Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - French Polynesia

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Previous comment

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes that, in 2018 and for the first time since 1994, a comprehensive employment survey was conducted throughout French Polynesia by the Institute of Statistics of French Polynesia (ISFP), based on ILO definitions and criteria for unemployment. It also notes the information provided by the Government in its report on Convention No. 88, including detailed statistics contained in the 2020 annual report of the Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Service (SEFI). In particular, the Committee notes with interest the information provided on the activities of SEFI relating to the vocational integration of workers with disabilities though “work agreements for workers with disabilities” (CTH) and “internships for workers with disabilities” (SITH). The annual report indicates, inter alia, that, in 2020, workers with disabilities were the recipients of 829 SITHs and 16 CTHs. With respect to trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment, the Government reports the results of the employment survey, which reveal a pronounced geographical polarization of employment dynamics, with a weakness in the employment market in rural areas. In this regard, it indicates that, in 2018, 51 per cent of persons of working age in French Polynesia were in employment. Of these, one in seven persons was in precarious employment. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate in French Polynesia stood at 14.7 per cent in 2018. It also notes that the rural areas of Tahiti and Moorea constituted the most disadvantaged areas of French Polynesia in terms of employment, the employment rate being considerably lower there than in urban areas. The Government also indicates that unemployment particularly affects young persons and low-skilled persons. As regards developments in employment support mechanisms such as the “assisted contract” implemented in 2016 and 2017, the Government indicates that these mechanisms have constantly increased, rising from 313 in 2016 to 614 in 2019. The Government also refers to overseas country Act No. 2017-48 of 14 December 2017 on the “employment access agreement” (CAE), replacing the “employment access contract”. The new CAE expands the target audience of the mechanism and also the entities capable of accommodating it. The CAE can now be implemented for jobseekers with no qualifications or with little experience who are registered in the solidarity scheme. This Act also introduces a new mechanism called the “professional employment access agreement” (CAE PRO), which enables unemployed persons to receive an allowance in return for work-linked training and to obtain a vocational qualification or training certificate. The Committee notes that CAE PROs peaked in 2017 with 728 interns, dropping to 410 in 2018 and 405 in 2019. It also notes that the apprenticeship mechanism (Book II of Part V of the Labour Code) was amended in 2016, 2017 and 2018, particularly to increase remuneration for apprentices (70 per cent of the inter-occupational minimum wage (SMIC)), part of which is covered by the Government. The Government indicates that a training session for apprenticeship tutors was held by the National Association for Adult Training (AFPA) in 2019 and will be held on a regular basis in the coming years to promote the practice in local enterprises. The Committee notes that the number of apprentices rose from 95 in 2016 to 127 in 2019. The Committee also notes the modification to the vocational integration mechanism called the “development volunteer corps” (CVD), aimed at promoting the vocational integration of qualified jobseekers through a one-year internship in an organization. The Government also refers to overseas country Act No. 2019-18 of 8 July 2019, which enables it to adopt measures to promote and protect local employment. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the health crisis has delayed the implementation of protection measures for local employment. The first measures were expected to take effect during the first quarter of 2022. The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government on the mechanisms put in place to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the financial situation of waged workers or self-employed persons and on the measures taken to promote conditions for the recovery of economic activity, especially in the most affected sectors of the country, such as tourism and air transport. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, on the type and impact of labour market measures taken with the aim of increasing the participation rate of women, young persons, low-skilled persons and those belonging to target groups, such as young persons in rural areas and persons with disabilities. In particular, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed, up-to-date information illustrating the measures taken or envisaged to promote the creation of productive jobs in rural areas and to reduce regional disparities in terms of access to employment and to employment-related services.

