Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Greece (Ratification: 1984)

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

The Committee takes note of the supplementary information provided by the Government in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020). The Committee proceeded with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the supplementary information received from the Government this year, as well as the information at its disposal in 2019.

The Committee notes the observations of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) received on 30 August 2019, as well as the Government’s reply received on 21 November 2019.

Employment trends and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee has been noting the persistent high unemployment rates in the country for some time and has been encouraging the country to take measures to address the situation. The Committee notes that, according to the ILOSTAT database, the overall unemployment rate fell from 21.5 per cent in 2017 to 17.3 in 2019, while the labour force participation rate stood at 52 per cent in 2019, before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government indicates that the pandemic is pushing the Greek labour market to its limits and provides information on a series of measures taken to reduce the impact of the pandemic on the labour market, including measures to safeguard employment rights in the event of suspension of employment contracts by prohibiting layoffs and requiring enterprises to retain jobs, as well as by providing compensation to suspended employees. The Government indicates that, during this period, it continues to provide guaranteed employment for unemployed persons in the public sector through community employment jobs as well as in the private sector through the subsidization of private enterprises. The Committee notes with interest the short-time work scheme SUN-ERGASIA, which seeks to support affected businesses by reducing their labour costs and allowing flexibility in staff management, while at the same time protecting employment by excluding all employee layoffs within this framework. The Committee further notes the special measures targeting seasonal workers by requiring businesses that have suspended such employees to gradually reintegrate them as conditions permit. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market, including statistical information, disaggregated by age and sex, on the size and distribution of the labour force, rates of employment, unemployment and under employment and the size of the informal economy. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the pandemic and the measures adopted to mitigate its effects have affected the implementation of the objectives of the Convention.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy and labour market measures. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to address the national employment situation and to provide information on the impact of employment initiatives taken within the framework of an active employment policy. In its observations, the GSEE maintains that there is no coherent data on the impact of such initiatives, including on the impact of measures taken to promote the integration of the long-term unemployed in the labour market, as well as of persons in vulnerable situation. The GSEE reiterates its previous observations that high unemployment rates in the country are related to three factors: (i) the dismantling of legislation on temporary employment which had the effect of deterring the hiring of new employees; (ii) bankruptcies and lay-offs; and (iii) new legislation which has facilitated dismissals. The GSEE also reiterates that the Government has not presented any specific examples of job creation and active employment policies, or of efforts made to encourage the unemployed to return to work. In its report, the Government reports that it faces two major challenges: the stimulation of labour demand and the improvement of effectiveness and targeting of the enacted measures. In this context, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has designed actions with a view to increasing employment, primarily focussed on reducing youth and long-term unemployment, increasing the labour force and reversing the “brain drain” phenomenon. The Government indicates that one of the most important reforms in the context of upgrading the labour market environment is the re-design of Active Employment Policies which is provided through the Structural Reform Support Service aiming to enhance job-seekers’ employability through active interventions. The Committee notes that these new types of programmes are characterised by a tailor-made approach based, inter alia, on the enforced role of an employment counsellor who will monitor the progress with a view to assisting the unemployed to gradually integrate into the labour market. The Committee notes that the new Active Employment Policies reform model is being tested in a pilot project implemented in three municipalities with a view to be expanded throughout the country. In the context of reforms of active employment policies, the Ministry of Labour promotes the development of the Monitoring Implementation System, a framework to monitor and assess the Active Employment Policies. The Committee takes note of the detailed assessment studies provided by the Government which include information regarding the results of measures of employment policy adopted. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information regarding the policies and measures taken to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment and on the impact of employment initiatives adopted within the implementation of an active employment policy, including on the impact of the measures taken to promote the integration of the long-term unemployed in the labour market.

Workers vulnerable to decent work deficits. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning targeted employment measures, including measures to assist workers in acquiring professional experience and skills, particularly specific groups of persons in vulnerable situations, including young persons, older workers, persons with disabilities and the long-term unemployed. The Committee notes the establishment of the New Jobs Creation programme, as well as a subsidy programme for enterprises being implemented by the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED), which aims to encourage employers to retain some 2,000 unemployed persons belonging to disadvantaged groups. The Committee further notes the adoption of Law 4611/2019, which seeks to facilitate the integration of persons from disadvantaged groups into the labour market by streamlining procedures for processing their job applications. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote full, productive, freely-chosen and sustainable employment for persons vulnerable to decent work deficits.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that, while the youth unemployment rate in the country continues to decline, it nevertheless remains high. According to the ILOSTAT database, the youth unemployment rate fell from 43.6 per cent in 2017 to 35.2 per cent in 2019. The Government indicates that facilitating access to employment for young persons is one of its priorities and reports a series of actions targeted at upskilling youth in dynamic sectors of the labour market. The Committee takes note of the updated Action Plan on Youth Guarantee for the period 2018 -2020. The Government further reports on a series of institutional reforms that contribute to the integration of young people into the labour market, including the upgrading of vocational education, training and apprenticeship, the redesign of active employment and training policies, the development of a national qualification framework and the development of a certification system for vocational qualifications. In response to the Committee’s previous request, the Government indicates that it attaches great importance to addressing the “brain drain” phenomenon and has established the “Re-brain Greece” working group, which has developed proposals, in consultation with the social partners, for measures to be taken in the areas of employment, training and education for this purpose. In its observations, the GSEE indicates that it intends to contribute to the development of tailored measures through the scientific expertise of the GSEE Labour Institute and the GSEE Development Centre for Education Policy. Noting the persistently high levels of youth unemployment, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on active employment policies and measures taken to enhance the employability of young persons and facilitate their integration into the labour market, including policies and measures targeting young university graduates. It further requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the impact of such measures, including statistical information disaggregated by age and sex.

Older workers. The Committee notes that that Government has taken a series of measures aimed at promoting the employment of older persons, including training programmes implemented in the context of the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development, Education and Life-long Learning 2014-2020”, aiming at upskilling older workers. The Committee also notes as community employment programmes designed for older aged groups at higher risk of exclusion from the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures adopted to increase the employability of older workers, as well on the impact of such measures on the reintegration and retention in the labour market of this category of workers.

Women’s employment. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate for women continues to be higher than that for men. According to the ILOSTAT database, in 2019, the unemployment rate for women stood at 21.5 per cent, compared to 17.3 per cent for men, while the unemployment rate for young women was 37.1 per cent, compared to 33.5 per cent for young men. The Government indicates that increasing female labour force participation and strengthening women’s entrepreneurship is a priority and a strategic objective of the new National Action Plan on Gender Equality, which is currently being formulated to cover the next period (2021-2025). It further indicates that a growing participation rate of women is ensured in all employment programmes and reports on a series of skills improvement measures, including digital skills. The Committee notes that under the new Law 4604/2019 on Promoting substantive gender equality, Preventing and Combating Gender-Based Violence, a separate institutional framework is legislated for the first time to ensure gender equality and the elimination of discrimination against women. This measure introduces the requirement that enterprises draw up “Equality Plans” i.e. comprehensive interventions that will be prepared by enterprises of the public and private sector. Noting the higher rates of unemployment for women, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the nature and impact of measures adopted with a view to promoting the employment of women to enable them to access decent and lasting employment at all levels and across all economic sectors. It also requests the Government to report on the employment measures taken in the context of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality 2021-2025 and the impact of “Equality Plans” on promoting lasting employment of women.

Education and training policies and programmes. The Government refers to a series of programmes providing targeted training and counselling, inter alia the internship and apprenticeship programmes leading to certification of knowledge. It indicates that in order to upgrade apprenticeships in Greece, a series of legislative initiatives have been enacted, inter alia, on “Quality Framework for Apprenticeships” and on “Regulating subsidization and social security issues for Apprenticeship programmes”. These initiatives are aimed at protecting interns by reinforcing inspection on compliance with internship and apprenticeship legislation, imposing a limitation on the number of interns or apprentices to prevent the substitution of regular employment by internship or apprenticeship, and ensuring the provision of remuneration and social security contributions. The Government refers to a series of actions implemented by the OAED in the context of vocational training, including training and retraining programmes in technical specialties for public sector workers, targeted vocational training programmes that will contribute to the local economic development, specialisation training programmes in cutting-edge sectors of the economy, open framework upskilling programmes for the unemployed, and vocational training targeted to vulnerable social groups such as persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the “Innovative Response for Facilitating Young Refugees’ Social Support” programme which aims at developing an effective system of reception, social support and prompt employment integration of the refugee populations. In response to Committee’s previous request the Government indicates that the deliverables of the Identification Mechanism are based on the collection of primary data from different sources and are taken under consideration in designing and implementing actions on education, training and counselling. In its supplementary information, the Government indicates that the Identification Mechanism further developed through the adoption of a Roadmap for the implementation of the project “Governance of skills anticipation and matching system for Greece: in depth country review”. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the educational and training programmes and the impact of these programmes on productive and lasting employment opportunities for young people.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Entrepreneurships. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the measures taken to support the development of SMEs which employ most of the country’s labour force. According to the ERGANI Information System for 2019, enterprises employing 1-10 workers accounted for 88 per cent of the total number off enterprises employing workers. The Committee takes note of the strengthening of the Labour Inspectorate (SEPE) web portal in 2019, as well as of a series of measures taken to tackle undeclared work in SMEs. The Committee takes note of the statistical data provided by the Government which show an increasing trend in the number of inspected enterprises by SEPE and a decreasing trend in the number of enterprises with undeclared workers from 2016 to 2019. Regarding measures aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, the Committee takes note of measures taken to promote self-employment, in particular via financial support of business initiatives and the second chance entrepreneurship programme for 5,000 unemployed and former self-employed who have suspended their business activity. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to improve the business environment with a view to supporting the development of SMEs and creating employment opportunities for the unemployed. Referring to the Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 (No. 193), it reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the measures taken to promote productive employment through cooperatives.

