Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - Report No 330, March 2003

Case No 2139 (Japan) - Complaint date: 19-JUN-01 - Closed

Effect given to the recommendations of the Committee and the Governing Body

1. 120. The Committee examined this case on its merits at its June 2002 meeting. It concerns allegations of preferential treatment granted to certain workers’ organizations in the appointment of nominees to the central and prefectoral labour relations commissions, and various other central and local councils. It recommended that the Government take appropriate measures, based on freedom of association principles, to afford fair and equal treatment to all representative trade union organizations, with a view to restoring the confidence of all workers in the fairness of the composition of labour relations commissions and other councils [see 328th Report, para. 447].
2. 121. In a communication dated 27 December 2002, the Government indicates that, upon expiry of the 26th term of the Central Labour Relations Commission (CLRC), 15 employer members, 15 worker members and 15 public members were appointed on 16 November 2002 for a two-year term. In choosing worker members, the Government took into account the recommendations of trade unions and various factors, including the organizational situation of each trade union. As a result, all worker members appointed for the 27th term of the CLRC originate from RENGO, a confederation other than the complainant organization, which still has no representative on that body. As regards prefectoral labour relations commissions (PLRCs) the Government indicates that members have been appointed in 21 of the 47 prefectures upon expiry of the previous terms. The number of worker members coming from trade unions affiliated with the complainant organization has been raised from four to six.
3. 122. The Committee notes with interest that the number of worker members coming from trade unions affiliated with the complainant organization and appointed to the PLRCs has been raised, thereby resulting in a more balanced composition of such bodies. It notes with regret that this has not been the case as regards appointments to the Central Labour Relations Commission, despite the fact that the Government, after having been informed of the Committee’s recommendation, recently had an opportunity to correct the existing imbalance in the CLRC composition, which is now set for two years. The Committee hopes that the Government will take remedial measures on the occasion of appointments for the 28th term of the CLRC or before that, should worker member positions become vacant in the meantime. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of developments.