Women’s employment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that women are more heavily impacted by unemployment and that their employment rate declines markedly by comparison with that of men from the time family life begins. Noting the Government’s indications concerning unemployment and the decline in women’s employment rate from the start of family life, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the type and impact of any measures taken to combat the underlying causes of the gap between the employment levels of men and women and to intensify its efforts to increase the active participation of women in the labour market and their access to full, productive, freely chosen and lasting employment, in particular for those facing multiple or intersectional forms of discrimination. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken to raise awareness of the need for men and women to share family responsibilities, with a view to promoting the principle of equal access to the labour market for both sexes.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council was consulted on all the new employment mechanisms. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples of the consultations held with the social partners on the subjects covered by the Convention, including with regard to the formulation, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. It also requests the Government to indicate whether consultations have taken place with representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, in particular rural workers, including those in Tahiti and Moorea.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Government indicates in its report that in November 2016 salaried employment had improved in overall terms. As of 31 December 2016, the number of jobseekers registered with the Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Service (SEFI) was 10,937, including 4,853 persons seeking their first job. The Government indicates that 40 per cent of jobseekers have less than one year of experience, and 26 per cent have between five and ten years. According to its activity reports, in 2016, the SEFI proposed 5,979 vacancies (2,279 for normal vacancies and 3,700 for subsidized employment in the commercial sector), compared with 5,033 in 2015 (consisting of 1,866 under normal employment contracts and 3,167 in subsidized jobs in the commercial sector) and 5,401 in 2014 (2,396 under normal employment contracts and 3,005 in subsidized employment in the commercial sector). The Committee notes the indications provided by the Government concerning the public employment and vocational integration policy implemented. The policy is based on three basic principles, namely: the establishment and strengthening of the continuum between stakeholders in vocational training (initial and further training) and employment; the guarantee of lasting employment; and inclusion in a real performance approach. The Committee also notes the various mechanisms that exist to promote employment, particularly through: (1) subsidies for the maintenance and safeguarding of employment, such as the Employment Support Contract (CSE); (2) assistance for employment and vocational integration (such as the employment access agreement (CAE), the professional employment access agreement (CAE PRO), the work contract subsidy (ACT) and the work contract subsidy for first-time employees (ACT PRIM)); and (3) subsidies for enterprise creation. Established by local Act No. 2016-4 of 14 March 2016, the objective of the ACT is to promote the creation of salaried employment through a flat-rate subsidy for employers’ contributions in the context of a permanent employment contract for a minimum of 24 hours a month. Implemented by local Act No. 2016-5 of 14 March 2016, the professional employment subsidy (ACT PRO) is intended to promote, in alternation, the employment integration and vocational training of the jobseeker. The ACT and the ACT PRO were implemented, respectively, in May and August 2016 with, for the first year of implementation, an objective of 400 ACT contracts and 200 ACT PRO contracts. According to the data provided by the Government, in November 2016 the number of ACT contracts was 300 and the number of ACT PRO contracts was 18. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on any results achieved through the new measures implemented to promote employment, and particularly those intended to meet the needs of specific categories of workers, such as women, young persons and workers with disabilities. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated information on the situation and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that every measure adopted to promote employment and integration is covered by local legislation, which requires consultation with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council. In this respect, the Committee notes the four favourable opinions issued by the Council in 2015 (Opinion No. 27/2015 of 30 July 2015, Opinion No. 34/2015 of 1 October 2015, Opinion No. 35/2015 of 8 October 2015 and Opinion No. 36/2015 of 8 October 2015), and the three favourable opinions issued in 2016 (Opinion No. 62/2016 of 27 September 2016, Opinion No. 67/2016 of 22 November 2016 and Opinion No. 68/2016 of 22 November 2016). The Committee invites the Government to continue providing examples of consultations held with the social partners on the subjects covered by the Convention.