Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Bosnia and Herzegovina (Ratification: 1993)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous observation

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report does not respond to the 2017 observations made by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SSSBiH) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). The Committee once again requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1, 2 and 3, of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the comprehensive information provided by the Government on legislative developments and on active labour market programmes. Concerning the Republika Srpska (RS), it notes the Adoption of the 2021-2027 Employment Strategy, aimed inter alia at increasing employment of the productive workforce through the harmonization of supply and demand, facilitating internal mobility, improving the functioning of the labour market and social dialogue as well as the Adoption of 2022 Employment Action plan. It also notes that in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), the Law on Mediation in Employment and Social Security of Unemployed Persons, for which on 12 July 2022 a tripartite advisory committee was formed, is still the cornerstone for the development of such policies as part of which four programs were implemented in 2021, taking into account special gender and social sensitivities and focusing on young people, women, long-term unemployed persons and other categories of unemployed persons with difficulties finding employment and included trainings, advise on self-employment, especially through start-ups and the creation of new temporary jobs mostly in the public sector or through public works. These groups were also the target of the measures employed by the Employment Office of the Brčko District of BiH in 2020 and 2021. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the positive trends in the labour market resumed post-COVID as illustrated by the increase in the number of employed persons and decrease of the number of unemployed persons. While according to ILOSTAT, the overall unemployment rate in 2022 stood at 12.7 per cent (10.7 per cent for men and 15.4 per cent for women), Government data shows that in August 2023, the number of registered unemployed persons was 350 316, out of which 205 634 were women, which constitutes a decrease by 2,8 percentage points (4.2 percentage points for men and 1.8 percentage points for women) as compared to August 2022. The ILO registered a labour force participation rate of 47.3 per cent (59.4 per cent for men and 35.9 per cent for women) in 2022. For August 2023, the Government reported that the number of persons in paid employment was 843,876 out of which 378,462 were women. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, employment and unemployment disaggregated by age, sex and entity, as well as on the impact of the policies and measures implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, including the activities carried out under the 2021-2027 Employment Strategy and the 2022 Employment Action plan in the RS as well as the programs implemented in the FBiH. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature and extent of the involvement of the social partners in the development, implementation, monitoring and review of employment policy measures and programmes in the entities.

Undeclared work. The Government highlights that combating the grey economy – pre-dominantly through taxation and social security incentives – remained a focus area in the RS during the reporting period, contributing to the decrease of the informal economy. The Committee wishes to stress that employment policies play a significant role in promoting transitions from the informal to the formal economy by addressing the factors that drive individuals and enterprises to operate informally. As such, national best practices suggest that when properly designed and implemented, such policies can play a catalytic role in accelerating the transition from the informal to the formal economy, leading to more inclusive, productive, and resilient labour markets by creating an enabling environment that encourages formalization, while also providing targeted support to facilitate the transition process. The Committee would be interested to receive further information on specific measures taken to tackle the multiple challenges proper to work in the informal economy, indicating in particular whether the measures taken or envisaged have included some of the following examples of good practices in this regard: (i) reducing administrative burden and red-tape; (ii) strengthening and extending social protection as a means to incentivizing the enrolment of enterprises and, with them, also of their workers; (iii) promoting access to finance and business development services, including access to credit and training, as these are often lacking for informal enterprises; (iv) enhancing labour market placement and intermediation and skills development services; (v) raising awareness and promoting formalization; (vi) tailoring policies to specific sectors and occupations as the informal economy is not monolithic, and informalization patterns vary across sectors and occupations; (vii) promoting dialogue and collaboration among all relevant stakeholders for effective policy formulation and implementation; (viii) monitoring and evaluating policy impacts as this is crucial to assess policy effectiveness in promoting transitions from informality to formality.

Persons vulnerable to decent work deficits. The Committee notes the detailed replies to its previous request concerning the improvement of the labour-force participation of persons with disabilities and of women and the implementation of measures under the Fund for vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities 2021–23 and the Gender Action Plan of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2018-2022 and the trainings on entrepreneurship for women, for demobilized soldiers, in which 58 per cent men and 42 per cent women participated. It also notes that as part of the 2022 Employment Action plan, programs in the RS aimed at supporting the employment and self-employment of persons vulnerable to decent work deficits, which included a programme budgeted at Bosnian Convertible Marka (BAM) 138,000 to increase the employment of Roma, and in which 23 persons participated. Through the “Let’s find employment together” benefitting the children of the fallen, demobilized soldiers and disabled war veterans of the Army of the RS for which a total of BAM15,640,000 was allocated, resulting in the employment of 1,651 persons belonging to these categories. With a similar aim, funds in the amount of BAM7,650,000 were allocated for unemployed persons over the age of 40, and women victims of domestic violence, or who were victims of war crimes, or are from rural areas as well wards of orphanages who completed their education – 1,775 persons participated in these programs. The Committee recalls the observations of the workers’ organizations as part of its last request and notes that with a total unemployment rate of 31.7 per cent (28 per cent men, 38.1 per cent women) based on ILOSTAT, youth unemployment in 2022 is significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate, which the government sought to address through various measures, including a programme to support the employment of young people with university education, in which 979 persons of the RS took part. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex in all the entities, on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote full, productive, freely chosen and sustainable employment for persons vulnerable to decent work deficits, including women, young persons, persons over the age of 50, informal workers, the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities and members of the Roma community and on specific measures taken to promote employment of these groups at all levels and across all sectors, including in decision-making positions.

