementation of these projects, which are of a nature to facilitate the application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s very brief report for the period September 1998 to September 2000.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the economy is slowly recovering from a very difficult period, due to hyperinflation, an exchange rate crisis, decreasing real wages, increasing poverty, and a more general deterioration of social dialogue. The Government states that its general goals concerning employment promotion include: creating investment incentives; investing in human resources; fiscal reforms; stabilizing the exchange rate and prices; prioritizing needs of youth, women, people in rural and interior areas; developing a system for announcing job vacancies; and conducting job surveys to ensure training meets market demand. Please provide further information on the principal policies pursued and measures taken to promote employment, as well as disaggregated data on employment trends.

The Committee also notes that the Government has recently undertaken to develop a national poverty eradication strategy, with assistance from the ILO and UNDP, and has held a seminar on poverty issues. Please provide more detailed information on the strategy adopted, progress made in its implementation, and evaluations of the outcome, as requested under Part V of the report form adopted by the Governing Body.

Article 3. The Government states that all institutions at the national level employment promotion advisory bodies are tripartite, including the Labour Advisory Board. Please provide more detailed information on the functioning of these bodies, including how their input is used in shaping employment policy.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's very brief report for the period ending September 1998. The Government states that the 1994 programme for youth, drop-outs and women has finished and has not been renewed as it was not very successful. In its place, the Government is in the final stages of developing a National Reconstruction Plan, with assistance from the ILO, which is intended to support employment initiatives and to improve both education and the employment service. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether the Plan has been enacted, and to supply details of its objectives and programmes. The Committee also requests that the Government provide information on the overall and sectoral development policies, including rural and regional policies, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

The Committee notes the comments sent by the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (VSB). The VSB states that the Government's fiscal and monetary policies are exacerbating inflation; that high exchange rates, increasing foreign debt, and general poor governance have dampened economic growth; and that in general the Government's policies are unclear. Furthermore, the VSB considers that the Government's Economic and Social Council (SER) has not been effective. The Committee notes these comments and asks the Government to indicate how the experience and views of representatives of workers' and employers' organizations are taken into account in formulating and evaluating employment policies within a framework of coordinated economic and social policy, as required under Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2.

Lastly, the Committee notes that the Government has periodically undertaken to implement a system for statistical analysis of the labour market, with ILO technical cooperation. However, the project has not yet succeeded because, as the Government explains, there are no researchers to carry out the data collection and that, in any case, the response from trade and industry is poor. The Committee strongly encourages the Government to take measures to establish an adequate data collection system, and would appreciate receiving further information on any progress made, as requested in the report form under Article 2.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1996 and the brief information in reply to its previous comments. The Committee recalls that an ILO technical cooperation project covering employment planning and the implementation of employment policies was to have led to the compilation of statistics on the situation and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment. However, the Government only provides very partial information and indicates that it is awaiting the execution of the project. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be able to report progress in compilation and analysis of the statistics that are indispensable for the elaboration and pursuit of an employment policy in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, and that it will remain in contact with the competent ILO multidisciplinary team for this purpose with a view to obtaining its technical assistance, if necessary.

2. The Committee notes that, according to the Employment Service estimates for 1993, only 6 per cent of unemployed persons were registered with it, of whom around 25 per cent were placed in job vacancies. It refers in this respect to its comments concerning Convention No. 88.

3. The Committee notes the provisions of Act No. 112 of 1994, which envisage a subsidy amounting to 60 per cent of wage costs in the event of the recruitment of young persons under 25 years of age. It requests the Government to provide available information on the application of these provisions.

4. In view of the fact that the information provided by the Government does not reply to all the various matters raised in the report form adopted by the Governing Body, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the difficulties encountered in collecting data and in deciding upon and keeping under review the employment policy, as provided in Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee recalls in this respect the possibility of obtaining technical support from the competent services of the ILO. In particular, please indicate the impact that the implementation of the Long-term Development Programme (MOP) is expected to have or has had on employment.