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. In reply to previous comments, the Government indicates that, in 2013, job vacancies declined by 40 per cent compared with 2012, from 10,716 to 6,512 in all categories. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate rose from 11.7 per cent in 2007 to 21.8 per cent in 2012 (increasing from 12,500 to 25,000 unemployed persons), while labour force participation dropped (from 53 per cent to 48 per cent) during the same period. In 2013, the Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Service (SEFI) proposed 4,617 job vacancies, 912 training courses and 983 job placements (non-commercial sector). At 31 December 2013, a total of 9,725 jobseekers were registered with SEFI, representing a decline of 2 per cent compared with the previous year. The Committee notes that in order to reach out to the public and forge connections with the Directorate of Social Affairs, SEFI will establish offices in an additional eight communes. The Committee also takes note of the results achieved by mechanisms intended to support wage employment and prevent long-term unemployment, provide new opportunities for marginalized persons, promote the integration of workers with disabilities, and develop household services, while combating unofficial work and supporting the creation of small enterprises. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the results achieved by the new mechanisms established to promote employment, particularly apprenticeships, assistance for the establishment or takeover of an entrepreneurial activity, and hiring subsidies. It hopes that the report will also contain up-to-date information on labour trends and labour market measures.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that all the amendments made to the implemented mechanisms, in particular those relating to apprenticeships, assistance for the establishment or takeover of an entrepreneurial activity, and hiring subsidies, were presented to the social partners during comprehensive tripartite consultations. The Committee notes that each mechanism to promote employment and integration was covered by a territorial Act, which is why consultation of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council was compulsory. The Council issued two favourable opinions regarding the draft territorial Acts, respectively concerning the amendment of the apprenticeship mechanism (Opinion No. 127/2012) and various employment assistance provisions (Opinion No. 131/2012). The Government also indicates that the social partners, with the cooperation of SEFI, introduced working meetings at the end of 2013, with a view to creating the first vocational qualification certificate specifically for the profession of security and prevention officer. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing examples of consultations held with the social partners on the subjects covered by the Convention.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending in December 2011. The Government indicates that a service voucher scheme has been set up for individuals through territorial Act No. 2010-3 of 15 March 2010 with the objective of combating unofficial work and promoting the development of household services. As regards the points raised in the Committee’s previous direct request, the Government refers to the 2011 annual report of the Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Service (SEFI). The Committee notes that in 2011 the SEFI was used intensively by jobseekers. The total number of job vacancies was 26 per cent lower than in 2010. The average monthly total of jobseekers was almost 8,800 persons. The SEFI expects to support job creation and prevent long-term unemployment, maintain jobs in struggling enterprises, enable combined work/training schemes and promote assistance to workers with disabilities. The SEFI indicates that no positive developments have been recorded with regard to tackling illiteracy. The core group of jobseekers in Tahiti is having recourse to vocational training in the search for lasting employment. It is also noted that many jobseekers with experience are seeking to use vocational training as an opportunity and a means of relinquishing their status as unemployed persons. The Committee invites the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved by the new mechanisms established to promote employment, provide new opportunities for marginalized persons and support the creation of sustainable enterprises. The Committee hopes that the report will also contain up-to-date information on employment trends and labour market measures.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies. The Committee notes the extract of the record of the meeting of 19 November 2007, sent by the Government in its report, concerning comprehensive tripartite consultations on labour and employment. The Committee invites the Government to provide recent specific examples of consultations held with the social partners on the subjects covered by the Convention, showing the opinions issued and the manner in which they have been taken into consideration.