Vocational education and training. The Government highlights the amendment of the Law on Adult Education and trainings in the area of tourism and hospitality industry for adults. It further refers to the activities of the Centre for Providing Information, Advise and Training (CISO centres) and Job Clubs to increase the labour-force participation of unemployed persons, especially young persons and persons who are long-term unemployed inter alia through the development of active job-seeking skills. In 2021, 940 persons participated in these activities in CISCO centres and 1,843 persons in the Job Club resulting in the employment of 123 persons, of which are 68 women. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the nature and impact of measures taken to improve vocational education and training for all age groups and on their impact on the employability and competitiveness of the national labour force and their capacity to find and retain lasting employment.

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

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

Repetition

The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SSSBiH) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) received on 1 September 2017. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the Government has failed to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. They stress that the employment situation in both Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS) is dire, with extremely high rates of unemployment, citing a 28 per cent general unemployment rate and youth unemployment rates exceeding 60 per cent. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, pursuant to the Law on Employment Intermediation and Social Security of Unemployed Persons of the FBiH, the relevant authorities of the FBiH or Cantons are responsible for establishing measures to increase employment rates and improve the situation of employed persons. The FBiH adds that the work plan of the FBiH Employment Institute provides for the various forms of support for the promotion of employment, self-employment, preparation for entering the labour market; and professional development and training. These measures seek to integrate unemployed persons into the labour market, particularly in relation to persons belonging to hard-to-employ categories of unemployed persons. The Committee notes that section 23 of the Law gives priority to persons with disabilities in employment. With respect to the Brčko District of BiH, the Committee notes that the Law on Employment and Rights during Unemployment and the Labour Law of the Brčko District provide for professional training, preparation for employment and special protections for women, minors and persons who are not fit for work. In relation to the RS, the Committee notes that the RS Employment Strategy 2011–15 established a system for the registration of unemployed persons with the RS Employment Bureau (RSEB). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the RSEB implemented three projects providing support for employment in the RS from 2013 to 2015, through which a total of 4,522 persons were employed. In October 2016, the RS National Assembly adopted the RS Employment Strategy 2016–20, which seeks to increase employment and stimulate economic activity in RS through the implementation of thirteen operational goals and fifty specific measures. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, according to the records of the RSEB, implementation of these measures led to the employment of 34,593 persons in 2015. The Government adds that the measures set out in the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 seek, inter alia, to structurally reform the role of the RSEB and focus its activity on employment intermediation. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and administrative entity, on the impact of the policies and measures implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, including the employment promotion activities carried out under the Employment Strategy of Republika Srpska 2016–20.

Employment trends. The FBiH reports that there were a number of positive changes in the labour market in 2016. The RS indicates that a gradual stabilization of the labour market began in 2013, adding that numerous measures taken by the RS and other stakeholders addressed the increasing unemployment rate. The Committee notes that, according to data from the FBiH Statistics Institute, 457,974 workers were employed in the FBiH in 2016. It further notes that data from the Labour Force Survey indicates that the employment rate in the FBiH stood at 30.5 per cent in 2016, while the average unemployment rate was 25.6 per cent, a reduction of 3.31 per cent in comparison with the 2015 average. The Committee notes the high unemployment rate among young persons 15–24 years of age, which decreased from 64.9 per cent in 2015 to 55.1 per cent in 2016. The Committee further notes that, according to the ILOSTAT database, the general unemployment rate for young persons was 45.8 per cent in 2017. At the end of 2016, the largest percentage of those registered as unemployed in the FBiH (44.24 per cent) were in the 30–49 age group, followed by persons under the age of 30 (32.5 per cent) and persons over the age of 50 (25.26 per cent). In 2016, 133,037 persons were removed from the records of the Cantonal employment services, 115,379 persons were registered as unemployed and 92,263 persons were placed in employment. This represents an increase of 15,671 in comparison with 2015. According to the ILOSTAT database, in 2017, the general unemployment rate was 20.5 per cent, whereas the unemployment rate for men and for women was 18.9 per cent and 23.1 per cent, respectively. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistical data disaggregated by sex and age concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, including the size of the informal economy and employment trends in relation to employment, unemployment, and visible underemployment.