Modernization of labour markets institutions. The Committee takes note of the redesign of OAED which is taking place as a priority axis of the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning”. The Government indicates that the achievement of the objectives set out in the context of modernization has been achieved, inter alia via the reorganization of the Employment Promotion Centres KPA2, the redesign and modernization of the OAED portal, the development of e-services and the operation of the OAED Call Centres for Citizens and Enterprises. In particular, the OAED KPA2 have launched a new model of service provision to unemployed and enterprises with a primary focus on personalized counselling using advanced tools including emphasising on the upgraded role of the Employment Counsellors. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effectiveness of the reorganization of its labour market institutions.

Article 3. Participation of social partners. The Government stresses the importance of the social partners’ contribution in policy making at the sectors of employment and labour market. The Committee notes that in 2018 the social partners contributed to the establishment of a Strategic Framework for the Redesign of Active Employment Policies. Furthermore, in the context of the technical assistance programme implemented in Greece for tackling undeclared work, a roadmap for combating undeclared work was prepared after consultation with the social partners, outlining an integrated strategy to tackle the phenomenon and promote the transition to formal economy. The Government indicates that in July 2019 it requested the social partners to submit proposals for the reorganization of what is considered the most significant innovation in the history of the Ministry of Labour, the upgrading of the ERGANI Information System. Following this, a Working Team was established in October 2019, to assess the consultation results. The Government reports that the new integrated Information System, “ERGANI ΙΙ” will become an innovation in the relationship between the state, enterprises and workers, supporting at the same time the competitiveness of the Greek economy. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information on the participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of employment policy measures, including those adopted to address the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

The Committee notes the observations of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE), received on 1 September 2017. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy and labour market measures implemented under the adjustment programme. Employment trends. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the persistent high levels of unemployment in Greece and requested the Government to report on the measures taken to address the situation. The Committee notes that the GSEE has been reiterating concerns since 2010 that the Government’s imposition of austerity measures as part of the implementation of the adjustment programmes has led to an extensive and arbitrary deregulation of the Greek labour market which has resulted in the violation of the provisions of the Convention. The GSEE stresses that no progress has been made with regard to the application of the Convention, as the legislative provisions which it considers to be incompatible with the Convention have not been modified or repealed. It further notes the high levels of unemployment as well as the deterioration of the living conditions of Greek people due to the economic recession. The GSEE maintains that the dramatic increase in unemployment in the country is related to three developments: (i) the dismantling of legislation on temporary employment which had the effect of deterring hirings; (ii) bankruptcies and lay-offs; and (iii) new legislation that facilitated dismissals. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the general unemployment rate decreased from 26.5 per cent in 2014 to 24.9 per cent in 2015. According to the ILOSTAT database, the overall unemployment rate was 21.5 per cent in 2017. The Committee notes that, despite the continued decrease, the unemployment rate remains high. The Committee further notes that the employment rate increased during the same period, from 49.6 per cent in 2014 to 51.3 per cent in 2015. The GSEE observes that Greece continues to have the lowest employment rate among the EU countries, noting that, in 2016, the employment rate stood at 56.2 per cent, compared with an EU average of 71.1 per cent. The GSEE maintains that the Government has not presented any specific examples of job creation and active employment policies, or of efforts made to encourage the unemployed to return to work. On the other hand, the Government reports a number of legislative developments and labour market reforms, in the framework of the third economic adjustment programme for Greece, which began on 19 August 2015 and ended on 20 August 2018. In this respect, the Government refers to the recommendations formulated in the updated Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality (May 2013), according to which, during the 2014–20 period, accelerated efforts are required to prevent unemployment from becoming permanent, focusing on the integration of the long-term unemployed, disadvantaged persons and persons in greater need of income support, on easing labour market mismatches and facilitating the mobility of workers across occupations and sectors and strengthening the social economy. The Committee notes that the active employment policies reported by the Government are primarily employment enhancement programmes implemented by the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED). The Committee also notes that the programmes for the creation of new jobs and for acquisition of work experience constitute an important priority of the Ministry of Labour with regard to employment activation policy programmes, especially through community work programmes which focus on the long-term unemployed, subsidization of enterprises to encourage them to hire unemployed persons, education and training programmes in cutting edge sectors of the Greek economy and also subsidization of new freelance professionals. According to EUROSTAT, the part-time employment rate in Greece has shown an upward trend since 2012, reaching 9.4 per cent in 2015. This percentage is considerably higher among young persons compared to the population in general (23.1 per cent in 2015). The Committee notes that, in 2015, the risk of poverty for workers with full-time jobs was 11.6 per cent, while for workers with part-time jobs the risk rose to 28.2 per cent. It also notes that the rate of long-term unemployment remains high, reaching 73.2 per cent in 2015. With respect to measures taken for the compilation of statistics and other data concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, the Committee notes with interest the establishment in 2016 of a Mechanism to Identify Labour Market Needs. Taking into account the persistent high levels of unemployment in Greece, the Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on how, pursuant to Article 2 of the Convention, it keeps under review the employment policies and measures adopted or undertaken to pursue the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment, in consultation with the social partners. It further requests the Government to include information on the measures taken or envisaged to address the national employment situation and to provide information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the impact of employment initiatives adopted within the implementation of an active employment policy, including on the impact of the measures taken to promote the integration of the long-term unemployed in the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistical data disaggregated by sex and age concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, including the size of the informal economy and employment trends in relation to employment, unemployment, and visible underemployment.

Workers vulnerable to decent work deficits. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning targeted employment measures for specific groups of persons vulnerable to decent work deficits. In this respect, the Government is implementing subsidy programmes to provide financial assistance to employers in order to encourage recruitment and job retention of unemployed people with disabilities, ex-addicts, ex-convicts, disadvantaged persons, and very disadvantaged persons. The Committee notes that disadvantaged persons are defined by the Government as those who during the last six months were not employed for more than one month in a full-time regularly paid job, graduates of compulsory education schools who have not completed secondary education, or have not attended any vocational training programmes, people over 50 years old, and leaders of single-parent families, while very disadvantaged persons are defined as those who are holders of a valid unemployment card for a period of at least 24 months, young delinquents or young people at social risk. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote full, productive, freely-chosen and sustainable employment for persons vulnerable to decent work deficits.

Youth employment. The Committee notes that youth unemployment rates have steadily decreased, but still remain alarmingly high. According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the unemployment rate among young persons aged 15 to 24 decreased from 51.9 per cent in 2015 to 50.9 per cent in 2016. According to the ILOSTAT database, the youth unemployment rate was 43.6 per cent in 2017. The Government indicates that facilitating access to employment for young persons up to 29 years old is one of its priorities. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in relation to a series of employment activation programmes, implemented in the framework of the Youth Guarantee scheme, which aim to increase the employability of young people, to enable them to be more competitive and facilitate their reintegration into the labour market. In this respect, the Committee notes, inter alia, the entry vouchers and apprenticeship programmes provided to young persons aged 15 to 24. It also notes the subsidy programmes for the acquisition of work experience and employment integration of young people and the training and accreditation programmes, implemented under the Youth Employment Initiative, established within the framework of the Youth Guarantee. The Government indicates that the “brain drain” phenomenon has become a matter of increasing concern given that, according to data from the Bank of Greece, from 2008 to 2013, almost 223,000 young persons aged 25 to 39 permanently left the country in search of better paid employment and better social and financial prospects in foreign labour markets. The Committee notes that, while the Government’s report provides detailed information concerning problems identified and intended actions, it does not contain information regarding the outcomes of specific programmes. Noting the persistent high levels of youth unemployment, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the results of the measures adopted to address youth unemployment as well as the challenges encountered. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide statistical information on trends in youth employment, disaggregated by gender and age. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged with a view to reversing the “brain drain” phenomenon.

Older workers. The Committee notes that older workers are disadvantaged compared to other categories of workers, as the participation rate in the labour market for persons belonging to the age group 55 to 64 is considerably lower than the rate for persons aged 15 to 64. The Government indicates that the unemployment rate for older workers stood at 34.3 per cent in 2015. Women aged 55 to 64 had even higher unemployment rates (29.6 per cent in 2015). The Government refers to a number of measures to promote the employment of older persons, including the provision of financial support to employers in order to encourage them to employ older workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on other measures adopted to increase the employability of older workers and promote their integration and retention in the labour market, as well on their impact.