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

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:

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report received in October 2009 and also the attached documents relating to employment. The Government indicates that in December 2008 a total of 7,520 jobseekers were registered with the Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Service (SEFI), an increase of more than 25.6 per cent in one year. Offers of jobs in all categories show a sharp reduction of 27 per cent compared with the previous year, whereas assisted company contracts show an increase of 13.6 per cent. Between December 2007 and December 2008, a loss of approximately 3,000 jobs was recorded, and the youth employment rate dropped while the rate for older workers improved. The Government indicates that, in order to rectify this situation, an employment protection plan has been established, with the aim of doubling available resources for employment and training policy. In addition, two territorial laws were adopted in May 2009: an Act on incentives to maintain employment (IME), which aims to enable French Polynesia to partially offset income losses of workers from further reductions of working hours beneath the legal minimum; another Act concerns the employment revival contract (CRE), designed to support enterprises recruiting an unemployed person on the basis of a fixed-term contract. New provisions concerning the vocational integration of persons with disabilities were also introduced with the territorial Act No. 2009-11 of 7 July 2009. The Government also states that the voluntary development contract (CVD), aimed at the integration of young persons, will enable an additional 200 qualified young persons each year to find a job in the private sector or in the administration. The Committee requests the Government to supply any available evaluation of the results achieved by the various employment policy measures which have been taken, particularly with regard to the impact of specific contracts aimed at the long-term vocational integration of young persons. It hopes that the report will also contain up-to-date information on employment trends and labour market measures.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the social partners are consulted with regard to draft territorial Acts in the context of tripartite consultations. With regard to other legal texts, the social partners are usually associated on an informal basis in a technical working party in order to find appropriate solutions. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples of consultations held with the social partners on the subjects covered by the Convention, showing the opinions issued and the manner in which they have been taken into consideration.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report received in October 2009 and also the attached documents relating to employment. The Government indicates that in December 2008 a total of 7,520 jobseekers were registered with the Employment, Training and Vocational Integration Service (SEFI), an increase of more than 25.6 per cent in one year. Offers of jobs in all categories show a sharp reduction of 27 per cent compared with the previous year, whereas assisted company contracts show an increase of 13.6 per cent. Between December 2007 and December 2008, a loss of approximately 3,000 jobs was recorded, and the youth employment rate dropped while the rate for older workers improved. The Government indicates that, in order to rectify this situation, an employment protection plan has been established, with the aim of doubling available resources for employment and training policy. In addition, two territorial laws were adopted in May 2009: an Act on incentives to maintain employment (IME), which aims to enable French Polynesia to partially offset income losses of workers from further reductions of working hours beneath the legal minimum; another Act concerns the employment revival contract (CRE), designed to support enterprises recruiting an unemployed person on the basis of a fixed-term contract. New provisions concerning the vocational integration of persons with disabilities were also introduced with the territorial Act No. 2009-11 of 7 July 2009. The Government also states that the voluntary development contract (CVD), aimed at the integration of young persons, will enable an additional 200 qualified young persons each year to find a job in the private sector or in the administration. The Committee requests the Government to supply any available evaluation of the results achieved by the various employment policy measures which have been taken, particularly with regard to the impact of specific contracts aimed at the long-term vocational integration of young persons. It hopes that the report will also contain up-to-date information on employment trends and labour market measures.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of policies. The Government indicates that the social partners are consulted with regard to draft territorial Acts in the context of tripartite consultations. With regard to other legal texts, the social partners are usually associated on an informal basis in a technical working party in order to find appropriate solutions. The Committee requests the Government to provide examples of consultations held with the social partners on the subjects covered by the Convention, showing the opinions issued and the manner in which they have been taken into consideration.

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

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of the employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in August 2007 and the documents attached thereto, in particular the 2006 activity report of the Employment, Training and Occupational Integration Service (SEFI). The number of active jobseekers registered at the SEFI increased by 34 per cent in one year, reaching a total of 5,029 persons in December 2006. The Committee notes that 58 per cent of jobseekers are under the age of 30. At the same time, the total number of job offers across all categories shows a slight decrease of 3.2 per cent compared to the previous year, whereas assisted company contracts have risen by 40 per cent. The Committee notes that new mechanisms were established in 2006 to encourage job creation and promote wage employment on the basis of open-ended contracts. The SEFI activity report for 2006 indicates that for the first time the number of fixed-term contracts dropped sharply, thus tending to balance out the number of open-ended contracts. The Government indicates that the aim of the Ministry of Employment is to participate in the establishment of favourable conditions for the creation of sustainable activities and, for 2006 and the following years, to support job creation for 3,000 persons per year, especially to absorb the arrival of young persons on the labour market. The Government also refers to Act No. 2007-2 of 16 April 2007 concerning the obligation to employ workers with disabilities, which is due to be supplemented soon by a law relating to protected work establishments. The Government also declares that since no inventory has been undertaken since the last report, it is unable to supply new figures, especially on the active population, but that the next inventory will start in August 2007. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on how account is taken of employment objectives in the adoption of the main aspects of general economic policy. It requests the Government to provide an assessment of the results achieved by the various labour market policy measures adopted, and also statistics on the level and trends of employment, underemployment and unemployment in the various sectors of activity and for the various categories of the working population.

2. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of policies. In reply to the Committee’s direct request of 2005, the Government indicates that in general the social partners express the wish to be associated as early as possible with draft texts and that they sometimes deplore the fact that tripartite consultation does not cover draft legislative orders. The Government indicates that the main comment made by the social partners in the Economic, Social and Cultural Council during the revision of employment policy in 2005–06 was to emphasize the need for tools for evaluating employment policies. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to strengthen the participation of the social partners in the preparation and application of employment policies, describing the outcome and the impact of the consultations held on the issues covered by the Convention.

