Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) - Sierra Leone (Ratification: 1961)

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

The Committee observes with regret that the Government’s report does not address its previous comment, initially made in 2013, on the allegations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) concerning restrictions to collective bargaining in the mining sector. The Committee is therefore bound to reiterate its previous request for comments in this regard.

The Committee previously expressed its hope that the Government, availing its assistance, would give full effect to the Convention by reviewing the labour legislation in consultations with its social partners. The Committee, in this regard, notes the Government’s indication that the review has resulted in the development of a draft Employment Bill, 2022, and that the draft Industrial Relations and Trade Union Bill, 2022 (IR Bill) was elaborated post review of the Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act No.18 of 1971.

Scope of application of the Convention. Fire force and correctional service personnel. The Committee observes that while the draft IR Bill does not explicitly exclude members of the fire force or correctional service personnel, the scope of the Employment Bill covers only civilian workers of either category.The Committee recalls that, with the sole exceptions set out in its articles 5 and 6, the rights and safeguards set out in the Convention apply to all workers, including fire service personnel and prison staff (2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 209). The Committee requests the Government to indicate any other regulation that would grant to the non-civilian members of the fire force and the correctional services the rights recognized by the Employment Bill that give application to the Convention and to ensure that these categories of workers are in a position to fully benefit from all its provisions.

Workers with supervisory responsibilities. The Committee previously requested the Government to take measures to ensure that workers with supervisory responsibilities could bargain collectively. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that the draft IR Bill includes within its scope, those with supervisory responsibilities (section 2(1)).

Other categories of workers.The Committee observes however that section 2(4) of the draft IR Bill allows the Minister, after consultations with the Joint Consultative Committee (section 13), to exempt any person or class of persons or any trade, industry or undertaking with terms and conditions of employment governed by special arrangements, from the coverage of the legislation. Recalling once again the very broad scope of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to review section 2(4) of the draft IR Bill so as to ensure that all workers, with the only possible exception of the armed forces, the police and the public servants engaged in the administration are effectively covered by the legislation that gives application to the different provisions of the Convention.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee previously requested the Government to take the necessary action to adopt specific legislative provisions, including effective and dissuasive sanctions against acts of anti-union discrimination and interference. The Committee welcomes the inclusion of provisions prohibiting and sanctioning acts of anti-union discrimination in the draft Employment Bill. The Committee however requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the future legislation also includes provisions that provide effective protection against acts of interference in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

Article 4. Promotion of collective bargaining. The Committee observes that section 37 of the draft IR Bill lays down the provision for the issuance of collective bargaining certificates by the Government. The Committee requests the Government to provide details regarding the objective criteria and procedures for the determination of a union’s eligibility to hold a collective bargaining certificate under the draft IR Bill.

Collective bargaining in practice. The Committee previously requested the Government for information on the measures taken to promote collective bargaining, with detailed statistics on collective agreements concluded. While noting the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security: (i) issues collective bargaining certificates to registered trade unions; and (ii) publishes collective bargaining agreements reached between employers and workers, the Committee reiterates its request for information on the number of collective agreements in force, the sectors concerned, and the number of workers covered, in addition to any measures undertaken to promote the development of collective bargaining.

The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the adoption of the two bills mentioned above and hopes that the consideration of the present comments will contribute to ensure the full conformity of the legislation with the Convention.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee observes that the Government’s report does not reply to its previous comment and expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2010 and reproduced below.

The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on the 2013 observations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) alleging restrictions to collective bargaining in the mining sector.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with the technical assistance of the Office, had been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. In the absence of any information from the Government, the Committee requests it to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of new legislation to ensure full compliance with the Convention, including as to the need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. Recalling that it may continue availing itself of the technical assistance of the Office, the Committee requests the Government to inform it on any progress made in this regard.

Article 4. Promotion of collective bargaining. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, under the Regulations of Wages and Industrial Relations Act public officers and persons above, collective bargaining is restricted to workers below supervisory level. Recalling that only the police, the armed forces and public servants engaged in the administration of the State may be excluded from the scope of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that other workers with supervisory responsibilities can exercise the right to collective bargaining.

The Committee further notes that the Government states that national labour law is silent on any important aspects of collective bargaining as provided for by the Convention. The Committee trusts that, with the ILO’s technical assistance and in consultation with the social partners, the Government will continue its review of labour legislation in order to give full effect to the Convention.

