Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) - Latvia (Ratification: 1994)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes that statistics on the economically active population, employment and unemployment continue to be provided to the ILO for dissemination under ILOSTAT. The latest figures from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) relate to 2020. With respect to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013), the Government indicates that unadjusted and seasonally adjusted monthly estimates on two groups of economic activity are published in the statistics tables of the Official Statistics Portal (the OSP) on employed and unemployed persons (aged 15–74). Three indicators characterising economic activity by month and by sex are published in the OSP statistics tables: the number of employed, the number of unemployed and the unemployment rate. Noting that the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia conducts population censuses every 10 years, and the latest census was conducted in 2021, the Committee encourages the Government to consider accepting the obligations of Article 8. The Government is also requested to continue to supply data and information on the methodology used in the application of these provisions. It also invites the Government to provide information on any developments in relation to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013).

The Committee notes the following information concerning the Articles of Part II of the Convention in respect of which the Government has not accepted the obligations of the Convention (Article 16(4)).

Articles 9(1) and 10. Current statistics of average earnings and hours of work. Statistics of wage structure and distribution. The Committee notes that there have been no changes affecting the application of these provisions. The Government provides a detailed description of consultations held with representative employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as information regarding the current statistical data and the underlying methodologies. Statistical data on wages/salaries and other labour costs, hours worked and paid, as well as the corresponding number of employees (workplaces occupied), is obtained from the same quarterly survey of undertakings and aggregated to include all sizes, fields and sectors of undertakings. Additional information regarding the hours worked per week is also obtained in the labour force survey of the CSB. Statistical data on wages/salaries disaggregated by professions, genders, sectors and other socio-economic indicators is obtained by carrying out a structural survey of wages/salaries which, according to the EU regulations, takes place every in four years. The most recent survey was conducted in 2018.  The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply statistics on the application of these provisions and to consider accepting the obligations under Articles 9(1) and 10.

Article 11. Statistics of labour cost. The Committee notes that there have been no changes affecting the application of this Article. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide statistics of average labour costs and encourages the Government to consider accepting the obligations under this Article.

Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries. The Committee notes that, while the obligations under this Article have not been accepted, statistics on fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, disaggregated by economic activity and occupation, are regularly communicated to the ILO Department of Statistics. There have been no changes affecting the application of this Article. The latest data available on occupational injuries derived from labour inspectorate records are from 2019. The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply statistics on occupational injuries and to consider accepting the obligations under this Article.

Article 15. Statistics of industrial disputes. The Committee notes that the Government regularly communicates statistics on strikes and lockouts, disaggregated by economic activity and derived from its annual establishment survey to the ILO Department of Statistics.  The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply statistics of industrial disputes and to consider accepting the obligations under this Article.

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

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning Articles 3 and 9 of the Convention. It notes in this regard that consultations are held with employers’ and workers’ organizations when developing the indicators to be included in the annual State statistical information programme. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any changes made in relation to the application of these provisions.

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes the information provided on the major definitions of indicators and notes that the results of the Labour Force Survey (LFS) are published on the website of the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSB). It also notes that the Government continues to supply data to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination through its website (ILOSTAT). The latest LFS figures relate to 2014. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply data and information on the methodology used in the application of these provisions. It also invites the Government to provide information on any developments in relation to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013).

The Committee notes the following information concerning the Articles of Part II of the Convention in respect of which the Government has not accepted the obligations of the Convention (Article 16(4)).

Articles 9(1) and 10. Current statistics of average earnings and hours of work. Statistics of wage structure and distribution. The Committee notes that current statistics of average gross and net monthly earnings of employees and hours actually worked and paid for the whole economy continue to be compiled monthly, quarterly and annually from Enterprise Surveys. It further notes that statistics on the distribution of full-time employees according to levels of earnings had been compiled through an annual survey, but that collection ceased in 2007 due to resource constraints. However, since 2009, the CSB compiles and publishes information about the distribution of employees according to earnings based on administrative records. The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply statistics on the application of these provisions and to consider accepting the obligations under Articles 9(1) and 10.