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

1. Implementation of the employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government indicating that employment growth decreased slightly in 2004 (-0.5 per cent less than 2003). Unemployment figures were 11.7 per cent for the active population (some 11,650 workers are unemployed). The new Government, formed in 2005, indicates that employment development is the principal aim of its economic policy. It wishes to place its economic policy in a context of sustainable development and concentrate on the development of occupational qualifications and the promotion of permanent jobs. The Committee notes the measures undertaken with the aim of promoting sustainable employment offers for jobseekers already in the labour market and young people entering it. The Committee requests the Government to supply in its next report an assessment of the results obtained through the various labour market policy measures and to indicate the steps taken subsequently. The Government is requested to continue to supply information on the manner in which the employment objectives are taken into account in the adoption of the main general and economic directions and policies. Please also include statistics on the level of, and trends in, the active population, employment, underemployment and unemployment in the various sectors of activity and for the various categories of the population (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. In reply to the Committee’s previous direct request, the Government indicates that social dialogue on the matters covered by the Convention is conducted through global, thematic tripartite meetings and global tripartite concentration meetings. A steering committee in which the social partners are represented alongside the public authorities was created in December 2004 in the framework of establishing the facility for assisting in the revaluing of the minimum guaranteed inter-professional wage. The Committee also notes that all the draft laws relating to economic and social matters are submitted for opinion to the Economic, Social and Cultural Council in which employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented. The Committee requests the Government to include in its next report information on the results of the tripartite consultations on matters covered by the Convention (Article 3).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s two successive reports on the period ending June 2003. This indicates that employment growth rose at the end of the period, with the number of registered unemployed declining by 5.5 per cent during the first half of 2003. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, this favourable trend of employment can be attributed to the success of the various assistance measures for recruitment and vocational integration. It requests the Government to continue providing information that is as detailed and up-to-date as possible so that it can evaluate the effectiveness of the labour market policy measures implemented in the territory.

2. Article 2 of the Convention. With reference to its previous request, the Committee recalls that it appreciates receiving any information on the manner in which employment policy is designed and pursued within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. It would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the manner in which employment objectives are taken into account in the adoption of the principal economic policies of the territory.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Higher Council of Employment, Vocational Training and Social Promotion, composed of equal numbers of representatives of the Government and of employers’ and workers’ organizations, issues opinions on the annual planning of the Government’s employment and vocational training policy, and on the evaluation of the annual programme carried out. It requests the Government to provide information in future reports on the opinions issued by the Council and the manner in which they are taken into account.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information contained in the report. The report indicates that unemployment remains highest among youth, those without qualifications or experience, and the long-term unemployed. In 1997, there were approximately 14,000 jobseekers, of which approximately 4,700 were placed (approximately 33 per cent). For 1998, the figures were 17,000 and 5,800, respectively (approximately 34 per cent). Links with employers are being strengthened to encourage registration of vacancies. Internship programmes have been set up for youth and people with disabilities, and subsidized jobs are available for others who are difficult to place. In 1998, there were about 5,500 interns and 800 people placed in subsidized jobs. Furthermore, the Committee notes with interest that training providers are required to place participants in employment within three to six months or risk non-renewal of their contracts with the Government. Training was provided for about 600 people in 1998, with the aim of improving the skills available in the labour market. Certification is also being developed and a comparative study of forms of training provided has been undertaken. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of the impact of these various measures to promote full employment. It would also appreciate further information on the manner in which employment policy is formulated within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

Article 3. Please provide further information on the manner in which consultations are held with those affected by employment policies.

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

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's detailed report for the period ending June 1994. It would appreciate continuing to receive information on measures taken in application of the Convention, and on the most recent statistics available on trends in the labour market, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

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

1. The Committee notes the Government's report and the reports attached on the activities of the Employment and Vocational Training Agency for the years 1995 and 1996, and the review of the activities for 1996 of the Employment, Vocational Training and Youth Social Integration Delegation. It notes that the detailed information provided covers the vacancies and job applications dealt with by the employment service and the employment assistance measures implemented during the period. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee also hopes that the Government's next report will contain full statistics on the situation and trends of the active population, employment and unemployment disaggregated by sex, age, sector and skill level. Please also provide any available evaluation of the effectiveness of employment assistance measures.

2. The Committee once again requests the Government, in addition to the information provided on labour market policy measures, to supply additional information on other aspects of employment policy within the meaning of the Convention. It requests, in particular, the Government to describe the overall and sectoral development policies pursued in the context of the Progress Pact and following the closure of the Pacific Experimentation Centre. Please refer in this respect to the questions contained in the report form on Article 1 of the Convention.

