Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - North Macedonia (Ratification: 2005)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Government reports that the Economic and Social Council (ESC) holds a session related to the participation of a tripartite delegation of the Republic of North Macedonia at the International Labour Conference (ILC) once a year. The Committee notes with interest that, in 2023, 31 instruments were submitted to the Parliament as well as to the ESC, which according to Article 2 of the Agreement for the Establishment of the ESC, may examine and propose ratification of international labour standards in line with the Convention. The Committee notes with interest that, further to the proposal of the Union of the Trade Unions of Macedonia and following a recommendation of the ESC, the Government ratified the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). In addition, further to the proposal put forward by the Union of the Trade Unions of Macedonia, in December 2021, for the ratification of the Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167), the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176) and the Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184), the ESC validated, in April 2022, the findings of the gap analyses between the national legislation and these three Conventions and, in 2023, recommended the ratification of Conventions Nos 167 and 176. The Government also indicates that the report was communicated to the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia and the Organization of Employers of Macedonia. The Committee takes due note of the information provided and requests the Government to provide complementary information as regards the following points: (i) whether the session of the ESC prior to each session of the ILC also related to government replies to questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the International Labour Conference and government comments on proposed texts to be discussed by the Conference, as per Article 5(1)(a) of the Convention; and (ii) indicate the measures taken to give effect to Article 5(1)(d) – questions arising out of reports under article 22 of the Constitution of the ILO; and, if applicable, subparagraph (e) – potential proposals for denunciation of ratified Conventions. It also requests the Government to provide updated information on any ratification prospects for Conventions Nos 167, 176 and 184 following the validation of the respective gap analyses by the ESC and the decision to recommend the ratification.

Article 4 of the Convention. Administrative support and training. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that six training sessions were held for the members of the permanent commissions of the ESC in the period from 2019 to 2021. It also indicates that these sessions concerned: (i) establishing systems for skills assessments; (ii) formalizing informality through dialogue; (iii) developing targets and indicators for the labour market and poverty; (iv) practicing collective bargaining and building consensus in times of crisis; (v) defining and coordinating employment policies; and (vi) conversing and preparing for the new “Youth Guarantee” cycle. The Committee nevertheless notes that the Government does not provide information on the nature and impact of the amendments made to the ESC’s Rules of Procedure in 2015 to the effect of expanding its institutional framework and technical functioning. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on appropriate arrangements made for the financing of any necessary training for participants in consultation procedures, as provided for by the Convention. It further requests the Government to provide updated information on the nature and impact of the amendments made to the ESC’s Rules of Procedure.

Tripartism and social dialogue. The Government indicates that the ESC held 33 sessions in the period from 2018 to 2021. It reports that tripartite consultations related mostly to discussions on the development of measures to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It indicates that an extensive review of national legislation and strategic documents was carried out, which resulted, inter alia, in the revision of the Law on Labour Relations, the development of National Employment Strategy for 2021–27, and the establishment of operational plans for programmes and measures related to employment and labour market services for the years 2020 and 2021. The Government also informs that, since April 2019, the ministries regularly submit all materials relating to economic and social issues to the ESC for an opinion. Furthermore, the Government indicates that in 2021 the ESC secretariat analysed the inclusiveness and effectiveness of the ESC, by applying ILO self-assessment methodology for social dialogue institutions, and developed a new action plan which awaits confirmation. Lastly, with regard to the Committee’s previous request concerning the implementation and impact of the measures adopted under the action plans to promote social dialogue and collective bargaining, the Government indicates that no special analyses were undertaken in this regard. The Committee encourages the Government to continue providing updated information in its next report on the implementation and impact of the measures adopted under the action plans to promote social dialogue and collective bargaining, and to communicate copies of the relevant action plans.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee welcomes the detailed information provided in the Government’s report on the measures taken by the tripartite Economic and Social Council (ESC) during the reporting period to promote and strengthen social dialogue and tripartite consultations at the national and local levels. The Government reports that the ESC continues to hold meetings, with seven meetings having been held in 2017. It adds that the social partners have engaged in both bipartite and tripartite consultations at the national level, and refers to discussions concerning the development of labour legislation and various action plans, including an action plan on the promotion of social dialogue, discussed by the ESC in 2015. Moreover, in 2016, among other activities, the ESC reviewed and adopted an action plan for the promotion of collective bargaining. The Government further indicates that six local ESCs have been established in the municipalities of Resen, Sveti Nikole, Strumica, Kichevo, Radovish and Struga, bringing the total of local ESCs to 15. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation and impact of the measures adopted under the action plans to promote social dialogue and collective bargaining and to communicate copies of the relevant action plans. The Committee further invites the Government to provide information with regard to whether any measures have been taken in relation to the possibility of introducing a fund for the promotion of social dialogue, discussed in the meeting.

Article 4. Administrative support and training. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in 2015, the ESC’s Rules of Procedure were amended, expanding its institutional framework and technical functioning. Six permanent working bodies were established within the ESC. In addition, a tripartite secretariat was established providing technical and expert support to the ESC, for whose functioning special rooms were provided and equipped. The Government indicates that thematic trainings and workshops were organized to strengthen the capacities of both the national and local ESCs. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the nature and impact of the amendments made to the ESC’s Rules of Procedure. In addition, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on any arrangements made for the financing of the training of participants, including information concerning the frequency, nature and content of the training provided.

