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

Unemployment Convention, 1919 (No. 2) - Montenegro (Ratification: 2006)

Article 2(2) of the Convention. Coordination of the activities of public and private employment services. The Government indicates in its report that there are now six registered private employment agencies in Montenegro. The Committee notes with interest the new Law on Mediation in Employment and Rights arising from Unemployment (published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 24/19), which entered into force on 30 April 2019 and supersedes the previous Law on Employment and Exercise of the Rights Arising from Unemployment Insurance. The Law regulates the establishment and functioning of employment agencies. Article 13 of the Law stipulates that employment related matters performed by employment agencies are of public interest and include: preparation for employment, mediation in employment, implementation of active employment policy measures, and other activities aimed at reducing unemployment. In response to the Committee’s previous comments regarding the possible ratification of the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), the Government reports that it is currently assessing the harmonization of the national legislation and practice with the requirements of the Convention. It adds that, following the assessment, it will consult with the social partners regarding the possible ratification of Convention No. 181. In its 2010 General Survey on employment instruments, the Committee recalled the historical background of the adoption of this Convention, observing that the Convention recognizes the existence of private free employment agencies and requires member States to coordinate the operations of private and public agencies on a national scale (paragraph 188). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to coordinate the activities of the public and private employment services with a view to reducing unemployment. It requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on any developments in relation to the possible ratification of Convention No. 181.