Women’s employment. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate for women continues to be higher than that for men. According to the ILOSTAT database, in 2017, the unemployment rate for women stood at 26.1 per cent, compared to 17.8 per cent for men, while the unemployment rate for young women was 48.2 per cent, compared to 39.3 per cent for young men. The Committee further notes that part-time employment is more widespread among women (13.1 per cent in 2015 compared to 6.7 per cent among men). The Government emphasizes that strengthening female employment constitutes a priority axis of its new National Action Plan for Gender Equality 2016–20. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the project “Supporting Female Employment by Fostering Entrepreneurship” which seeks to offer multiple employment opportunities to women and assistance to enable them to set up their own businesses. The Committee also notes the subsidy programme to support new freelance professionals, especially women. Recalling the 2003 ILO Global Report Time for equality at work, which points out that the “interplay of identities results in experiences of exclusion and disadvantage that are unique to those with multiple identities”, the Committee observes that women who also belong to disadvantaged groups face double discrimination. Noting the higher rates of unemployment for women, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the nature and impact of measures adopted with a view to promoting the employment of women, particularly women who belong to disadvantaged groups or older female workers, as noted above, to enable them to access decent and lasting employment at all levels and across all economic sectors.

Education and training policies and programmes. The Government indicates that upgrading and expanding vocational education and training is among its key priorities. The Committee notes the conclusion of the “National Strategic Framework for the upgrade of vocational education and training and apprenticeships”. The Government refers to a series of actions implemented by the OAED in the context of vocational training, including the operation of 51 occupational schools of secondary education offering apprenticeships, the provision of vouchers to improve the labour market relevance of tertiary education for the unemployed, training vouchers, labour market entry vouchers and reintegration vouchers for unemployed people, especially for young people. The Committee also notes that the employment programmes implemented in the context of the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development, Education and Life-Long Learning 2014-2020”, focus on the design and implementation of programmes to upgrade human resources knowledge and skills especially for persons with low qualifications seeking to enter or reintegrate into the labour market. The Government indicates that the Mechanism to Identify Labour Market Needs aims to improve the links between education and training and labour market needs. It provides input to the bodies responsible for designing and implementing employment and training programmes to eliminate skills mismatches. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the number of persons participating in educational and training programmes and the impact of these programmes on productive and lasting employment opportunities for young people. It also requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the Mechanism to Identify Labour Market Needs on the design of policies on vocational education and training and human resources development.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Entrepreneurships. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the measures to promote SMEs, in the context of the Operational Programme “Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship of the National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013”. The Government refers to the establishment of the social entrepreneurship and social economy, the creation of the policy coordinating body for the development of social economy, as well as the establishment of the social Entrepreneurship Fund and the Central Support Mechanism for the Development and Promotion of Social Enterprises. The Government indicates that the necessary framework shall be finalized for the promotion of social economy, during the programming period 2014–20 and in accordance with the “Strategic Plan for the Development of Social Entrepreneurship”. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to improve the business environment with a view to supporting the development of SMEs and creating employment opportunities for the unemployed. It also requests the Government to provide information on the finalized framework for the promotion of the social economy. Referring to the Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 (No. 193), it requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote productive employment through cooperatives.

Modernization of labour market institutions. The Government indicates that, during the 2007–13 period, the OAED began to redefine its operational model, aiming at the overall reform of the Public Employment Service. The Committee notes, among other achievements of the reform, the operation of the first fast-track Employment Promotion Centres and the creation of the first consortiums with social agents, manpower companies and large companies for the training of jobseekers. The Government indicates that, during the 2014–20 period, actions concerning the OAED reorganization were to be financed, on the basis of the agreed Action Plan with the European Union. It adds that it will provide more detailed information concerning the effectiveness of the reorganization of the labour market institutions in its next report. Referring to its 2016 direct request on the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the effectiveness of the reorganization of its labour market institutions.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that the Mechanism to Identify Labour Market Needs operates in continuous consultation with representatives of productive bodies and public organizations. In this respect, the Committee notes that, five of the signatories to the National General Labour Collective Agreement participate in the Coordination Committee and the Operational Network of Bodies for the Mechanism to Identify Labour Market Needs. It also notes that the social partners, in the context of the Mechanism, carried out an employer and employee survey throughout the country in order to assess vacant posts and the adequacy of the skills of the labour force, with a view to identifying mismatches between occupations and skills. The GSEE maintains that tripartite dialogue processes remain superficial and have not been restored in practice adding that successive legislative interventions were undertaken with no regard for social dialogue. It also notes that, in November 2015, all the national social partners agreed on a joint policy paper on “Strengthening the effectiveness of tripartite social dialogue”, which was sent along with the joint policy papers on “Social dialogue and vocational education and training issues” and “Social dialogue and discrimination at the workplace” to the Ministry of Labour, but were never taken into consideration. The GSEE also expresses its concern regarding its exclusion from the National Vocational Education and Training Committee, which was established in 2017. The GSEE highlights the processes relating to technical assistance programmes under the auspices of ILO, especially the undeclared work programme, where the presence of the ILO officials and the consistent monitoring of the procedure ensured the participation of social partners in tripartite social dialogue procedures. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide specific information on the manner in which representative organizations of workers and employers and other stakeholders are consulted concerning the formulation and implementation of active employment policies, and the manner in which their support is ensured in the development and implementation of such policies.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

The Committee notes the observations made by the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE), received on 1 September 2016. The GSEE has been raising the same concerns since 2010, namely that the Government’s imposition of austerity measures as part of the implementation of the country’s international loan agreement, as well as the intervention of third parties in national policies, has resulted in the violation of the provisions of the Convention. The GSEE stresses that no progress has been made with regard to the application of the Convention. Moreover, the legislative provisions which were found to be incompatible with the Convention have not been modified or repealed, no assessment has been carried out to determine the impact of the austerity measures on the implementation of the Convention, and most of the tripartite social dialogue structures are either not functioning or are underperforming. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment policy measures implemented under the adjustment programme. The Government indicates in its report that the Economic and Social Council of Greece has been assigned to prepare an integrated action plan on employment policies. The aims of the plan are as follows: (a) upgrading the employment promotion centres in order to better match the unemployed with available vacancies; (b) enhance the effectiveness of training programmes for the unemployed and seek training for the unemployed from businesses; and (c) replenish reduced working hours with training. Unemployment has significantly increased during the last few years amid the prolonged recession. Unemployment was measured at 27.6 per cent in May 2013 compared to 23.8 per cent in May 2012. Alarmingly, the unemployment rate of young people aged 15–24 has continued to increase from 55.1 per cent in May 2012 to 64.9 per cent in May 2013. The Government indicates that the limited possibility of exit from unemployment is also reflected in the increase in long term unemployment from 3.6 per cent in 2008 and 5.7 per cent in 2010 to 14.4 per cent in 2012 – a very high percentage when compared to the EU-27 average (4.6 per cent in 2012). The employment rate (ages 20–64) in 2012 stood at 55.3 per cent. The number of employed persons during the first quarter of 2013 amounted to 3,596,000, recording a drop of 6.3 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2012. During the reporting period a series of laws have been adopted to reduce labour costs and to promote flexibility in the labour market in order to respond to the challenges of the economic crisis. The conversion of the labour market contracts of full employment to part-time employment or rotation work has contributed to job retention or has prevented job losses. According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the part-time employment rate in Greece reached 8.6 per cent of the workforce during the first quarter of 2013 from 7.2 per cent in the corresponding quarter in 2012. With respect to active labour market policies, the Committee notes that since 2010 more than 1,291,597 persons, either as employees, self-employed or as trainees, have benefited from 74 Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) programmes for job retention, promotion of employment or training, of a total budget of €3.87 billion. It is estimated in this regard that the total number of beneficiaries of these programmes upon completion will reach 1,471,829 persons. The Committee also notes the employment and training programmes implemented by the OAED for the strengthening of the employment situation of young persons, women, the long-term unemployed and other groups affected by the crisis. Taking into account the persistent high levels of unemployment and youth unemployment, the Committee once again invites the Government to further specify how, pursuant to Article 2 of the Convention, it keeps under review the employment policies and measures adopted in order to pursue the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment, in consultation with the social partners. The Committee also invites the Government to provide information on the results of the measures adopted to address youth unemployment and long-term unemployment in the country.

Education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), indicating that the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) was established in November 2011 following the merging of three entities. The Operational Programme on Human Resources Development includes a budget of €2.74 billion and is the most important financing tool of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Welfare for the implementation of the strategy and policies on human resources development and achievement of social cohesion. Actions being implemented under this Programme include training of workers in enterprises by providing an educational allowance; continuing vocational training programmes; vocational training programmes for the unemployed through the use of training vouchers; vocational training for vulnerable social groups; and labour market entry vouchers for unemployed people up to 29 years of age. It also includes the development and implementation of an integrated system for the identification of the labour market needs. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of education and training measures in terms of obtaining lasting employment for young persons and other groups of vulnerable workers. Please also include information on the progress made to activate the National System for Linking Vocational Education and Training with Employment (ESSEEKA).