Undeclared work. In their observations, the workers’ organizations indicate that the informal economy is widespread, maintaining that the Government has not made serious efforts to tackle this issue effectively. They emphasize that nearly one-third of all persons who are employed are working in the informal economy, trapped there primarily due to poor access to the labour market, slow job creation in the formal economy and the lack of skills matching labour market demands. They add that workers in rural areas face a higher probability of remaining in informal employment in comparison with workers in other sectors. The Committee notes that, according to the RS Employment Strategy 2016–20, informality is predominately present in agriculture, making up about two-thirds of informal employment, with informal employment concentrated among the rural population. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the measures taken or envisaged to facilitate the transition of undeclared workers in the informal economy to employment in the formal economy, with special attention to the agricultural sector and rural communities.

Workers vulnerable to decent work deficits. The FBiH indicates that a number of gender-sensitive programmes implemented by the FBiH Employment Institute focus on specific groups of workers vulnerable to decent work deficits: women; young persons; persons with disabilities; persons belonging to the Roma community; persons over the age of 40; and the long-term unemployed. The RS reports that 2,859 persons were employed through Social Safety Nets and the Employment Support Project. In addition, 543 persons were employed in 2015 through a project to support the employment of persons over the age of 45 and 135 persons were employed through an employment support project targeting the Roma minority from 2011 to 2015. It adds that the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 sets out a number of measures aimed at increasing the employability of persons under the age of 30, persons over the age of 50 and persons belonging to the Roma community. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the 2015–18 Reform Agenda fails to address the interests of women, workers in the informal economy and workers with disabilities. In addition, the workers’ organizations observe that women have low participation levels in political and public affairs, noting that the gender pay gap in BiH is larger than the EU average. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex in the three administrative entities, on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote full, productive, freely chosen and sustainable employment for persons vulnerable to decent work deficits, including women, young persons, persons over the age of 50, informal workers, the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities and members of the Roma community. Noting, moreover, the gender pay gap and the higher rates of unemployment for women, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on specific measures taken to promote employment for women at all levels and across all sectors, including in decision-making positions.

Employment of young persons. The Committee notes that, according to the ILOSTAT database, the youth unemployment rate in the country stood at 45.8 per cent in 2017. The Committee notes that both FBiH and the RS took measures to promote the employment of young persons. In this regard, the RSEB implemented five projects from 2011 to 2014 to support young persons in gaining work experience, through which 3,650 persons were employed as trainees. Furthermore, the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 contemplates the promotion of socially useful employment for youth, for which 50,000 Bosnian convertible marka (BAM) are allocated. In their observations, the workers’ organizations express concerns in relation to the high rate of youth unemployment and the likelihood that they will remain in long-term unemployment and the mass exodus of young educated persons from the country seeking work elsewhere. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including disaggregated statistical data on the impact of the measures taken by the three administrative entities of the country to promote full, productive, freely chosen and lasting employment for young workers.

Vocational education and training. The Committee notes that the FBiH Employment Institute and the Cantonal employment services are responsible for implementing the Job Preparation Programme: from Training to Employment, which provides co-financing for the training of unemployed persons to enable them to acquire professional skills tailored to the needs of employers. In respect of the RS, the Committee notes the establishment of 11 job clubs and 6 Information, Counselling and Training Centres which provided job search assistance to more than 34,376 beneficiaries from 2011 to 2015, leading to the employment of 9,172 persons. Furthermore, the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 contemplates the development, financing and delivery of training aimed at enhancing the employability of active jobseekers, for which BAM500,000 are allocated. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the nature and impact of measures taken to improve vocational education and training and on their impact on the employability and competitiveness of the national labour force.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the tripartite FBiH Economic and Social Council discusses all measures related to economic and social policy prior to their formal adoption and that the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 was adopted after consultation with the social partners. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the social partners were not able to participate in the development and implementation of the 2015–18 Reform Agenda and that this lack of participation and transparency continued in relation to laws and policies adopted by regional governments in 2016. They further allege that the 2015 Labour Law undermines the strategic position of trade unions and collective agreements. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature and extent of the involvement of the social partners in the development, implementation, monitoring and review of employment policy measures and programmes in the different administrative entities.