Collective bargaining in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of collective agreements concluded and in force, the sectors concerned and the number of workers covered by these agreements, as well as on any additional measures undertaken to promote the full development and utilization of collective bargaining under the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments initially made in 2010.

Repetition

The Committee notes the allegations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in 2013 concerning restrictions to collective bargaining in the mining sector. It requests the Government to provide its observations thereon.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of the Convention, accompanied by copies of any legal texts concerning freedom of association adopted since 1992 (year of a draft Industrial Relations Act).

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

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

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments made in 2010. The Committee also notes that the Government had been requested to provide information to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference for failure to supply reports and information on the application of ratified Conventions.

Repetition

The Committee notes the allegations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in 2013 concerning restrictions to collective bargaining in the mining sector. It requests the Government to provide its observations thereon.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of the Convention, accompanied by copies of any legal texts concerning freedom of association adopted since 1992 (year of a draft Industrial Relations Act).

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

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

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

Repetition

The Committee notes the allegations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in 2013 concerning restrictions to collective bargaining in the mining sector. It requests the Government to provide its observations thereon.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of the Convention, accompanied by copies of any legal texts concerning freedom of association adopted since 1992 (year of a draft Industrial Relations Act).

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It expresses deep concern in this respect. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes the allegations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in 2013 concerning restrictions to collective bargaining in the mining sector. It requests the Government to provide its observations thereon.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

The Committee therefore requests the Government to furnish a detailed report on the application of the Convention, accompanied by copies of any legal texts concerning freedom of association adopted since 1992 (year of a draft Industrial Relations Act).

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes the allegations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in 2013 concerning restrictions to collective bargaining in the mining sector. It requests the Government to provide its observations thereon.

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report does not reply specifically to its previous comments. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

The Committee therefore requests the Government to furnish a detailed report on the application of the Convention, accompanied by copies of any legal texts concerning freedom of association adopted since 1992 (year of a draft Industrial Relations Act).

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

The Committee notes that, since 1992 when a draft Industrial Relations Act was under discussion, the Government only provided a report in 2004. The Committee therefore requests the Government to furnish a detailed report on the application of the Convention, accompanied by copies of any legal texts concerning freedom of association adopted since 1992.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

The Committee notes that, since 1992 when a draft Industrial Relations Act was under discussion, the Government only provided a report in 2004. The Committee therefore requests the Government to furnish a detailed report on the application of the Convention, accompanied by copies of any legal texts concerning freedom of association adopted since 1992.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that for several years the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

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

The Committee notes that, since 1992 when a draft Industrial Relations Act was under discussion, the Government only provided a report in 2004. The Committee therefore requests the Government to furnish a detailed report on the application of the Convention, accompanied by copies of any legal texts concerning freedom of association adopted since 1992.

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

The Committee notes with regret that for several years the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that, according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in the education sector and in other sectors.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to keep it informed in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requested the Government in its previous observation to provide information on any collective agreements covering teachers that had been concluded. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in a previous report that the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union has been conducting free and voluntary negotiation with employers under the trade group negotiation councils established by law to fix better terms and conditions of employment for the workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in this sector.

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

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. Noting that according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to keep it informed in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requested the Government in its previous observation to provide information on any collective agreements covering teachers that had been concluded. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in a previous report that the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union has been conducting free and voluntary negotiation with employers under the trade group negotiation councils established by law to fix better terms and conditions of employment for the workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in this sector.

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

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It observes nonetheless that it does not reply to its previous comments.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body had been received and that the document had just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it had been adopted. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any new information on the matter in its report. Noting that according to the information previously sent by the Government, the revision of the labour laws was submitted to the Law Officers’ Department in 1995, the Committee requests the Government once again to make every effort to take the necessary action for the adoption of the new legislation in the very near future and to keep it informed in this regard.

Article 4. The Committee requested the Government in its previous observation to provide information on any collective agreements covering teachers that had been concluded. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union has been conducting free and voluntary negotiation with employers under the trade group negotiation councils established by law to fix better terms and conditions of employment for the workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the collective agreements in force in this sector.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted.

Article 4. With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee would again request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee had asked the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted.

Article 4. With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee would again request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted.

Article 4. With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee would request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention.  Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers’ organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference.  The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted.