Modernization of labour market institutions. The Committee notes that the reorganization of labour market institutions, which includes all systemic interventions contributing to the reform and functional integration of institutions of the labour market, has been included in the Operational Programme on Human Resources Development. The Government indicates that the development of theses systemic interventions has started since 2011 and is still in progress. In this respect, the Committee refers to its direct request on the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88). The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the effectiveness of the reorganization of its labour market institutions.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes that the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Welfare established the National Committee for Social Dialogue in September 2012. The first stage of social consultation was about addressing the critical problems and distortions of the labour market (unemployment, undeclared work, insurance contribution evasion, non-wage costs and bureaucracy, reforming the minimum wage fixing mechanism). During the second phase of consultations, ways to manage the challenges of the labour market have been sought, including youth employment. The Committee further notes the information concerning the tripartite consultations held in various committees, including the National Committee for Employment. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which account is taken of the opinions and experiences of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of the measures required by the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment policy measures implemented under the adjustment programme. The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its report that the Economic and Social Council of Greece has been assigned to prepare an integrated action plan on employment policies. The aims of the plan are as follows: (a) upgrading the employment promotion centres in order to better match the unemployed with available vacancies; (b) enhance the effectiveness of training programmes for the unemployed and seek training for the unemployed from businesses; and (c) replenish reduced working hours with training. Unemployment has significantly increased during the last few years amid the prolonged recession. Unemployment was measured at 27.6 per cent in May 2013 compared to 23.8 per cent in May 2012. Alarmingly, the unemployment rate of young people aged 15–24 has continued to increase from 55.1 per cent in May 2012 to 64.9 per cent in May 2013. The Government indicates that the limited possibility of exit from unemployment is also reflected in the increase in long term unemployment from 3.6 per cent in 2008 and 5.7 per cent in 2010 to 14.4 per cent in 2012 – a very high percentage when compared to the EU-27 average (4.6 per cent in 2012). The employment rate (ages 20–64) in 2012 stood at 55.3 per cent. The number of employed persons during the first quarter of 2013 amounted to 3,596,000, recording a drop of 6.3 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2012. During the reporting period a series of laws have been adopted to reduce labour costs and to promote flexibility in the labour market in order to respond to the challenges of the economic crisis. The conversion of the labour market contracts of full employment to part-time employment or rotation work has contributed to job retention or has prevented job losses. According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the part-time employment rate in Greece reached 8.6 per cent of the workforce during the first quarter of 2013 from 7.2 per cent in the corresponding quarter in 2012. With respect to active labour market policies, the Committee notes that since 2010 more than 1,291,597 persons, either as employees, self-employed or as trainees, have benefited from 74 Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) programmes for job retention, promotion of employment or training, of a total budget of €3.87 billion. It is estimated in this regard that the total number of beneficiaries of these programmes upon completion will reach 1,471,829 persons. The Committee also notes the employment and training programmes implemented by the OAED for the strengthening of the employment situation of young persons, women, the long-term unemployed and other groups affected by the crisis. Taking into account the persistent high levels of unemployment and youth unemployment, the Committee once again invites the Government to further specify how, pursuant to Article 2 of the Convention, it keeps under review the employment policies and measures adopted in order to pursue the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment, in consultation with the social partners. The Committee also invites the Government to provide information on the results of the measures adopted to address youth unemployment and long-term unemployment in the country.

Education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), indicating that the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) was established in November 2011 following the merging of three entities. The Operational Programme on Human Resources Development includes a budget of €2.74 billion and is the most important financing tool of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Welfare for the implementation of the strategy and policies on human resources development and achievement of social cohesion. Actions being implemented under this Programme include training of workers in enterprises by providing an educational allowance; continuing vocational training programmes; vocational training programmes for the unemployed through the use of training vouchers; vocational training for vulnerable social groups; and labour market entry vouchers for unemployed people up to 29 years of age. It also includes the development and implementation of an integrated system for the identification of the labour market needs. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of education and training measures in terms of obtaining lasting employment for young persons and other groups of vulnerable workers. Please also include information on the progress made to activate the National System for Linking Vocational Education and Training with Employment (ESSEEKA).

Modernization of labour market institutions. The Committee notes that the reorganization of labour market institutions, which includes all systemic interventions contributing to the reform and functional integration of institutions of the labour market, has been included in the Operational Programme on Human Resources Development. The Government indicates that the development of theses systemic interventions has started since 2011 and is still in progress. In this respect, the Committee refers to its direct request on the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88). The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the effectiveness of the reorganization of its labour market institutions.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes that the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Welfare established the National Committee for Social Dialogue in September 2012. The first stage of social consultation was about addressing the critical problems and distortions of the labour market (unemployment, undeclared work, insurance contribution evasion, non-wage costs and bureaucracy, reforming the minimum wage fixing mechanism). During the second phase of consultations, ways to manage the challenges of the labour market have been sought, including youth employment. The Committee further notes the information concerning the tripartite consultations held in various committees, including the National Committee for Employment. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which account is taken of the opinions and experiences of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of the measures required by the Convention.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment policy measures implemented under the adjustment programme. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in February 2012 for the period ending in May 2011, and an additional report received in August 2012 in reply to the 2011 observation. The Government indicates in the report received in February 2012 that the current short-term decline in economic activity and the rise of unemployment are unavoidable consequences resulting from the adjustment of investment and consumer expectations as well as from the frontload and rapid fiscal consolidation, which is nevertheless necessary in order for the public debt to become manageable and for the country’s growth potential to be improved. The Government indicates that the National Reform Programme 2011–14 was prepared by following the ten guidelines included in the Joint Employment Report. In the context of the programme, under the Europe 2020 Strategy, the Government has set 70 per cent as the national target for overall employment at national level in 2020 and pointed out specific bottlenecks in the labour market. The Committee notes that challenges include bottlenecks in entering, re-entering and staying in the labour market for specific groups, such as women, young persons and older workers; the need to reinforce the central role of the Public Employment Service (PES), as well as to establish and activate decentralized intermediate structures in policy implementation; skills mismatch; and undeclared work. The Government indicates that the uncontested fact is that the obligations arising from the Memorandum of Understanding (May 2010) and its successive supplements restrict and define the framework of implementation of the national employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the labour inspectorate for the first five months of 2011, which points out a decrease of 27.67 per cent in full-time employment contracts and a rise of 11 per cent in rotation employment. The Government indicates that it is evident that more and more full-time employment contracts are being converted into part-time or rotation work contracts. In reply to the 2011 observation, the Government indicates in the report received in August 2012 that in the last two years, given the adverse economic conditions, a series of legislative interventions have taken place, within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding and the relevant adjustment programmes of the country, with the aim of improving the functioning of the labour market. Moreover, the Government reports that measures are being promoted in order to improve access to basic social services, along with the effective reorganization of labour market institutions, with a view to mitigating the social impact from the crisis. Since the beginning of 2010 up to and including May 2012, more than 905,000 persons, as workers, self-employed freelancers or trainees, have joined 57 specific programmes of the Employment and Labour Organization (OAED) with a total budget of €3.5 billion relating to job retention, promotion of employment and vocational training. The Government estimates that on completion of such programmes, the beneficiaries will exceed 1.1 million persons. It also estimates that, due to these actions, the growth rate in unemployment has been reduced by 5 per cent in the 2010–11 period. The Committee notes the statistics published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) indicating that the unemployment rate in July 2012 was 25.1 per cent compared to 17.8 per cent in July 2011. The number of employed persons amounted to 3,763,142, the number of unemployed persons amounted to 1,261,604, and the number of inactive persons reached 3,356,276. Employed persons decreased by 329,086 and unemployed persons increased by 377,991 when compared with July 2011. The Committee notes from these statistics the staggeringly high youth unemployment rate with the 15–24 age group reaching 54.2 per cent unemployment in July 2012. Taking into account that the next report on the Convention is due in 2013, the Committee invites the Government to further specify how, pursuant to Article 2 of the Convention, it keeps under review the measures and policies adopted according to the results achieved in pursuit of the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment, specified in Article 1. It recalls that, in the terms of that Article, an active employment policy should be pursued “as a major goal”, which may be complemented by other measures to attenuate the consequences of unemployment. It also invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results of the measures adopted in order to overcome the impact of the debt crisis on the labour market, and information on the number of programme beneficiaries obtaining lasting employment.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee notes the information on the measures to promote SMEs. These measures include a programme to support micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing sector; a youth entrepreneurship and female entrepreneurship programme aiming at offering start-up support on entrepreneurial activities and creating new jobs; a clothing and footwear programme; and the new innovative entrepreneurship programme which aims at enhancing the creation of new businesses. In addition, the Government indicates that the Hellenic Fund for Entrepreneurship and Development has been established by virtue of Act No. 3912/2011 in order to improve the business climate and grant loans under favourable terms to finance investment projects. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to improve the business environment in order to promote the development of SMEs and create employment opportunities for the unemployed.

Modernization of labour market institutions. The Committee noted in its previous observation that the Government had underscored the need to give priority to the modernization of labour market institutions. The Committee once again refers to its observation on the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), and invites the Government to provide in its next report on Convention No. 122 further information on the effectiveness of the reorganization of its labour market institutions.

Vulnerable categories of workers. The Government states in the report received in August 2012 that policies to contain unemployment and enhance employment are top priority, especially for the vulnerable population groups that are dropped out of the labour market or are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. To this end, the Ministry of Labour is taking measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the crisis and to support the employment of the most vulnerable workers. Employment support programmes are aimed at workers and unemployed persons, focusing on population groups most affected by unemployment, such as young persons and vulnerable groups that face great difficulties in entering the labour market. Furthermore, a concerted effort is made to use the available resources and adapt programme planning to the Greek reality. With respect to young persons, the Government indicates that an employers’ subsidy programme is being implemented by the OAED, according to which the insurance contributions for pension, health-care services and occupational hazards of young persons aged 16–24 are fully subsidized by the OAED. Young unemployed people are also benefiting from programmes targeted at all unemployed persons. Some of these programmes provide special priority for young persons. Moreover, in order to facilitate youth transition into the labour market and address high unemployment rates for this age group, targeted active employment policies as well as programmes supporting youth entrepreneurship are planned and/or implemented, aiming at facilitating the integration of the youth into the labour market by enhancing their skills and acquiring work experience. To this end, the following programmes are being implemented: subsidy programmes for the acquisition of work experience for enterprises with the aim of recruiting unemployed graduates of universities and technological institutes (up to 35 years old), community service programmes in the sector of culture for young people, as well as training programmes for the youth, with the use of training vouchers so that they can acquire work experience either generally or targeted in industries. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to ensure lasting employment for young persons and other vulnerable categories of workers.