3. Article 3. Please provide examples of the subjects discussed by the High Territorial Committee for Employment, Vocational Training and Social Promotion.

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

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:

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1994 including the information provided in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that while the Government is still not able to furnish the requested data on the active population, the employed and the unemployed by sex, age and sector of activity, studies on the structure of employment and on potentially active persons are under way and will bring about better understanding of the characteristics and tendencies with respect to the evolution of employment in the territory. The Committee notes that the number of jobseekers has increased by one-fourth in 1993 and that about one-third of the unemployed are looking for their first job, half of them being younger than 25 years old. It also notes that, according to the Government, the diminution of the part of the long-term unemployment by half was due mainly to the increase in the number of trainees under the "construction for development" programme.

2. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information concerning various programmes on training and occupational insertion. It observes that the "rate of insertion" obtained seems to prove the efficiency of many of the measures taken. It would be glad to continue receiving such information. More generally, the Committee would ask the Government to include in its next report information concerning other aspects of employment policy, in line with the particular questions contained in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the records of proceedings of the High Committee of the Territory for Employment, Vocational Training and Social Promotion, supplied by the Government. Please continue to furnish detailed information on the effect given to Article 3 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 including the information provided in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that while the Government is still not able to furnish the requested data on the active population, the employed and the unemployed by sex, age and sector of activity, studies on the structure of employment and on potentially active persons are under way and will bring about better understanding of the characteristics and tendencies with respect to the evolution of employment in the territory. The Committee notes that the number of jobseekers has increased by one-fourth in 1993 and that about one-third of the unemployed are looking for their first job, half of them being younger than 25 years old. It also notes that, according to the Government, the diminution of the part of the long-term unemployment by half was due mainly to the increase in the number of trainees under the "construction for development" programme.

2. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information concerning various programmes on training and occupational insertion. It observes that the "rate of insertion" obtained seems to prove the efficiency of many of the measures taken. It would be glad to continue receiving such information. More generally, the Committee would ask the Government to include in its next report information concerning other aspects of employment policy, in line with the particular questions contained in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the records of proceedings of the High Committee of the Territory for Employment, Vocational Training and Social Promotion, supplied by the Government. Please continue to furnish detailed information on the effect given to Article 3 of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with interest the Government's report for the period ending June 1992. It also notes the information contained in the 1993 report on Convention No. 88 and would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide detailed information in its next report. Please also provide details on the following points.

1. In its report the Government supplies information on the situation and trends in employment but points out that it is based only on the data of the Social Welfare Fund and the Employment and Vocational Training Agency (AEFP). The Committee notes that approximately four requests for employment out of five are not met despite a slight improvement in the sectors which are very sensitive to seasonal variations (tourism, construction). The Committee notes that under Decision No. 91-029 of 24 January 1991 all job seekers must register with the AEFP and all employers must notify vacancies to the AEFP, and hopes that the Government will shortly be in possession of data which reflect the employment situation as a whole more accurately. It would be grateful if the Government would provide statistics on the total population, the active population, employment and unemployment, by sex and by age, in the various sectors of activity.

2. The Committee gathers from the statistics on job offers processed by the AEFP contained in the report, that most of the jobs on offer were for workers of one or the other sex exclusively. The Committee recalls that under Article 1, paragraph 2(c) of the Convention, employment policy must be designed to ensure that there is freedom of choice of employment and the fullest possible opportunity for each worker to qualify for, and to use his skills and endowments in, a job for which he is well suited, irrespective of sex, and points out that employment services must contribute to the elimination of all discrimination on grounds of sex in access to employment. The Committee also asks the Government to provide full information on the reasons for this situation and the measures taken or envisaged to remedy it in its next report on the application of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111), 1958.

3. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information on measures for vocational training and occupational integration provided by the Government in its report on Convention No. 88. It notes in particular that the effectiveness of the measures is assessed by calculating the "integration rate". Please continue to provide such information particularly with regard to "adaptation to employment" contracts, local development works and measures for the employment of disabled persons.

4. Article 3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide detailed information on the work of the Territorial High Committee on employment, vocational training and social promotion stating the frequency and agenda of its meetings, the conclusions of such meetings and the way in which account has been taken of them. Please provide samples of documents produced by this committee with the next report.