Article 11. Statistics of labour cost. The Committee notes that statistics of average hourly labour costs by economic activity of employees by branch of economic activity are collected from an establishment survey and from administrative data. The Government indicates that the selection framework for the survey is formed by using information from the Statistical Register of Enterprises and Organisations. The Committee further notes that these statistics are regularly communicated to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination through ILOSTAT, with the latest data referring to 2014. The Committee would welcome continuing to receive statistics of average labour costs and invites the Government to consider accepting the obligations under this Article.

Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries. The Committee notes that, while the obligations under this Article have not been accepted, statistics on fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, disaggregated by economic activity and occupation, are regularly communicated to the ILO Department of Statistics via the corresponding chapter of its annual questionnaire on labour statistics. Moreover, the Committee notes from the report the latest modifications in the procedures for reporting and investigating occupational accidents and the summarized statistics provided on accidents registered in 2010–14, derived from State Labour Inspectorate records. The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply statistics on occupational injuries and to consider accepting the obligations under this Article.

Article 15. Statistics of industrial disputes. The Committee notes that the Government regularly communicates statistics on strikes and lockouts, disaggregated by economic activity and derived from an establishment survey, to the ILO Department of Statistics. The Committee invites the Government to continue to supply statistics of industrial disputes and to consider accepting the obligations under this Article.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Consultation with representative employers’ and workers’ organizations. Noting that the Government’s report does not contain a reply to its previous comments on this issue, the Committee once again recalls that it is an obligation under this Convention to consult representative organizations of employers and workers in designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology of the statistics covered by the Convention. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on such consultation with regard to Articles 12 and 13.

Article 9 of the Convention. Statistics of wages and hours of work. The Committee draws the attention of the Government to Resolution I[2] concerning the measurement of working time adopted by the 18th International Conference of Labour Statisticians in November–December 2008, which defines new concepts and measures in this area of statistics.

Article 16. Acceptance of obligations. The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government on the compilation of statistics on occupational accidents and diseases and would be grateful if the Government would continue to keep the ILO informed of any further developments in this area (Article 14).

The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would continue to supply information on the compilation of statistics on industrial disputes (Article 15).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes the Government’s report. With reference to its previous comments, it notes with interest the evolution of wage structure (Article 10 of the Convention) and requests the Government again to envisage the possibility provided in Article 16(3) of accepting the obligations pursuant to Articles 9, 10 and 11.

Article 14. The Committee notes the information indicating the progress made in the compilation of statistics of occupational injuries and diseases. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to keep the Office informed of any further developments in this matter (Article 16(4)).

Article 15. Noting the Government’s opinion that, because of the lack of any relevant legislation, statistics on strikes and lockouts would not be appropriate, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would nevertheless continue to supply information on any further developments in this matter (Article 16(4)).

Article 7. The Committee notes that the Government has carried out a biannual labour force survey since 1995, and that this survey has become continuous, since 2002, providing quarterly estimates of the labour force, employment and unemployment.

Articles 3, 12 and 13. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in reply to its previous comments which read as follows:

Article 3 of the Convention. Recalling that it is an obligation under this Convention to consult representative organizations of employers and workers in designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology of the statistics covered by the Convention, the Committee again asks the Government to provide the information on such consultation with regard to Articles 12 and 13. It also hopes that such consultation will be made on future occasions.

Article 12. The Committee again asks the Government to indicate which international standards were taken into account in computing the CPI (in accordance with Article 2).

Article 13. The Committee asks the Government to send to the ILO the publication containing 1998 survey results concerning the statistics of household expenditure (in accordance with Article 5).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s report. It notes that compliance with the provisions of the Convention is ensured by the Law on State Statistics of 6 November 1997. The Committee asks the Government to supply further information on the following points.