Education and training policies. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in the report received in August 2012 indicating that vocational training was provided to 374,798 workers through 16 programmes of the Fund for Employment and Vocational Training (LAEK) and programmes of structural adjustment. With respect to young people, 26,664 students attended vocational training programmes in 51 apprenticeship schools, 31 Vocational Training Institutes (IEK), as well as two model units for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the Government provides information on actions taken by the Ministry of Labour, such as training programmes for unemployed persons on basic skills (computers and communications) with a view to combating unemployment and improving the professional skills of the workforce in sectors strongly affected by the economic crisis. The Committee once again invites the Government to include in its next report information on progress made to activate the National System for Linking Vocational Education and Training with Employment (ESSEEKA).

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government reiterates that the social partners participate in the OAED’s Board of Directors, which decides on the preparation and implementation of the programmes designed and implemented by the OAED. It adds that the social partners also participate in the Council for Lifelong Learning and Employment. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which account is taken of the opinions and experiences of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of the labour market measures included in the adjustment programme.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes the replies provided by the Government in May 2011 to the observations on Convention No. 122 of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) forwarded to the Government in August 2010. The GSEE provided new remarks that were forwarded to the Government in September 2011. Furthermore, the Committee takes note of the discussion that took place at the Committee on the Application of Standards during the 100th Session of the Conference (June 2011) with regard to the application by Greece of the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98). It notes that the Conference Committee welcomed the Government’s indication that it was working on arrangements with the ILO for the visit of a high-level mission proposed by the Committee of Experts to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised by the GSEE in its comments concerning the application of 12 Conventions ratified by Greece including the present Convention. The Conference Committee also considered that contact with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU) would assist the Mission in its understanding of the situation (Provisional Record No. 18, Part II, pages 68–72). The Committee takes note of the report of the high-level mission which visited the country from 19–23 September 2011 and held further meetings with the EU and the IMF in Brussels and Washington, DC, in October 2011, on the basis of the request made by the Committee on the Application of Standards.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment policy measures implemented under the adjustment programme. The Government indicates in its May 2011 report that the economic downturn has negatively impacted the labour market and, in particular, the most vulnerable categories of workers such as low-skilled workers, people with low education levels, temporary workers and migrant workers. The economic downturn primarily affected the construction, manufacturing, tourism, financial and trade industries. The Government further indicates that, since the beginning of 2009, the ever-increasing loan cost of Greece and the downgrading of the country’s creditworthiness by international rating agencies in combination with its ever-growing deficit caused the country’s inability to meet its debt obligations. The Committee notes that the EU Council indicated in July 2011 that the 2008–2009 global economic crisis exposed vulnerabilities in the Greek economy, including: unsustainable fiscal policies, partly hidden by unreliable statistics and temporarily high revenues; rigid labour and product markets; and loss of competitiveness and rising external debt. The high-level mission to Greece was informed in September 2011 that the overall unemployment rate has risen to 16.5 per cent and youth unemployment stands at staggering 43.3 per cent. Although female unemployment officially stands at 19.9 per cent, a large proportion of women have joined the ranks of the “discouraged” jobseekers who are not accounted for in the statistics. The GSEE estimates that the projected unemployment rate will be approximately 17–18 per cent at the end of 2011. The Government reports that programmes have been implemented to increase labour market participation and to foster greater labour market mobility. Incentives include: subsidies for enterprises creating new jobs, subsidies for the unemployed starting up their own business, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Committee recalls that in May 2010 the Government accepted a Memorandum of Understanding on specific economic policy conditionality which included economic policy conditions on the basis of which financial assistance is disbursed. In this regard, the Government intends: (i) to extend the probationary period for new jobs to one year; (ii) to reduce the overall level of severance payments; (iii) to raise the minimum threshold for activating rules on collective dismissals, especially for larger companies; and (iv) to facilitate the use of temporary contracts and part-time workers. In its May 2011 communication, in reply to the GSEE’s concerns regarding collective redundancies, the Government indicated that Greek legislation was in compliance with EU Directives. With regard to the choice of the economic policy objectives and the deterioration that took place in the employment situation since 2009, the Committee invites the Government to specify in its next report how, pursuant to Article 2 of the Convention, it keeps under review the policies and measures adopted to achieve the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment. It further invites the Government to include information on how the measures adopted have succeeded in mitigating the impact of the debt crisis on the labour market.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Committee notes the measures implemented by the Government to simplify and accelerate the process of establishing, licensing and operating SMEs. It also notes the establishment of regional one-stop shops to promote entrepreneurship and support SMEs. The high-level mission to Greece was informed that approximately 90 per cent of all workers were employed in enterprises with less than 20 workers, and only 6 per cent worked in companies employing more than 50 workers. Some 75 per cent of employed persons were working in SMEs with less than ten employees. According to the data gathered by the mission, 150,000 SMEs had closed down since the crisis began (one in four SMEs) and 100,000 were expected to close in 2011. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to improve the business environment in order to promote the development of SMEs and create employment opportunities for the unemployed.

Modernization of labour market institutions. The Committee notes that the Government has underscored the need to give priority to the modernization of labour market institutions. The Government has implemented a merger of services in 2008 between local services of the Employment and Labour Organization (OAED) and Employment Promotion Centres (KPA) in districts and cities where both operated. The public employment service will design and implement integrated regional and local employment measures aimed at promoting entrepreneurship for young persons and women. The Committee refers to its observation on the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), and invites the Government to provide in its next report on Convention No. 122 further information on the effectiveness of the reorganization of its labour market institutions.

Vulnerable categories of workers. The Government states that greater emphasis has been placed on active employment policies targeting young people, women and older workers. Different programmes have been implemented to improve professional qualifications of unemployed women in order to facilitate their integration in the labour market. The Committee notes that the employment policies targeting women aim at increasing their employment rate to 52 per cent in 2013. With regards to young persons, the Government reports that different programmes have been implemented including: “One Start, One Chance” to support 40,000 unemployed young persons who did not pursue higher education; “New Jobs” for 10,000 unemployed high-school graduates under the age of 30; and lastly, a programme to promote youth business initiatives. In its May 2011 communication, the Government also describes additional measures aimed at promoting youth employment. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of measures taken to ensure lasting employment for vulnerable categories of workers.

Education and training policies. The Committee notes that continuous vocational training schemes will be gradually transformed to articulate apprenticeship systems combining classroom education, on-the-job training and in-work practice. The Government also intends to encourage employers, particularly SMEs, to employ more apprentices. The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government to the high-level mission to Greece indicating that a programme, essentially an internship programme, was established under the auspices of the OAED which aims to help young persons enter the labour market through contracts to obtain work experience. The Government indicated that the programme’s initial results were disappointing and legislation was modified in July 2011. The Committee further notes the Government’s efforts in identifying the needs of the labour market and linking vocational training to employment, as well as its plan to establish 15 life-long learning institutes. The Government reports on the creation of a specialized body to promote continuous vocational training and increase the participation of employers and workers. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on progress made to activate the National System for Linking Vocational Education and Training with Employment (ESSEEKA). Please also provide information regarding the progress made in investing in workers’ skills development.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the strong concerns expressed by the GSEE that social dialogue degenerated into a summary, informative and superficial procedure. In the report received in May 2011, the Government indicates that consultation with the social partners is pursued to the greatest extent when reviewing employment legislation. The high level mission to Greece noted that, in the field of employment, there appears to be a strong desire from all social partners for the promotion and development of sustainable SMEs, skills development and active labour market policies. The Committee recalls the role to be played by active labour market policies in addressing the human dimension of the financial and economic crisis. In its concluding remarks of the 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee emphasized that social dialogue is essential in normal times and becomes even more so in times of crisis (paragraph 794 of the 2010 General Survey). The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which account is taken of the opinions and experience of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the formulation and implementation of the labour market measures included in the adjustment programme.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2012.]

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

The Committee notes the detailed report provided by the Government for the period ending in May 2009, including information on the initial measures adopted to overcome the impact of the global crisis on employment.

The Committee refers to its comments under the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98), with regard to the observations communicated by the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) with the support of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) on the impact of the measures introduced in the framework of the mechanism to support the Greek economy as of May 2010. The Committee notes in particular, that according to the GSEE, the measures adopted in this framework did not constitute a topic of social dialogue but were forwarded to Parliament for adoption with urgent procedures.

The Committee recalls as a general matter, the role to be played by active labour market measures in addressing the human dimension of the financial and economic crisis. In the 2009 Global Jobs Pact, the ILO agreed to “put the aim of full and productive employment and decent work at the heart of the crisis responses”. In its concluding remarks of the 2010 General Survey on employment instruments, the Committee further emphasized that social dialogue is essential in normal times and becomes even more so in times of crisis (paragraph 794 of the 2010 General Survey).

