Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2005, publiée 95ème session CIT (2006)

Convention (n° 88) sur le service de l'emploi, 1948 - Suriname (Ratification: 1976)

1. The Committee takes note of the Government’s report received in September 2004. The Government indicates that in July 2000, a labour project was launched in the region with the support of the United States Department of Labor. The goal of this project is to establish an automated Internet-based job bank that could interface with the country labour market information system. The project provided the Ministry of Labour with skills and tools necessary to employment services systems, increased cooperation between the Ministry of Labor and the social partners on employment services issues, and established resource centres for jobseekers and employers. The Government further reports that the One Stop Resource Center was inaugurated in Suriname on August 2002. The Labour Exchange Unit and the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development are cooperating. The foundation has established different programmes to provide technical training to "dropouts", juveniles, self-employed workers, and training in business management and administration. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on progress made in expanding the role of public employment services in employment promotion.

2. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that there are no advisory committees concerning labour exchange. The Committee once again recalls the importance of advisory committees for the cooperation of representatives of employers and workers in the organization and operation of the employment service, and in the development of employment service policy. It asks the Government to take all necessary steps in the near future to ensure the application of Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention.

3. Activities of the employment service. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the manner in which the Labour Exchange unit provides services to jobseekers. It would appreciate receiving indications on the measures that have been taken by the employment service to favour the professional or geographic mobility of workers, and to facilitate movement of migrant workers (Article 6(b)).

4. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Government declares that the Labour Exchange Unit is not specialized in mediating for particular categories of workers or sectors. The Committee recalls that Article 7 requires that measures be taken to facilitate specialization of employment offices by occupation and industry, and to meet the needs of particular categories of workers. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to give effect to this provision of the Convention in relation with disadvantaged jobseekers such as people with disabilities.

5. Special arrangements for young workers. The Government indicates that the Foundation of Labour Mobilization and Development have established training and re-training programmes for young workers. The Committee notes this information with interest and it asks the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of the employment service in relation to youth employment (Article 8).