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

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

The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SSSBiH) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) received on 1 September 2017. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the Government has failed to declare and pursue, as a major goal, an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment. They stress that the employment situation in both Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS) is dire, with extremely high rates of unemployment, citing a 28 per cent general unemployment rate and youth unemployment rates exceeding 60 per cent. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, pursuant to the Law on Employment Intermediation and Social Security of Unemployed Persons of the FBiH, the relevant authorities of the FBiH or Cantons are responsible for establishing measures to increase employment rates and improve the situation of employed persons. The FBiH adds that the work plan of the FBiH Employment Institute provides for the various forms of support for the promotion of employment, self-employment, preparation for entering the labour market; and professional development and training. These measures seek to integrate unemployed persons into the labour market, particularly in relation to persons belonging to hard-to-employ categories of unemployed persons. The Committee notes that section 23 of the Law gives priority to persons with disabilities in employment. With respect to the Brčko District of BiH, the Committee notes that the Law on Employment and Rights during Unemployment and the Labour Law of the Brčko District provide for professional training, preparation for employment and special protections for women, minors and persons who are not fit for work. In relation to the RS, the Committee notes that the RS Employment Strategy 2011–15 established a system for the registration of unemployed persons with the RS Employment Bureau (RSEB). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the RSEB implemented three projects providing support for employment in the RS from 2013 to 2015, through which a total of 4,522 persons were employed. In October 2016, the RS National Assembly adopted the RS Employment Strategy 2016–20, which seeks to increase employment and stimulate economic activity in RS through the implementation of thirteen operational goals and fifty specific measures. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, according to the records of the RSEB, implementation of these measures led to the employment of 34,593 persons in 2015. The Government adds that the measures set out in the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 seek, inter alia, to structurally reform the role of the RSEB and focus its activity on employment intermediation. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and administrative entity, on the impact of the policies and measures implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, including the employment promotion activities carried out under the Employment Strategy of Republika Srpska 2016–20.

Employment trends. The FBiH reports that there were a number of positive changes in the labour market in 2016. The RS indicates that a gradual stabilization of the labour market began in 2013, adding that numerous measures taken by the RS and other stakeholders addressed the increasing unemployment rate. The Committee notes that, according to data from the FBiH Statistics Institute, 457,974 workers were employed in the FBiH in 2016. It further notes that data from the Labour Force Survey indicates that the employment rate in the FBiH stood at 30.5 per cent in 2016, while the average unemployment rate was 25.6 per cent, a reduction of 3.31 per cent in comparison with the 2015 average. The Committee notes the high unemployment rate among young persons 15–24 years of age, which decreased from 64.9 per cent in 2015 to 55.1 per cent in 2016. The Committee further notes that, according to the ILOSTAT database, the general unemployment rate for young persons was 45.8 per cent in 2017. At the end of 2016, the largest percentage of those registered as unemployed in the FBiH (44.24 per cent) were in the 30–49 age group, followed by persons under the age of 30 (32.5 per cent) and persons over the age of 50 (25.26 per cent). In 2016, 133,037 persons were removed from the records of the Cantonal employment services, 115,379 persons were registered as unemployed and 92,263 persons were placed in employment. This represents an increase of 15,671 in comparison with 2015. According to the ILOSTAT database, in 2017, the general unemployment rate was 20.5 per cent, whereas the unemployment rate for men and for women was 18.9 per cent and 23.1 per cent, respectively. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistical data disaggregated by sex and age concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, including the size of the informal economy and employment trends in relation to employment, unemployment, and visible underemployment.

Undeclared work. In their observations, the workers’ organizations indicate that the informal economy is widespread, maintaining that the Government has not made serious efforts to tackle this issue effectively. They emphasize that nearly one-third of all persons who are employed are working in the informal economy, trapped there primarily due to poor access to the labour market, slow job creation in the formal economy and the lack of skills matching labour market demands. They add that workers in rural areas face a higher probability of remaining in informal employment in comparison with workers in other sectors. The Committee notes that, according to the RS Employment Strategy 2016–20, informality is predominately present in agriculture, making up about two-thirds of informal employment, with informal employment concentrated among the rural population. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the measures taken or envisaged to facilitate the transition of undeclared workers in the informal economy to employment in the formal economy, with special attention to the agricultural sector and rural communities.

Workers vulnerable to decent work deficits. The FBiH indicates that a number of gender-sensitive programmes implemented by the FBiH Employment Institute focus on specific groups of workers vulnerable to decent work deficits: women; young persons; persons with disabilities; persons belonging to the Roma community; persons over the age of 40; and the long-term unemployed. The RS reports that 2,859 persons were employed through Social Safety Nets and the Employment Support Project. In addition, 543 persons were employed in 2015 through a project to support the employment of persons over the age of 45 and 135 persons were employed through an employment support project targeting the Roma minority from 2011 to 2015. It adds that the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 sets out a number of measures aimed at increasing the employability of persons under the age of 30, persons over the age of 50 and persons belonging to the Roma community. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the 2015–18 Reform Agenda fails to address the interests of women, workers in the informal economy and workers with disabilities. In addition, the workers’ organizations observe that women have low participation levels in political and public affairs, noting that the gender pay gap in BiH is larger than the EU average. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex in the three administrative entities, on the nature and impact of measures taken to promote full, productive, freely chosen and sustainable employment for persons vulnerable to decent work deficits, including women, young persons, persons over the age of 50, informal workers, the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities and members of the Roma community. Noting, moreover, the gender pay gap and the higher rates of unemployment for women, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on specific measures taken to promote employment for women at all levels and across all sectors, including in decision-making positions.