5. The Committee re-emphasizes the importance that it attaches to giving full effect to the provisions of Article 3 of the Convention, which provide for the consultation of representatives of the persons affected by employment policy measures. With reference to the requests that it has been making for many years in this respect, it once again requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the representatives of employers' and workers' organizations and the representatives of other sectors of the economically active population such as those working in the rural sector and the informal sector, are consulted with a view to securing their full cooperation in the formulation and implementation of the employment policy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report on the period ending June 1994 and the information that it contains in reply to its previous request. It notes that the period was characterized by a decline in economic activity, a decrease in employment in the formal sector and a fall in the purchasing power of the currency. According to the Central Bank's (VCB) report for 1993, the situation requires the continuation of the stabilization programme to combat inflation and reduce the State's share of the economy through privatization. The report emphasizes that it is vital to strengthen tripartite consultation in order to ensure the success of the programme, which should rapidly be accompanied by the adoption of social protection measures. The Committee also notes the extracts from the Multi-Annual Development Programme (MOP) dealing with the labour market. The document shows that unemployment is affecting young persons and women particularly severely and is resulting in the emigration of the highest skilled workers, which can only compromise the country's growth prospects. In the short term, new jobs are only likely to be created in the informal sector.

2. The Committee notes that in this worrying context the Multi-Annual Development Programme refers in very general terms to placement and training measures financed, among others, by the Social Investment Fund. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the objectives and nature of the measures adopted in the context of the labour market policy and the results achieved as a result of these measures. The Committee also hopes that the Government will be able to provide statistics on trends in employment, underemployment and unemployment during the reporting period. It notes with interest in this respect the statement that the implementation of the ILO technical cooperation project on employment planning and the formulation and implementation of employment policies has resulted in the compilation of such information. With reference to its previous request, the Committee requests the Government to indicate any other action taken as a result of the project to improve the application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

3. The Government states that Act No. 95 of 1988 to establish the State Council is being amended. Please supply the amended text of the Act. The Committee also recalls that Article 3 of the Convention requires consultation with the representatives of all the persons affected by employment policy measures. Please indicate the manner in which, in addition to the representatives of employers' and workers' organizations, consultations are held with the representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as persons working in agriculture and the informal sector, with a view to seeking their cooperation in formulating and implementing the employment policy. The Committee cannot overemphasize the importance that it attaches to giving full effect to this fundamental provision of the Convention, particularly in the context of structural adjustment.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

1. The Committee notes the brief indications contained in the Government's report in reply to its previous request. It notes that, in connection with the implementation of a structural adjustment plan as from January 1993, a new development plan (MOP) is in the process of being prepared. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the employment objectives laid down in the MOP and to provide all relevant extracts of the MOP with its next report.

2. With reference to its previous request, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to report that progress is being made in the implementation of the employment measures financed by the Social Investment Fund and to provide the information already requested on the attributions, composition and operation of the National Council for Cooperative Societies and on the measures taken or contemplated to promote cooperatives as a source of productive employment.

3. The Committee observes that the Government has not responded to its request for additional information on the effect given to the provisions of Article 3 of the Convention. It again asks the Government to specify the procedure for appointing representatives of employers' and workers' to the State Council established by Act No. 95 of 1988, and the manner in which representatives of other sectors of the active population are consulted, in particular persons working in the informal sector, in order to ensure their cooperation in the formulation and implementation of employment policy.

4. The Committee notes that implementation of the ILO technical cooperation project on employment planning and the formulation and implementation of employment policies has been delayed. It hopes that the Government will shortly be able to indicate the action taken as a result of this project which is likely to be beneficial to the application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

1. The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request, and of the various documents appended to the report. It notes that the medium-term development plan ("Meerparen Ontwikkelingsprogramma" - MOP) is being examined by the National Assembly. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain information on the situation, level and trends of employment and unemployment and on the employment objectives laid down in the MOP indicating, in due course, the extent to which they have been or are in the process of being attained (Article 1 of the Convention). It asks the Government to provide a copy of the MOP or relevant extracts. Please also provide information on the following questions:

2. The Committee takes note of the information contained in the document "Suriname: The challenges to meet the social debt, 1980-87" prepared in co-operation with the PREALC. This document sets out the main lines of the Government's economic policy, which the Government will negotiate with the social partners, and contains proposals for job creation programmes. It stresses the importance that has been attached to increasing productivity in the formal and informal sectors of the economy and, in particular, the priority accorded to investment in activities that general productive employment and the fight against poverty. Furthermore, the Social Investment Fund (SIF) as a short-term policy instrument, should assist in the implementation of emergency employment programmes for the poorest sectors of the population. To this end, resources should be allocated to small enterprises and to the productive units of the informal sector. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain information on progress made in the implementation of the above-mentioned policies, and on measures to meet the needs of young people and other specific categories of workers, such as older workers, disabled workers and women.