Article 4.  With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee would request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers' organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers' Department. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted. Article 4. With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee would request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers' organizations against acts of anti-union discrimination and acts of interference. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers' Department. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted. Article 4. With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee would request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers' organizations. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers' Department. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted. Article 4. With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee would request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Need to adopt specific provisions accompanied by sufficiently effective and dissuasive sanctions for the protection of workers and workers' organizations. The Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings, that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers' Department. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted. Article 4. With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee would request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

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

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report.

As regards the application of Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention, the Committee had previously noted that the revision of the labour laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, had already been submitted to tripartite meetings. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the comments of the tripartite body have been received and that the document has just been forwarded to the Law Officers' Department. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any further progress made in the preparation of the final draft document and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted.

With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Government reiterates that teachers are now at liberty to conduct free and voluntary negotiation with their employers since they now have a Negotiating Council of their own.

In its previous observation however, the Committee had noted that Government Notice No. 325 of 18 November 1993 established the teaching service as an essential trade group under section 17(4) of the Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act, 1971, which provided that, should such trade groups fail to reach agreement in negotiations, the Minister would refer the matter to compulsory arbitration in accordance with section 17(2) of the Act. The Committee had pointed out that such provisions did not encourage and promote the development and utilization of machinery for voluntary collective bargaining in the teaching sector. The Government indicates that there has been no cause to refer any matter for compulsory arbitration in the teaching sector.

The Committee takes note of this information with interest and would request the Government to provide information in its future reports on any collective agreements covering teachers that have been concluded.

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

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report in answer to its previous comments.

As regards the application of Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention, the Committee notes that the revision of the Labour Laws, prepared with ILO technical assistance, has already been submitted to tripartite meetings the conclusions of which will be sent to the Office, and that the competent national authorities will examine the final draft after further tripartite consultations. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of progress in this respect and to provide a copy of the revised legislation as soon as it has been adopted.

With regard to the right to collective bargaining of teachers, the Committee notes with interest that under Government Notice No. 292 of 20 October 1993 a Trade Group Negotiating Council has been created covering all teachers in the country.

It notes, however, that Government Notice No. 325 of 18 November 1993 establishes the teaching service as an essential trade group under section 17(4) of the Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act, 1971, which provides that, should such trade groups fail to reach agreement in negotiations, the Minister shall refer the matter to compulsory arbitration in accordance with section 17(2) of the Act. In the Committee's view, these provisions are not such as to encourage and promote the development and utilization of machinery for voluntary collective bargaining in the teaching sector. The Committee asks the Government in its next report to provide information on how these provisions are applied in practice to teachers (including the text of any collective agreement covering teachers, the number of disputes referred to arbitration, and the nature of such disputes, arbitration awards, etc.).

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

The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in its report on the practical effect given to Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention.

It requests the Government to send a copy of the revised legislation relating to labour law as soon as it is enacted. The Committee notes that according to the information supplied by the Government, the Commission of Inquiry established by Government Notice No. 453 of 6 October 1986 which deals with issues relating to collective bargaining for the teaching sector has not yet issued its report.

The Committee must insist once again that measures be taken to encourage and promote the development and utilization of machinery for the voluntary negotiation of collective agreements in the teaching sector.

The Committee asks the Government to communicate in its next report any progress made in this respect.

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

The Committee notes with regret 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 requests.

The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information on the practical effect given to Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention and on the measures taken to encourage and promote the development and utilisation of machinery for the voluntary negotiation of collective agreements, in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention, in the teaching sector. In this connection, it requests the Government to provide details on the operation of the Commission of Inquiry (CAP 54) issued by Government Notice No. 453 of 6 October 1986.

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

The Committee notes with regret 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 once again requests the Government to supply information on the practical effect given to Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention and on the measures taken to encourage and promote the development and utilisation of machinery for the voluntary negotiation of collective agreements, in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention, in the teaching sector. In this connection, it requests the Government to provide details on the operation of the Commission of Inquiry (CAP 54) issued by Government Notice No. 453 of 6 October 1986.

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

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 once again requests the Government to supply information on the practical effect given to Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention and on the measures taken to encourage and promote the development and utilisation of machinery for the voluntary negotiation of collective agreements, in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention, in the teaching sector. In this connection, it requests the Government to provide details on the operation of the Commission of Inquiry (CAP 54) issued by Government Notice No. 453 of 6 October 1986.