Employment of young persons. The Committee notes that, according to the ILOSTAT database, the youth unemployment rate in the country stood at 45.8 per cent in 2017. The Committee notes that both FBiH and the RS took measures to promote the employment of young persons. In this regard, the RSEB implemented five projects from 2011 to 2014 to support young persons in gaining work experience, through which 3,650 persons were employed as trainees. Furthermore, the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 contemplates the promotion of socially useful employment for youth, for which 50,000 Bosnian convertible marka (BAM) are allocated. In their observations, the workers’ organizations express concerns in relation to the high rate of youth unemployment and the likelihood that they will remain in long-term unemployment and the mass exodus of young educated persons from the country seeking work elsewhere. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated detailed information, including disaggregated statistical data on the impact of the measures taken by the three administrative entities of the country to promote full, productive, freely chosen and lasting employment for young workers.

Vocational education and training. The Committee notes that the FBiH Employment Institute and the Cantonal employment services are responsible for implementing the Job Preparation Programme: from Training to Employment, which provides co-financing for the training of unemployed persons to enable them to acquire professional skills tailored to the needs of employers. In respect of the RS, the Committee notes the establishment of 11 job clubs and 6 Information, Counselling and Training Centres which provided job search assistance to more than 34,376 beneficiaries from 2011 to 2015, leading to the employment of 9,172 persons. Furthermore, the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 contemplates the development, financing and delivery of training aimed at enhancing the employability of active jobseekers, for which BAM500,000 are allocated. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the nature and impact of measures taken to improve vocational education and training and on their impact on the employability and competitiveness of the national labour force.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the tripartite FBiH Economic and Social Council discusses all measures related to economic and social policy prior to their formal adoption and that the RS Employment Action Plan for 2017 was adopted after consultation with the social partners. In their observations, the workers’ organizations allege that the social partners were not able to participate in the development and implementation of the 2015–18 Reform Agenda and that this lack of participation and transparency continued in relation to laws and policies adopted by regional governments in 2016. They further allege that the 2015 Labour Law undermines the strategic position of trade unions and collective agreements. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the nature and extent of the involvement of the social partners in the development, implementation, monitoring and review of employment policy measures and programmes in the different administrative entities.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report for the period ending in May 2014. The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) indicates that the average number of employed people has decreased from 440,747 in 2011 to 435,113 in 2013 and the average number of unemployed people has increased from 367,515 to 388,704 during the same period. With regard to the Republika Srpska (RS), the Committee notes that the Government adopted an operational plan for 2013 to implement Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Employment Strategy 2010–14. The Government indicates that the Action Plan for Employment adopted in June 2011 includes measures such as subsidies for employers to create jobs. The Government also indicates that the Regulation on the organization and job systematization was adopted along with the reorganization of the Employment Service and centres for information and advice and job clubs were launched. In 2012, 28,368 people found jobs through the implementation of the Action Plan and other activities. Moreover, 16,508 people found jobs in 2013 through the measures implemented by the Government as of July 2013. The Committee notes that the Institutes for Employment in the FBiH, RS and Brčko District signed an agreement on the right of monetary compensation for unemployed persons. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the impact of the policies and measures implemented to promote full and productive employment, including statistical data on the labour market trends.

Undeclared work. The Committee notes that the long-term unemployed perform income-generating activities in the informal sector. It is estimated that the informal economy amounts to around 30–50 per cent of the total GDP. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the measures taken to facilitate the transition of undeclared workers to the formal economy.

Vulnerable workers. The Committee notes that the Social Safety Net and Employment Support Project with the World Bank assists in the implementation of projects for vulnerable jobseekers, including the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities, and demobilized soldiers. As of October 2014, the project supported nearly 10,000 persons and over 60 per cent of the beneficiaries obtained jobs after service completion. The Committee notes the absence of official records on the employment situation of persons with disabilities and the Roma community. Moreover, only 3 per cent of the Roma community have permanent jobs, and the most common sources of revenue are the sale of secondary raw materials (for 29 per cent of Roma) and begging (19 per cent). The Government of the RS indicates that the Project of Support to Employment of Roma was implemented in 2011. It adds that the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons supported 407 programmes for employment and self-employment of persons with disabilities and 489 persons were employed through the programmes during 2011–12. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken by the entities of the country to promote the employment of women, the long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities and the Roma community. Please include information on the labour market situation disaggregated by the different target groups of vulnerable workers.

Young workers. The Government of the RS indicates that 1,358 young persons had successfully completed an internship programme by the end of 2011and 52 per cent of them obtained employment through First Job, a project for the employment of young trainees with university degrees. It also indicates that By Knowledge to Work, a project for the employment of interns with university degrees and higher school qualification, commenced in September 2011 and provided support to 1,500 interns. Moreover, the Project for Employment of Young People under 30 with a High School Degree, financed by the United Nations Development Programme was implemented in 2011, supported the employment of 122 young persons. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken by the entities of the country to promote employment of young workers, in particular those with low levels of education.