Article 3 of the Convention.  Recalling that it is an obligation under this Convention to consult representative organizations of employers and workers in designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology of the statistics covered by the Convention, the Committee again asks the Government to provide the information on such consultation with regard to Articles 12 and 13. It also hopes that such consultation will be made on future occasions.

Article 12.  The Committee again asks the Government to indicate which international standards were taken into account in computing the CPI (in accordance with Article 2).

Article 13.  The Committee asks the Government to send to the ILO the publication containing 1998 survey results concerning the statistics of household expenditure (in accordance with Article 5).

Article 16.  The Committee notes the information supplied in respect of Articles 8 to 11, 14 and 15, under which obligations have not been accepted. With the purpose of clarifying the extent to which effect is already given to them the Committee is making the following remarks on some of these Articles. Concerning Articles 9, 10 and 11, the Committee notes that monthly and quarterly statistics of average monthly earnings and hours actually worked are compiled (in accordance with Article 9, paragraph 1. Statistics on occupational earnings and hours paid for or actually worked are compiled annually. Statistics on the distribution of employees by levels of earnings are compiled once a year (in accordance with Article 10). Statistics on the level and structure of average labour cost in manufacturing were compiled with reference to 1997. The coverage of the labour cost survey is being extended with reference to 1998 (in accordance with Article 11). All these statistics cover both the public and the private sector, and in general enterprises, etc., with 20 or more employees. Sampling methods are being applied and the concepts and classifications follow the ILO guidelines and comply with EUROSTAT requirements.

The Committee notes these developments with interest and draws the Government’s attention to the possibility, under Article 16, paragraph 3, of accepting the obligations of Article 9, paragraph 1, and Article 11. Regarding Article 10, the Committee asks the Government to report to the ILO on any future development of the survey on the structure of earnings, which had been envisaged in the previous report. It hopes that the Government will continue to supply any statistics compiled on the subjects covered by these Articles, as well as particulars of their sources, methodology and publication, in accordance with Article 16, paragraph 4.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government's second report. It notes that methodological information concerning the statistics covered by Articles 7 and 12 of the Convention has been communicated to the ILO, in accordance with Article 6. The Committee requests the Government to supply further information on the following points.

Legislation. In the absence of information, the Committee again requests the Government to provide a list of the laws and regulations which apply the provisions of the Convention.

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's indication that representative organizations of employers and workers were not involved in designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology of the statistics of economically active population, employment, unemployment and visible underemployment (Article 7). Recalling that it is an obligation under this Convention to consult them in designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology of the statistics covered by the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to provide the information on such consultation with regard to Articles 12 and 13. It also hopes that such consultation will be made on future occasions.

Article 12. The Committee again requests the Government: (i) to supply information concerning the coverage and weighting pattern followed in computing the consumer price index; (ii) to indicate which international standards were taken into account in computing the CPI (in accordance with Article 2); (iii) to communicate the title and reference of the publication containing the detailed methodological descriptions (if any) as required under Article 6.

Article 13. The Committee requests the Government to continue to send to the ILO relevant publications of both the results of the survey and the methodology used concerning the statistics of household expenditure (Articles 5 and 6).

Article 16. The Committee notes the information supplied in respect of Articles 8 to 11, 14 and 15, obligations under which have not been accepted. It is for the purpose of clarifying the extent to which effect is already given to them, that the Committee is making the following remarks on some of these Articles.

Article 8. The Committee notes that, on the basis of structural data obtained through the regular labour force survey, as presented and analysed above, it may be said that this Article is being partially applied. It asks the Government to indicate if and when the next census is foreseen.