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide detailed information on the content and outcome of tripartite consultations held on each of the matters related to international labour standards set out in Article 5(1)(a)–(e) of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain information in this respect. The Committee therefore reiterates its request for detailed information on the content and outcome of tripartite consultations in relation to the matters covered under Article 5(1): the Government’s replies to questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the International Labour Conference, particularly with regard to the Government’s comments on proposed texts to be discussed by the Conference (Article 5(1)(a)); consultations held with the social partners on the proposals made to the competent authorities upon the submission of instruments adopted by the Conference (Article 5(1)(b)); tripartite consultations on the re-examination of unratified Conventions and Recommendations to which effect has not yet been given (Article 5(1)(c)); and on denunciation of ratified Conventions (Article 5, paragraph 1(e)).

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

The Committee welcomes the detailed information provided in the Government’s report on the measures taken by the tripartite Economic and Social Council (ESC) during the reporting period to promote and strengthen social dialogue and tripartite consultations at the national and local levels. The Government reports that the ESC continues to hold meetings, with seven meetings having been held in 2017. It adds that the social partners have engaged in both bipartite and tripartite consultations at the national level, and refers to discussions concerning the development of labour legislation and various action plans, including an action plan on the promotion of social dialogue, discussed by the ESC in 2015. Moreover, in 2016, among other activities, the ESC reviewed and adopted an action plan for the promotion of collective bargaining. The Government further indicates that six local ESCs have been established in the municipalities of Resen, Sveti Nikole, Strumica, Kichevo, Radovish and Struga, bringing the total of local ESCs to 15. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation and impact of the measures adopted under the action plans to promote social dialogue and collective bargaining and to communicate copies of the relevant action plans. The Committee further invites the Government to provide information with regard to whether any measures have been taken in relation to the possibility of introducing a fund for the promotion of social dialogue, discussed in the meeting.

Article 4. Administrative support and training. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in 2015, the ESC’s Rules of Procedure were amended, expanding its institutional framework and technical functioning. Six permanent working bodies were established within the ESC. In addition, a tripartite secretariat was established providing technical and expert support to the ESC, for whose functioning special rooms were provided and equipped. The Government indicates that thematic trainings and workshops were organized to strengthen the capacities of both the national and local ESCs. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the nature and impact of the amendments made to the ESC’s Rules of Procedure. In addition, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on any arrangements made for the financing of the training of participants, including information concerning the frequency, nature and content of the training provided.

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide detailed information on the content and outcome of tripartite consultations held on each of the matters related to international labour standards set out in Article 5(1)(a)–(e) of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain information in this respect. The Committee therefore reiterates its request for detailed information on the content and outcome of tripartite consultations in relation to the matters covered under Article 5(1): the Government’s replies to questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the International Labour Conference, particularly with regard to the Government’s comments on proposed texts to be discussed by the Conference (Article 5(1)(a)); consultations held with the social partners on the proposals made to the competent authorities upon the submission of instruments adopted by the Conference (Article 5(1)(b)); tripartite consultations on the re-examination of unratified Conventions and Recommendations to which effect has not yet been given (Article 5(1)(c)); and on denunciation of ratified Conventions (Article 5, paragraph 1(e)).

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2014.

Repetition

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee invites the Government to continue to report on measures taken to promote tripartite consultations on international labour standards, as required under the Convention, and on any follow-up to recommendations derived from such consultations.

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes with interest that since its last report, and as a result of the implementation of the Convention, the Government has ratified eight Conventions. The Government also reports on the activities of the Economic Social Council, and the technical cooperation with Belgium, Ireland and the ILO on social dialogue. The Committee invites the Government to continue to report on measures taken to promote tripartite consultations on international labour standards, as required under the Convention, and on any follow-up to recommendations derived from such consultations.

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

Tripartite consultations required by the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2010 containing detailed replies to its previous direct request. The Committee notes with interest that a new agreement on the Economic and Social Council was signed by the relevant parties on 25 August 2010, which covers in its section 2 the tripartite consultations on international labour standards required by the Convention. It further notes the involvement of the ILO Office in Budapest in facilitating the agreement and the drafting of the new legislative texts. The Government also indicates that, upon the initiative of the Trade Union of Civil Engineering, Industry and Planning (SGIP) and, based on a proposal of the Economic and Social Council, there is an ongoing parliamentary procedure for the ratification of the Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 94). The Government also indicates that it plans to strengthen tripartite consultations through a project by the Austrian Development Agency and the ILO, and by using other financial and technical support from international institutions. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on the content of the consultations and the recommendations formulated by the Economic and Social Council on the matters set out in Article 5(1) of the Convention. Please also provide information on the follow-up regarding the ratification of Convention No. 94 (Article 5(1)(c)).

Financing of training. The Committee notes that in light of the present circumstances of an economic crisis and due to limited financial resources, currently the Government has not provided funds for training of participants in the consultative procedures. The Committee invites the Government to include in its report information on any change that may occur regarding arrangements for the financing of any necessary training (Article 4(2)).

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

Article 5 of the Convention. Tripartite consultations required by the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention received in October 2009. The Government refers to the Economic and Social Council (ESC), established through a tripartite agreement in accordance with the Labour Relations Act, as being the main body for tripartite consultations. The Government indicates that the ESC’s mandate allows tripartite consultations over the issues covered by Article 5 of the Convention. The Government also indicates that amendments are being made to the Labour Relations Act to include specific provisions for the implementation of the Convention. In this connection, the ILO Office in Budapest was requested to provide assistance to support the work of the ESC. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further information on the operation of the mechanism of consultation on international labour standards, including precise information on the activities of the ESC on the matters covered by the Convention. It would appreciate receiving detailed information on the content of the consultations and the recommendations formulated on each of the matters set out in Article 5(1) of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Financing of training. Please describe any arrangements made for the provision of financing by the Government for any necessary training of participants on the consultative procedures.