Vocational education and training. The Committee notes that the Decent Work Country Programme for Bosnia and Herzegovina has focused on improving vocational education and training for enhanced employability with particular attention to vulnerable groups, mainly by analysing the vocational education and training policy and researching the labour market trends for vulnerable groups. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the entities of the country to improve vocational education and training and on their impact on the employability of the labour force.

Article 3. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee notes the 2011, 2012 and 2013 reports of the Economic and Social Council of the FBiH. The Government indicates that the social partners participated in the development of the Employment Strategy 2009–13 for the FBiH. The Committee notes that the Government and Assembly of the Brčko District signed a cooperation agreement with the social partners with the aim of improving the business and employment environment in the District. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners on the development and implementation of the employment policy in the country.

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report for the period ending in June 2011. It notes that the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) adopted an Action Plan in August 2010 implementing the Employment Strategy 2009–13. The Government indicates that the Action Plan is expected primarily to reduce the long-term unemployment rate and promote the employment of hard-to-place unemployed individuals. With regard to the Republika Srpska (RS), the Government indicates that its labour market is undergoing major changes, such as privatization and restructuring. The global financial and economic crisis had a significantly negative impact on employment in the RS. Various measures were undertaken to mitigate the impact of the crisis, which resulted in an increase in the number of persons employed and a decrease of registered unemployment: in September 2010, 247,388 employed persons and 142,625 unemployed persons were registered compared to 241,517 and 149,625 in March 2010, respectively. The Employment Strategy of the RS for 2011–15 was adopted, which envisages the following five strategic goals: (1) stimulating economic growth and employment and enhancing the quality of work; (2) increasing productivity and work quality through human resources development; (3) establishing a balance between labour demand and supply; (4) increasing labour market participation by preventing long-term unemployment, inactivity, social exclusion and poverty especially among disadvantaged groups; and (5) expanding institutional capacity and dialogue among the stakeholders in the field of employment. The Employment Strategy 2011–15 also aims at increasing the overall employment rate by 8 per cent and decreasing the unemployment rate by 2.5 per cent. The Strategy is implemented by the Employment Service. The Committee notes that Bosnia and Herzegovina has one of the lowest labour force participation rates and one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe. It notes that the Employment Strategy 2010–14 for Bosnia and Herzegovina has been adopted in April 2010 in cooperation with the social partners as a common strategy for the country whose overall goal is to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment for all. The first Strategy objective is promoting job growth, productive employment, decent work and reducing unemployment. Its quantitative employment targets include increasing the overall employment rate by two percentage points annually. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report an evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of the policies and measures to promote full and productive employment implemented in the country, as well as their interaction with other economic and social objectives. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to report on the employment promotion activities carried out under the Decent Work Country Programme, as well as under any other advisory activities of the ILO.

Undeclared work. The Committee notes that undeclared employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents approximately one-third of all employment and is heavily concentrated in the agricultural and light manufacturing sectors. It accounts for a large share of the net employment generation. It further notes that the Employment Strategy 2010–14 for Bosnia and Herzegovina envisages measures to reduce employment in the informal economy and facilitate formalization. These include incentives to formalization (such as fiscal incentives and human resources development), measures to strengthen compliance with regulations, and preventative measures (such as the promotion of a favourable business climate). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact on the labour market of measures adopted to address the issue of undeclared work.

Vulnerable workers. The Committee notes that the Action Plan for implementing the Employment Strategy 2009–13 for the FBiH includes measures targeting vulnerable categories of unemployed persons such as persons with disabilities, persons belonging to the Roma community and the long-term unemployed. The Employment Strategy 2011–15 for RS aims at increasing the employment rate of older workers from 40.5 per cent to 48 per cent. The Strategy also targets reducing long-term unemployment from 68 per cent to 55 per cent, decreasing by 10 per cent the inactive population and promoting opportunities for vulnerable categories such as Roma, persons with disabilities, refugees and displaced persons to integrate into the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to include in its next report information on the results of measures aimed at increasing the employment rate of older workers in the entities of the country. It would also appreciate receiving information on the results achieved with respect to the sustainable integration in the labour market of other vulnerable categories of workers, such as persons with disabilities, persons belonging to the Roma community and the long-term unemployed.

Women. The Committee notes that one of the targets of the Employment Strategy 2010–14 for Bosnia and Herzegovina is increasing the female employment rate by 2.5 percentage points annually, while the Employment Strategy 2011–15 for the RS aims at increasing female employment from 38.3 per cent to 46 per cent. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results of measures taken by the entities of the country to increase the employment participation rate of women.