Given the new measures that have been adopted since the Government’s last report on the application of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to monitor carefully the impact of the policy pursued in the framework of the international support mechanism and to provide a detailed report on the application of the Convention when the report is next due in 2011. The Committee will examine the comments by the GSEE along with the Government’s reply thereto, as well as the Government’s report which is due in 2011, at its next session.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Committee notes the Government’s detailed report received in November 2007 including replies to the 2005 direct request. The Government indicates that high development rates in recent years (namely, a growth in GDP of 3.7 per cent in 2005, 4.3 per cent in 2006 and 3.7 per cent in 2007) were not accompanied by a corresponding reduction in unemployment rates. In 2005, the unemployment rate fell, compared with that of 2004, and reached 9.8 per cent, while women’s unemployment rate reached 15.3 per cent, which is more than double the relevant men’s rate of 6.1 per cent. In 2006, the unemployment rate fell to 8.9 per cent, while both women’s and men’s unemployment rates showed a decrease and reached 13.6 per cent and 5.6 per cent, respectively. Over the same period, the employment rate has steadily increased, from 59.4 per cent in 2004 to 60.1 per cent in 2005 and 61 per cent in 2006, and the Government estimates that the employment rate should reach 64.1 per cent in 2010. In programmes designed to increase employment and reduce unemployment implemented by the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED), priority is given to places to be covered by women. In the year 2005 and in the first quarter of 2006, 35,000 women benefited from national programmes and 1,500 participated in an integrated intervention which includes counselling to enter the job market or to start a business activity. The Committee further notes that the Government has passed a number of active measures to increase employment and flexibility. For example, by strengthening the institutional framework for flexible forms of employment and by passing an Act respecting working time arrangement (Act No. 3385/2005), changes will be brought about in the labour market for the benefit of both businesses and the labour force. Moreover, the Government indicates that it is in consultation with the social partners concerning the modernization of the labour law, with a view to meeting the developmental challenges of flexible forms of employment. The Committee also notes the Act on Investments No. 3522/2006, which entered into force early in 2007, which readjusts support rates on the basis of the new Regional Support Map and increases incentives to encourage private investments. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken to generate sustainable employment and improve employment security for workers. It also asks the Government to provide information on the measures envisaged to increase the employment rate of women, the effects of national programmes targeting women and the effects of the Act on Investments No. 3522/2006 on job creation. The Committee would also appreciate continuing to receive information on the experience of the social partners with regard to the application of the Convention.

2. Means to promote employment of young people, older workers and workers with disabilities. The Government indicates that the youth unemployment rate fell between 2005 and 2006 but still remains high, 26 per cent and 25.2 per cent, respectively. OAED special programmes target young unemployed persons through the acquisition of work experience as well as with self-employment programmes. Also, Act No. 3227/2004 provides incentives to employers hiring unemployed young persons of up to 25 years of age. Tackling high youth unemployment is one of the policy areas in the National Reform Programme that needs to be addressed with the highest priority. As for older workers, the Committee notes that the Government has started to put more emphasis on active policies to address this category of persons, such as flexible pension schemes, lifelong learning aimed at improving skills of older persons and promotion of self-employment. The Committee also notes that the registration of persons with disabilities is being initiated for the first time by the National Observatory for People with Disabilities and that special analytical educational programmes and programmes to enhance the skills of persons with disabilities are being implemented. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on how the measures taken translate into productive and lasting employment opportunities for young people, older workers and workers with disabilities.

3. Educational and training policies. The Government indicates that the main policy priorities with regard to education and vocational training are as follows: qualitative upgrading and improvement of education and training systems; helping facilitate access to education and training systems; and increase in investment in human capital by means of improving education and upgrading skills. Increasing investments in human capital by modernizing education and training systems is provided by the Act on Lifelong Learning (Act No. 3369/2005). The Committee also notes that the social partners and other stakeholders participate in the National Lifelong Learning Committee. The Government further indicates that, in 2006, 75 counselling and guidance centres (KEYSP) and 570 counselling and vocational guidance offices (GRASEP) were operational and more than 500,000 persons benefited from their services. As for vocational training, the Committee notes that between 2000 and 2006, more than 130,000 unemployed persons and 95,000 workers acquired vocational training. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide details on the number of persons participating in educational and training programmes and the impact of these programmes on productive and lasting employment opportunities, particularly for young people and other categories of vulnerable workers.

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

The Committee notes the comprehensive information contained in the Government’s detailed report for the period ending in May 2005 as well as the replies in response to its 2003 direct request.

1. Employment trends and labour market measures. The Government indicates that for the period under consideration, the Greek economy has continued to grow rapidly, although this growth, quite fast in the run up to the Olympic Games, was slower in the second part of 2004. The rate of development rose by 4.7 per cent in 2003 and 4.2 per cent in 2004, exceeding by far the EU average. However, the economic growth has produced a limited effect in the field of employment. Total employment increased by 1.2 per cent in 2003 and 0.7 per cent in 2004, standing at 59.4 per cent of the population. But despite the increase in employment in 2004, the unemployment rate remained at a high level amounting to 10.5 per cent, with a female unemployment rate of 15 per cent, more than double that of men (6.2 per cent). In fact, the Government explains that the relatively low employment rate compared to the EU average (64.8 per cent) is due to a large extent to the very low employment rate of women and young persons. The Government further indicates that in accordance with the estimates of the updated Stability and Development Programme 2004-07, the employment rate should grow by 1.5 per cent yearly and the unemployment rate should fall by 0.5 per cent.

2. The basic component of the Greek employment policy is set forth in the guidelines of the European strategy and laid down in the 2004 National Action Plan for Employment, which puts emphasis for the first time equally on labour supply and demand. To this end, the reinforcement of the demand of several types of work and professional skills is emphasized as the major guideline of the Greek employment strategy, so that development may create new jobs to absorb unemployment. The role of development and taxation policy in the improvement of the business and investment climate is also stressed. The Government indicates that in order to promote the creation of new jobs, Act No. 3299 was adopted in 2004 and provides for the introduction, for the first time as an incentive, of a subsidy of the wage cost of new jobs created through investments. The Government also adopted in 2004, Act No. 3250 on part-time employment which allows the public sector and local self-government agencies to hire staff bound by a fix-term contract for part-time employment to meet the needs of citizens for social services. According to this Act, persons have to be recruited from particular social groups such as: unemployed persons over 30 years of age who have exceeded the period during which they were entitled to a regular unemployment benefit; unemployed persons who need to work for another five years in order to be entitled to pension; unemployed persons under the age of 30; mothers of under-aged children and persons with disability. With regard to measures to meet women’s special needs in employment, the Government indicates that in all the programmes designed to increase employment and reduce unemployment implemented by the Employment and Labour Organization (OAED), priority is given to women since 60 per cent of the posts to be filled are covered by women. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the labour market policy initiatives referred to in the report and their impact on employment creation, particularly the success rates of the measures implemented with a view for transferring part-time workers, women and youth into lasting employment (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

3. Participation of the social partners. The Government reiterates that it endeavours to maintain and develop relations with the social partners, particularly in the context of the OAED. An example is the programme on integrated interventions, the implementation of which provides for the creation of a supporting structure, in which representatives of employers, employees, the OAED and the prefecture where the enterprise for which the specific programme is located, participate. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue to provide updated information on the manner in which the representatives of the persons affected are consulted with regard to employment policies (Article 3).

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

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its reports for the period ending in May 2003.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that the period under consideration has seen an improvement in the economic situation and a recovery of job creation principally as a result of the acceleration of economic growth. GDP grew, on average, by 3.8 per cent in the years 1997-2002, the activity rate rose to 55.4 per cent in 2002 (70.8 per cent for men and 40.9 per cent for women) and the unemployment rate fell by 1.3 per cent in relation to 2000, to the level of 9.6 per cent. The proportion of long-term unemployment among the unemployed fell by 3.6 per cent to the level of 52.8 per cent. The increase in employment has principally been registered in services and the secondary sector. The number of self-employed workers fell by 3.1 per cent. The unemployment rate for women has decreased (14 per cent in the last three months of 2002 versus 16.1 per cent for the same period in 2001), but remains high. There remain substantial differences between the regions in relation to employment and unemployment rates. In general, the lowest employment rates and the highest unemployment rates are to be found in Epirus and the West of Macedonia due to the lower level of economic development in these regions. The youth unemployment rate has fallen, partly due to the increased participation of young persons in training programmes.

2. The Government indicates that, despite this favourable economic situation, total employment during the period under consideration remained stagnant due to the long-term trend in the contraction of employment in the agricultural sector and an increase in the number of workers leaving their jobs following changes to the social security system. The Government states that one of the three fundamental principles on which its economic and social policy is based for the decade 2000-10 is the strengthening of competitiveness through accelerated development and the creation of new jobs. Various labour market policy measures have been adopted for this purpose, including the Budget Act of 2002, which grants fiscal incentives to enterprises creating jobs, and the Tax Act on Corporate Governance that provides for social policy measures, among which is the granting of a special disbursement to the long-term unemployed who have a very low family income and have exceeded the period during which they were entitled to a regular benefit. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the various labour market policy measures referred to in the reports and their impact on employment. It also requests additional information on policies in the fields of training, vocational rehabilitation and retraining, as well as on measures to improve labour productivity.

3. The Government has introduced a "Programme of new jobs" in 2002 which comprises a variety of active labour market measures and modifies the criteria for distribution of jobs by the Prefecture and Employment Service. The new distribution criteria are based on the following parameters: the period of time registered unemployed with the Prefecture and Employment Service, the completion of demand of enterprise requests, and the data provided by the National Statistical Service of Greece (ESYE). The Government also explains that the ESYE has recently introduced modifications in the collection of data for labour force surveys that will provide a more accurate overall picture of the labour market and improve their quality. The Committee notes this information and hopes that the Government will continue to report on further developments in this respect including details on the eventual data and conclusions drawn from updated ESYE Population Census and Labour Force Surveys. 