3. The Committee notes that the foundation and growth of co-operative enterprises is to be encouraged and that a National Council for Co-operative Societies will be set up for this purpose. It asks the Government to give particulars of the measures that have been taken or are contemplated to promoted co-operatives as a source of productive employment, particularly for young people who have completed their education, and on the composition, operation and functions of the above-mentioned Council.

4. The Committee takes note of the technical co-operation project entitled "Employment Planning and Policy Formulation/Implementation". It notes that, in the immediate future, the project aims to assist in establishing a system for collecting and analysing statistical and other data on the labour market and strengthen the means for and improve the methods of formulating and planning employment policies and drawing up and implementing special programmes to promote employment. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the action undertaken in this respect including with regard to the questions raised above, and in particular the measures taken to ensure co-ordination of education and training policies with employment prospects, macro-economic policies and sectoral policies. Please indicate also any factors which may have prevented or delayed such action (Part V of the report form).

5. Article 3. The Committee takes note of Act No. 95 of 1988 establishing the State Council as a consultative and supervisory body whose 14 members, including the two trade union representatives and the representative of the employers' organisations, are appointed by the President of the Republic. Furthermore, according to the information supplied by the ILO Caribbean Office, tripartite consultations were held at the preparatory phase of the technical co-operation project mentioned in point 4 above, which provides for a tripartite advisory body to be created to monitor its implementation. The Committee welcomes the actions undertaken to involve the representatives of the persons concerned in the measures to be taken in the preparation and monitoring of the general policy and the employment policy. It asks the Government to provide additional information on this matter and to specify the procedure for appointing the representatives of employers' and workers' organisations to the State Council, and the manner in which the representatives of other sectors of the active population are consulted, such as persons occupied in the informal sector, to ensure their co-operation in formulating and implementing employment policy.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

1. The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. It notes with interest that article 27(1) of the 1987 Constitution prescribes that it is the duty of the State to guarantee the right to work by following a planned policy aimed at full employment, guaranteeing equal opportunity in the choice of profession and promoting the acquisition by workers of occupational qualifications. The Government indicates in its report that, in accordance with article 40 of the Constitution, a development plan is being prepared. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will provide detailed information on the defined employment objectives and on the employment policy measures taken or contemplated. Please provide, if appropriate, a copy of, or relevant extracts from, the development plan.

2. While noting the above provisions of the Constitution and recognising that they are in conformity with Article 1 of the Convention, the Committee remains concerned at the labour market situation which, according to the data enclosed with the Government's report, is marked by high levels of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people. In this connection, the Committee noted in its previous direct request that a large proportion of the registered unemployed were young people who had recently completed their education. The memorandum of the ILO Regional Adviser on Manpower Planning and Employment, forwarded by the Government, contains an appendix with information showing that the unemployment rate of the 15 to 24 age group might be about 65 per cent according to the results of a survey carried out among school-leavers in 1987. The Committee hopes that the Government's next report will contain information on measures aimed at satisfying the needs of young people (see also point 3 below) and other specific categories of workers such as the elderly, the disabled and women who, according to the above-mentioned sources, may constitute approximately 80 per cent of unemployed jobseekers.

3. Please indicate the measures taken or contemplated as a result of the suggestions made by the ILO Regional Adviser on Co-operatives, to promote co-operatives as a source of productive employment, particularly for school-leavers.

4. Please indicate also the measures taken or contemplated as a result of the suggestions made by the ILO Regional Adviser on Manpower Planning and Employment, particularly those designed to ensure co-ordination of education and training policies with employment prospects, macro-economic policies and sectoral policies.

5. Article 3. In reply to the Committee's last direct request, the Government indicates in its report that the social partners will participate in the Council of State as provided for in the 1987 Constitution (articles 113 to 115). The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information in its next report on the manner in which the representatives of employers' and workers' organisations are consulted (including representatives from other sectors of the active population, for example, persons employed in the informal sector) with a view to securing their co-operation in formulating and implementing employment policies.