Young workers. The Government indicates in its report that the Action Plan implementing the Employment Strategy 2009–13 for the FBiH includes measures targeting the unemployed youth and that the Employment Strategy 2011–15 for the RS aims at increasing the youth employment rate from 22 per cent to 30 per cent. The Committee notes that the majority of young persons of working age (15–24 years) are economically inactive and approximately three-quarters of employed teenagers (15–19 years) and nearly half of young adults (20–24 years) work in the undeclared economy. According to 2009 data, the employment rate among young persons is extremely low at 17 per cent. Moreover, the youth unemployment rate was as high as 49 per cent. The high unemployment rate among young persons is also due to the acute skills mismatch. The Committee notes that, according to the Employment Policy Paper “Youth Labour Markets in Bosnia and Herzegovina” published by the ILO in 2009, active labour market measures implemented were directed towards young persons with relatively high levels of education, while those with lower levels of education and early school leavers are the most disadvantaged in the labour market. The Committee also notes that the Employment Strategy 2010–14 for Bosnia and Herzegovina seeks to reduce youth unemployment to 30 per cent by 2014. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the impact and cost effectiveness of measures undertaken by the entities of the country to increase opportunities for young people, in particular those with low levels of education, to find lasting employment.

Education and training. The Government indicates in its report that the employment policies of the FBiH and the RS include measures aimed at improving the education system and establishing a lifelong learning system in order to meet labour market needs. The Committee notes that the Employment Strategy 2010–14 for Bosnia and Herzegovina envisages the following measures in the field of education and training in order to improve the employability of the labour force: align the outcomes of the vocational education and training system to labour market requirements; implement legal and institutional measures for establishing a system for adult education and training; include programmes of entrepreneurial education in education curricula; establish a system of inter sectoral cooperation of social partners in education. The Committee requests the Government to include in its next report information on the measures taken by the entities of the country in the framework of education and training policies, and on their impact on the employability and competitiveness of the labour force, as well as the involvement of the relevant social partners in this process.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Government communicated a copy of the 2010 Report of the Economic and Social Council of the FBiH. The Government also indicates that social partners and other concerned stakeholders participated in the development of the Employment Strategy 2011–15 for the RS. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the consultations held with the social partners on the development and implementation of the employment policy in the entities of the country.

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

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report received in August 2009, in reply to its 2008 observation. The Government reports that, after almost two years of decreasing unemployment rates, since November 2008, a rising trend has been registered in the number of unemployed persons. The Committee notes that, according to the preliminary results of the Labour Force Survey (LFS) prepared in 2009, the overall unemployment rate stands at 24.1 per cent, as compared to 23.4 per cent registered under the 2008 LFS. The Government indicates that an employment strategy covering the period 2009–13 has been developed for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Brcko District in the context of an EU-funded project for the reform of employment policy and the establishment of the labour market information system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Committee notes that this strategy places the focus on the achievement of full employment, the improvement of quality and productivity of workplaces and the development of existing human resources through skills upgrading. As concerns vulnerable groups, the Committee notes that, in the context of the newly adopted employment strategy, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has envisaged special measures to increase the labour market participation rate of women, the objective being to raise it from 21.1 per cent in 2008 to 40 per cent by the end of 2013. Both, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Brcko District have envisaged measures targeting young persons, older workers and other groups of workers with special needs aimed at increasing their opportunities of integration into the labour market. The Committee refers to its 2008 observation and invites the Government to continue supplying detailed information on the effects of the measures taken to meet the employment goals set out under the employment strategies adopted by each entity. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain detailed information on the employment trends of the most vulnerable groups of workers, and requests the Government to specify the results achieved in terms of the integration of these categories into the labour market.

2. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee indicates that, in order to successfully implement employment strategies, it is necessary to strengthen and institutionalize the role of the social partners so as to ensure their involvement in the process of developing appropriate programmes and measures. The Committee notes that in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, social partners participate in discussions concerning the economic and social policy measures to be adopted by the Government within the Economic and Social Council. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report detailed information on the manner in which consultations on the matters covered by the Convention are ensured, including any examples of the questions addressed or the decisions reached, on employment policy through the Economic and Social Council established in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other tripartite boards and committees that exist in the country.

3. Part V of the report form. ILO technical cooperation. The Committee notes that, under the ILO’s Decent Work Country Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2006–07), priority was given to the development of employment and labour market policies and programmes which reflect national needs and EU standards, taking into consideration equal opportunity concerns related to gender equality and persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to report on the employment promotion activities carried out under the Decent Work Country Programme, and on any other advisory activities of the ILO concerning employment promotion and actions taken as a result thereof.

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

Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2007. The Government appended the first Labour Force Survey carried out in 2006 in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the statistical institutions of the competent entities and co-financed by the World Bank, the Department for International Development (United Kingdom), the Government of Japan and the UNDP. Methodological principles behind the survey were based on the recommendations and definitions of the ILO and the requirements of Eurostat. The survey covered 10,000 households, including 5,943 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3,457 in the Republika Srpska and 600 in the Brcko District. It appears that employment rates in Bosnia and Herzegovina are low compared to neighbouring countries and that there is a large gap between men and women. Almost 63 per cent of women of working age are inactive. Registered employment data suggest that there has been some modest growth in formal employment since 2003. The informal economy may account for one third of all employment. The Committee notes with concern that the overall unemployment rate is estimated at 32.7 per cent in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and at 29.8 per cent in the Republika Srpska. Youth unemployment rate is among the highest worldwide (62.3 per cent). There is a prevalence of long-term unemployment in particular for those with lower levels of education.