4. Article 3. The Government indicates that it endeavours to maintain and develop relations with the social partners, particularly in the context of the Employment and Labour Organization (OAED) and the Management Committee of the Employment and Vocational Training Fund (LAEK). The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide information on the manner in which the representatives of the persons affected are consulted with regard to employment policies, with an indication of the manner in which their views are taken into consideration in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of employment programmes and policies.

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

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 2000.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that the labour force grew by 0.7 per cent between 1998 and 1999, in large part due to an increase in the participation rate of women and immigrants. Employment grew by 0.1 per cent during 1998-99. Unemployment increased from 11.1 per cent in 1998 to 11.7 per cent in 1999, largely because of the increased participation of women and immigrants, and migration to urban areas. The regions with the highest unemployment were Epirus and West Macedonia. Women and young jobseekers comprise the bulk of the unemployed; however, employment of women during 1988-98 increased by 14 per cent.

2. The Committee notes the various measures the Government has taken to promote employment, including modernizing the labour market, improving skills match, establishing employment promotion centres, and targeted programmes for women, young jobseekers, and the long-term unemployed. It also notes the objectives the Government has set for itself in the near future, including: creating 300,000 new posts in 2000-04, providing 75,000 new training spots, restructuring the public employment service, and establishing a system to certify skill. The Committee also notes that although the report is very detailed concerning the problems identified and intended actions, it does not contain any indications of outcomes of specific programmes. However, the Government states that an evaluation of the certification programme is due in 2003, and that it is undertaking an electronic monitoring of policies. The Committee would appreciate receiving detailed information on the impact of the various programmes as it becomes available.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s statement that it has been working closely with the social partners and that it views their input as essential in all stages of policy formation, implementation, financing and evaluation. In particular, the social partners participate in the National Training Institute, the Monitoring Committee and the Programme for Professional Education and Training (EPEAEK). The Government adds that it intends to work more closely with the social partners in the future to ensure consensus. The Committee looks forward to receiving further information on how representatives of workers, employers and other persons affected by the measures taken are consulted concerning employment policies, with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation.

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

1. Further to previous comments, the Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report for the period ending May 1998. According to the Government, the growth rate of GDP has been high recently and reached 3.5 per cent in 1997. Employment increased by an average of 0.9 per cent per year for the period 1994-97 while the labour force increased by a yearly average of 1.5 per cent. Unemployment has increased from 9.6 per cent in 1994 to 10.4 per cent in both 1996 and 1997, due to an increase in the labour force, urban migration, automation of production processes, limits on public sector spending, increased immigration and increased labour force participation of women. The groups most affected by the sluggish growth of employment are youth, women, and workers with a secondary level of education.

2. The Committee notes that according to the employment service (OECD), youth unemployment has steadily increased from 23.3 per cent in 1990 to 32.1 per cent in 1998. The Government indicates that for 1998 the Creation of New Jobs (CNJ) programme is targeted on the young and long-term unemployed. The programme consists of two stages: a stage of subsidized practical experience lasting two months, and a stage of subsidized employment lasting 16 months for males (18 months in areas of high unemployment) and 20 months for females. There are also additional employment subsidy programmes to promote the hiring of young people. The Committee would appreciate if the Government would include in its next report information on the progress of these various programmes in tackling the high rate of youth unemployment in Greece.

3. The Government also states that women form 60.7 per cent of the unemployed and 36.7 per cent of the employed in 1997. The OECD statistics indicate that the unemployment rate for women has increased from 12 per cent in 1990 to 17.8 per cent in 1998, and that the incidence of long-term unemployment amongst women has been increasing during the same period. The Committee notes that some of the OECD programmes described in the Government's report indicate exceptional provisions for encouraging the hiring of women, such as longer periods of employment subsidy. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the impact of these provisions on increasing employment among women seeking work, and on any other programmes under consideration, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention on trends concerning particular categories of workers frequently having difficulties in finding lasting employment.

4. The Government explains that the impact of the broader economic and social context on employment policies is given consideration through the Community Structural Framework for 1994-1999 (CSF II). The Government states that the average yearly number of new jobs is 1.7 per cent of the labour force, and projects that it will reach 2.3 to 3 per cent in the period 1997-2000. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of the impact of the CSF II and other programmes on attaining the objectives of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending in May 1996. Referring also to the data published by the OECD, the Committee notes that employment growth during the period was not sufficient to absorb the growth of the active population and that the unemployment rate, which stood at 9.6 per cent in 1994, reached 10.4 per cent in 1996. The worrying trends in the distribution of unemployment already noted by the Committee have been confirmed: the unemployment rate of women is double that of men despite a considerably lower activity rate, the unemployment rate among young people is almost 28 per cent and 50 per cent of the unemployed have been seeking work for more than a year. The Committee notes that, in the Government's opinion, the restructuring of industrial enterprises and migration flows are the main causes of the persistent labour market problems.

2. The Committee notes the information concerning the various labour market policy measures which aim, in particular, to encourage the recruitment of certain categories of unemployed experiencing special difficulty in finding employment through subsidies to enterprises, to promote self-employment among young graduates and to encourage geographical mobility. It notes the evaluation findings which were able to be collected on the effectiveness of some of these programmes and asks the Government to continue to provide information on how they are adapted to take account of the results achieved. The Committee also notes the information concerning the modernization of employment services. It asks the Government to provide full information on progress made in this respect in its next report on the application of Convention No. 88.

3. With regard to the requests it has been making on this matter for many years, the Committee regrets to note that the Government's report is confined to a description only of labour market policy measures, but contains none of the information required by the report form on how general and sectoral economic policies contribute "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy" to the pursuit of employment objectives, in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee again recalls that an employment policy which is consistent with the Convention covers other aspects of economic and social policy than those for which the Ministry of Labour is responsible, and trusts that the Government will provide full information in it its next report on the measures taken with regard to investment policy, budgetary and monetary policy, trade policy, prices, incomes and wages policy, industrial and regional development policy, and education and training policy, in order to promote "as a major goal" full, productive and freely chosen employment. It again asks the Government to provide information on the implementation of the convergence programme (1994-99) and its impact -- noted or expected -- on employment.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes that Act No. 2232 of 31 August 1994 established an Economic and Social Committee in which employers' and workers' representatives participate. It asks the Government to state whether this institution has a say in the formulation and application of the employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1994. Supplemented by information from the OECD, the data provided by the Government show a continued rise in the unemployment rate from the previous period. The rate of unemployment, which was 8.7 per cent in 1992, rose to 9.7 per cent in 1993 and 9.6 per cent in 1994. According to the most recent OECD estimates, it was to rise further in 1995 to nearly 10 per cent. Furthermore, the Government confirms that young persons under 25 years of age (who account for over 40 per cent of total unemployment) and women are the categories of the population most affected. Over half of unemployed persons have been without a job for more than one year and the urban unemployment rate, which has risen once again, is triple the rural unemployment rate. The level and structure of unemployment remain a matter of particular concern.

2. The Government provides new information in its report on the labour market policy measures that it is implementing and their scope. The Committee notes the particular importance of programmes of subsidies for the creation of jobs, for self-employment and for the mobility of the workforce. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supplement the information provided on the number of beneficiaries of these programmes with information on the results achieved in terms of long-term integration into employment. The Committee notes in this respect that an evaluation of the principal employment and training programmes has been requested by the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED). The Committee requests the Government to supply the main findings of this evaluation as soon as they are available.

3. The Committee, which is grateful for the information supplied, is nevertheless bound to recall that an active employment policy in the meaning of the Convention cannot be confined to labour market measures. It regrets in this respect that the report does not contain the information that has been requested on several occasions on the manner in which overall and sectoral development policies contribute to the pursuance of employment objectives "in the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee trusts that the Government's next report will contain full information, in reply to the questions in the report form approved by the Governing Body, on the measures adopted in the fields of investment policy, budgetary and monetary policies, trade policy, prices, incomes and wages policies, industrial and regional development policies, and education and training policies, with a view to the promotion, "as a major goal", of full, productive and freely chosen employment. Furthermore, it once again requests the Government to supply information on the implementation of the convergence programme (1994-99) and its expected impact on employment.

4. Finally, the Committee notes that the report does not supply new information on the consultation of the representatives of the persons affected, and in particular of representatives of employers and workers, who only seem to be associated with the Administrative Council of the OAED. With reference once again to its previous requests, the Committee recalls that the consultation of the persons affected required by Article 3 of the Convention should be extended to all economic policy measures which have an impact on employment, "with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views and securing their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such policies". It hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report progress in the application of this fundamental provision of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1992 and the information contained therein in answer to its previous direct request. According to the information provided by the Government and to OECD data, the unemployment rate continued to increase during the period, reaching 9.2 per cent in 1992, compared to 7.6 per cent in 1990. The disparities in the distribution of unemployment became even more marked, in that the increase was greatest among categories of workers whose unemployment rate was already the highest, such as women and young people under 25, while the deterioration was most marked in urban areas. Furthermore, long-term unemployment accounts for more than 50 per cent of total unemployment. The Committee observes that since the end of the reporting period the labour market situation has continued to deteriorate in the context of the structural adjustment policy being implemented since 1991: according to OECD estimates, the unemployment rate reached 10 per cent in 1993. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide detailed statistics on the level and trends of the active population, employment, underemployment and unemployment in the various sectors of activity and for the different categories of the population.

2. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the various employment promotion measures. It notes in particular that the programmes to subsidize the creation of new jobs or self-employment for young people and the long-term unemployed are being pursued, as is the programme for the rehabilitation of the disabled. It also notes the information on the OAED rapid vocational training programme. It asks the Government to continue to provide information on the above measures indicating the results obtained in terms of the long-term integration of those concerned in the labour market.

3. The Committee notes the information contained in the report on the different measures for intervening in the labour market, and the arrangements made by the public administration with regard to the employment and training of its own agents. It notes, however, from the OECD and EC Commission surveys two trends on which it would appreciate information in the next report: the relatively high share of "passive" public expenditure in the labour market policy budget (approximately two-thirds of the total in 1991) and the substantial reduction, implemented or planned, of the strength of the public sector in the broad sense of the term, as a result of restructuring and privatization. The Committee recalls that the pursuit of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention extends to other aspects of economic and social policy likely to have an effect on employment. The Committee refers in this connection to its previous direct request and to the questions in the report form, and trusts that the next report will contain the information required on general and sectoral development policies and how they contribute, within the framework of the coordinated economic and social policy, to achieving employment objectives (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). Please indicate in particular how their effects on employment were taken into consideration when the Medium-Term Adjustment Programme for 1991-93 and the convergence programme for 1993-98 were prepared.

4. The Committee notes the indication that the decisions of the Administrative Council of the OAED concerning the programmes for subsidizing employment and training are taken in consultation with representatives of the employers' and workers' organizations. It would be grateful if the Government would state the procedure adopted for this purpose. More generally, it again asks the Government to provide complete information on the way in which representatives of the persons affected are consulted on employment policies within the meaning of the Convention, particularly within the framework of the implementation of the stabilization and structural reform programme with a view to "securing their full cooperation and enlisting support for such policies", in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

1. The Committee notes the Government's reports for the period ending June 1990 and June 1991, and the information in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that the statistics provided by OECD reports and surveys show, for the period under consideration, a slight growth in employment at an annual rate of 0.4 per cent and a stabilisation of unemployment at a rate of 7.2 per cent in 1990. However, the unemployment rate then increased rapidly to attain 8.6 per cent in 1991. The Committee notes that the employment statistics supplied by the Government refer only to the public sector and hopes that the next report will contain detailed statistical information on the level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment in the various sectors and as they affect particular categories of workers.

2. The Committee notes the employment promotion measures described by the Government. It notes the provisions respecting employment subsidies which are designed to promote the employment of categories of the population experiencing particular difficulties, such as women, young persons, the long-term unemployed and the disabled. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information in its next report on the implementation of these provisions and assessments of their impact on the employment of the categories of workers concerned. The Committee also notes the information concerning the composition and functions of the National Council for Vocational Training and Employment (ESEKA) and the progressive establishment of vocational training and development committees responsible, at the regional and prefectural levels, for coordination between vocational training and employment. It also notes the information concerning the Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED) and training establishments. Please supply further information on the training and retraining programmes that have been established and the manner in which their impact on the employment of the persons concerned is evaluated.

3. In order to enable it to make a full assessment of the manner in which an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment is applied, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply further information on its labour market policy by providing the information requested in the report form on overall and sectoral development policies and the manner in which they contribute, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, to the achievement of employment objectives (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

4. Finally, the Committee wishes to point out that the Convention provides not only for consultations with representatives of the persons affected during the formulation of employment policies, but also the collaboration of representatives of employers and workers for the implementation of these policies. Furthermore, as the Committee has already emphasized in its general survey on these instruments, consultations should also cover all aspects of employment policy which have an impact on employment. In view of these considerations, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply appropriate information on the manner in which effect is given to the provisions of Article 3, in the sense indicated above, particularly within the context of the stabilisation programme and the structural reforms formulated after the period covered by the Government's report.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee takes note of the Government's report for the period ending June 1988 and of the statistical information and other documents concerning the situation of the labour market, forwarded in connection with its previous comments. On the basis of this information, along with the information contained in the latest OECD report "Employment Prospects" (July 1989), the Committee notes in particular the following trends: an increase in employment, apparently due essentially to the increase in part-time employment, stability in the unemployment rate (7.4 per cent) though with a slight increase in 1988-89, a large proportion of long-term unemployed (42 per cent of total unemployed), an unemployment rate of 25 per cent among young people of 14 to 24 years of age.

In its report, the Government indicates the measures taken to improve the employment situation in the public sector (Act No. 1735 of 1987) and to secure free negotiation of standards, working conditions and the remuneration of employees since 1 January 1988. Measures have also been adopted by the Manpower Employment Office (OAED) to generate employment for people with specific needs. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide regular detailed reports, containing indications as to the impact of the above measures on the employment market. It recalls that the preparation of a full report on the Convention may require consultation with ministries or government agencies other than those responsible for labour matters. It also asks the Government to refer in its next report to the following points:

1. Please describe the principal employment policy measures currently being implemented and the relationships between employment policy objectives and other economic and social objectives. Please describe the general and sectoral development policies and the procedures adopted to ensure that the effects on employment of measures taken to promote economic development or other economic and social objectives receive due consideration, at both the planning and the implementation stages (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. Please describe and evaluate the measures planned by the Manpower Employment Office (OAED) to meet the needs of particular categories of workers such as women, young people, long-term unemployed adults, migrant workers.

3. Please provide information on measures to adjust labour to structural changes, particularly in connection with the measures to restructure state enterprises which are being studied or implemented by the Office for the Restructuring of Enterprises (OAE).

4. Please provide additional information on policies and measures concerning balanced regional development, if possible with an assessment of their impact with regard to the promotion of the objectives set out in Article 1 of the Convention. Part VII of Recommendation No. 169 appended to the report form may be a useful reference in this connection.

5. The Committee notes with interest the proposal to establish a national council for vocational training and a labour institute. Please provide indications on any developments in the legislation and on the measures taken or under consideration to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects.

6. The Committee takes note of the measures adopted to ensure productive work in the public sector. Please provide general information on the measures adopted to ensure that work is as productive as possible in the other sectors of the economy. Please also indicate the action taken as a result of the preparatory mission conducted by an ILO expert, referred to by the Government in its report, to inform the appropriate officials of the Ministry of Labour on the question of linking remuneration for work with productivity.

7. Please provide more detailed information on the way in which the OAED takes account of the experience and views of the representatives of the persons concerned, including, for example, representatives of persons working in the rural sector, in the preparation and implementation of employment policy (Article 3).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee takes note of the Government's report for the period ending June 1988 and of the statistical information and other documents concerning the situation of the labour market, forwarded in connection with its previous comments. On the basis of this information, along with the information contained in the latest OECD report "Employment Prospects" (July 1989), the Committee notes in particular the following trends: an increase in employment, apparently due essentially to the increase in part-time employment, stability in the unemployment rate (7.4 per cent) though with a slight increase in 1988-89, a large proportion of long-term unemployed (42 per cent of total unemployed), an unemployment rate of 25 per cent among young people of 14 to 24 years of age.

In its report, the Government indicates the measures taken to improve the employment situation in the public sector (Act No. 1735 of 1987) and to secure free negotiation of standards, working conditions and the remuneration of employees since 1 January 1988. Measures have also been adopted by the Manpower Employment Office (OAED) to generate employment for people with specific needs. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide regular detailed reports, containing indications as to the impact of the above measures on the employment market. It recalls that the preparation of a full report on the Convention may require consultation with ministries or government agencies other than those responsible for labour matters. It also asks the Government to refer in its next report to the following points:

1. Please describe the principal employment policy measures currently being implemented and the relationships between employment policy objectives and other economic and social objectives. Please describe the general and sectoral development policies and the procedures adopted to ensure that the effects on employment of measures taken to promote economic development or other economic and social objectives receive due consideration, at both the planning and the implementation stages (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. Please describe and evaluate the measures planned by the Manpower Employment Office (OAED) to meet the needs of particular categories of workers such as women, young people, long-term unemployed adults, migrant workers.

3. Please provide information on measures to adjust labour to structural changes, particularly in connection with the measures to restructure state enterprises which are being studied or implemented by the Office for the Restructuring of Enterprises (OAE).

4. Please provide additional information on policies and measures concerning balanced regional development, if possible with an assessment of their impact with regard to the promotion of the objectives set out in Article 1 of the Convention. Part VII of Recommendation No. 169 appended to the report form may be a useful reference in this connection.

5. The Committee notes with interest the proposal to establish a national council for vocational training and a labour institute. Please provide indications on any developments in the legislation and on the measures taken or under consideration to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects.

6. The Committee takes note of the measures adopted to ensure productive work in the public sector. Please provide general information on the measures adopted to ensure that work is as productive as possible in the other sectors of the economy. Please also indicate the action taken as a result of the preparatory mission conducted by an ILO expert, referred to by the Government in its report, to inform the appropriate officials of the Ministry of Labour on the question of linking remuneration for work with productivity.

7. Please provide more detailed information on the way in which the OAED takes account of the experience and views of the representatives of the persons concerned, including, for example, representatives of persons working in the rural sector, in the preparation and implementation of employment policy (Article 3).