Articles 9, 10 and 11. The Committee notes that monthly and quarterly statistics of average monthly earnings and hours actually worked are compiled, in compliance with Article 9(1). Statistics on occupational earnings and hours paid for have been compiled with reference to October 1997 and will be collected annually. Statistics on the distribution of employees by levels of earnings are compiled once a year, in compliance with Article 10. All these data now cover the whole economy (i.e. the structured sector). Statistics of total labour cost, labour cost components and hourly labour cost in manufacturing were compiled for the first time in 1998 with reference to 1997 and it is expected that the survey coverage will gradually be extended to cover other branches of economic activity, in accordance with Article 11. The concepts and classifications follow the ILO guidelines and comply with EUROSTAT requirements. The survey method is still very much based on reports returned by enterprises on an exhaustive basis but, with the growing number of data collections, the Central Statistical Bureau envisages being able to make more use of sampling in the future.

The Committee notes these developments with interest and draws the Government's attention to the possibility, under Article 16(3), of accepting the obligations of Articles 9(1), 10 and 11. It hopes that the Government will continue to supply any statistics compiled on the subjects covered by these Articles, as well as particulars of their sources, methodology and publication, in accordance with Article 16(4).

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

The Committee notes the Government's first report, and requests it to supply further information on the following points.

Legislation. As no mention is made in the report of the laws and regulations which apply the provisions of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to provide a list of them.

Article 3 of the Convention. As no indication is given as to whether representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted when the concepts, definitions and methodology used are designed and revised, the Committee requests the Government to provide this information with regard to statistics covered by Articles 7, 12 and 13.

Article 7. The Committee draws the attention of the Government to the obligation to communicate methodological information concerning the statistics of economically active population, employment and unemployment to the ILO, in accordance with Article 6.

Article 12. The Committee requests the Government: (i) to supply information concerning the coverage and weighting pattern followed in computing the Consumer Price Index; (ii) to indicate which international standards were taken into account in computing the CPI (in accordance with Article 2); (iii) to communicate the title and reference of the publication containing the detailed methodological descriptions (if any), and to supply such descriptions to the ILO as required under Article 6.

Article 13. The Committee requests the Government to send to the ILO relevant publications of both the results of the survey and the methodology used concerning the statistics of household expenditure (Articles 5 and 6).

Article 16. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied in respect of Articles 8 to 11, 14 and 15, obligations under which have not been accepted. It notes, however, that in the communication dated 10 June 1994 which specified the acceptance of Articles 7, 12 and 13, the Government stated that it hoped in the future to notify the acceptance of Articles 9, 10 and 14, which were partly complied with in national law and practice. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to supply any statistics compiled on the subjects covered by Articles 8 to 11, 14 and 15, as well as particulars of their sources, methodology and publication. It is for the purpose of clarifying the extent to which effect is already given to them, that the Committee is making the following remarks on some of these Articles:

Article 8. The Committee notes that, on the basis of structural data obtained through the regular labour force survey, as presented and analysed above, it may be said that this Article is being partially applied. It asks the Government to indicate if and when the next census is foreseen.

Article 9(1). The Committee notes that, although the obligations of this Article were not accepted at the time of ratification, it appears that this Article is in fact being applied. It therefore draws the Government's attention to the possiblity under Article 16(3) to accept obligations of additional Articles.

Article 9(2). Noting that neither statistics of wage rates nor statistics of normal hours of work are compiled, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the reasons why statistics of wage rates and normal hours of work, covering important occupations or groups of occupations, are not compiled.

Article 10. The Committee notes that this Article is partially applied by the compilation of data on the distribution of employees according to levels of earnings, classified by economic activity and region. It asks the Government to continue to supply information on the development of this survey and particularly of its extension to private sector enterprises and establishments, and possibly to the compilation of statistics on the distribution of employees according to levels of hours of work. Please also indicate whether it is planned to compile and publish statistics on the composition of earnings and hours of work of employees.

Article 11. The Committee notes that a first pilot labour cost survey is planned for the beginning of 1998, and asks the Government to continue to supply information on the developments of this survey, including the resulting statistics and the corresponding methodological information.