The Committee also notes the Country Review of Employment Policy on Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared by the ILO and the Council of Europe in June 2008. One of the main purposes of the document is to contribute to the implementation of international labour standards and principles relating to employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular Convention No. 122. The main employment policy priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina identified in the review appear to be the development of an active policy on employment, tackling the informal economy, improving education and training outcomes, modernizing employment services and targeting active labour market policies to disadvantaged groups, providing adequate support during unemployment, ensuring an effective and equitable income policy and promoting social dialogue on employment. The Committee welcomes this approach but expresses its concern regarding the effective pursuit of “an active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment”, “as a major goal” and within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). It therefore asks the Government to provide in the report that it is due in 2009, full particulars on the follow-up given by the competent authorities and the social partners in each entity to the recommendations made by the Country Review of Employment Policy. Please provide information on the manner in which the available data on the employment situation and trends have been used as a basis for the adoption and review of an effective active employment policy including productive employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups as required by the Convention.

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

The Committee notes the reply to its 2004 direct request provided in the Government’s report received in May 2006. The Government indicates that the policies implemented in the framework of the mid-term development strategy of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) (2004-07) will be discussed after its completion. It further states that the measures under the PRS are supported by international financial institutions and the European Union with the aim of improving the business environment and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. For the application of Convention No. 122, the competent authorities of the constituent entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina ensure consultation with the representatives of the social partners. The Committee hopes that the Government will supply information in its next report on the difficulties encountered in achieving the employment objectives established in the PRS, as part of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with the representatives of those affected, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. It reiterates its interest in receiving a report containing particulars from the respective authorities on:

–      the measures taken or envisaged to compile statistics on the labour market with a view to obtaining data on the characteristics and trends relating to job offers and applications, as such statistics are necessary to implement an active employment policy;

–      the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks to carry out the structural reforms necessary for a transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment;

–      the specific training and placement measures adopted for persons experiencing difficulties in finding and retaining employment, such as women, young persons, older workers and persons with disabilities;

–      training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms; and

–      the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers and workers concerning employment policies.

The preparation of a detailed report, including the indications requested in this direct request, will undoubtedly provide the competent authorities and the social partners with an opportunity to evaluate the manner in which the objectives of full and productive employment set out in the Convention are being achieved. The Committee reminds the Government that the technical assistance of the Office is available to help it to comply with its reporting obligations and for the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

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

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2003 and the indications provided relating to the responsibility with regard to employment matters of the constituent entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It understands that each of the constituent entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska, is autonomous with regard to labour and employment issues. It also understands, from the Mid-term Development Strategy of Bosnia and Herzegovina Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) 2004-2007 of March 2004, that the total number of employed in Bosnia and Herzegovina is estimated at 999,500 persons out of whom 638,000 are formally employed. The share of those formally employed seems to be higher in the Republika Srpska than in the Federation. The unemployment rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to World Bank data, is around 16.4 per cent (15.8 per cent in the Republika Srpska, 16.9 per cent in the Federation). The Committee asks the Government to state in its next report whether any particular difficulties have been encountered in achieving the employment objectives established in the PRSP, as part of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with the representatives of those affected, in accordance with Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. It also recalls the relevance of other Conventions ratified by Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142), and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), the full application of which would certainly contribute to the attainment of the objectives of employment creation established by the PRSP. With regard to employment creation in the private sector, the Government may also wish to refer to the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).

2. The Committee would be grateful to receive a report containing particulars from the respective authorities on:

-  the measures taken or envisaged to compile statistics on the labour market and on employment problems with a view to obtaining data on the characteristics and trends relating to job offers and applications which are necessary to implement an active employment policy;

-  the manner in which the measures taken with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other development banks to carry out the structural reforms necessary to a transition to a market economy contribute to the promotion of employment;

-  the specific training and placement measures adopted for persons experiencing difficulties in finding and retaining employment such as, women, young persons, older workers and persons with disabilities;

-  training and retraining measures for workers affected by structural reforms; and

-  the manner in which consultations take place with representatives of employers and workers concerning employment policies.

3. The preparation of a detailed report, including the indications requested in this direct request, will undoubtedly provide the competent authorities and the social partners with an opportunity to evaluate the manner in which the objectives of full and productive employment of the Convention are being achieved. The Committee reminds the Government that the technical assistance of the Office is available to help it to comply with its reporting obligations and for the implementation of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a detailed report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.

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

The Committee again 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 each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.

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

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 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 each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.

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

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 each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a detailed report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a detailed report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.

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 detailed report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on each provision of the Convention and in reply to each question of the report form.