Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2025, publiée 114ème session CIT (2026)

Convention (n° 144) sur les consultations tripartites relatives aux normes internationales du travail, 1976 - Dominique (Ratification: 2002)

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The Committee notes the observations of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), the Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union (DAWU) and the Dominica Employers’ Federation (DEF) communicated with the Government’s report.

Articles 2 and 5 of the Convention. Consultation procedures. Effective consultations. The Committee notes with concern the Government’s indication that, since the previous report received in 2011, no measures have been taken to ensure effective consultations on matters related to international labour standards. However, the Committee observes that the Government, through the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development – a relatively new ministry now responsible for labour matters – has identified this issue as a priority. Recognizing both its legal and administrative obligations as a Member of the ILO, the Government will place renewed emphasis on facilitating meaningful consultations and advancing the instruments adopted by the International Labour Conference to the Parliament of Dominica (House of Assembly) for its consideration.

In this regard, the Committee notes that the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) has called on the Government to demonstrate its readiness to activate and sustain a tripartite framework that enables ongoing dialogue among social partners, particularly in support of national reporting obligations. The DPSU anticipates positive developments in strengthening social dialogue and tripartism in the country and emphasizes that the Government has a central role to play in leading this process. Moreover, the Committee notes the Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union (DAWU) indication that, although the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee (IRAC) – comprising representatives of both employers and workers – formally exists, it has remained inactive for several years. This prolonged dormancy has hindered effective engagement with social partners, leaving trade unions without a platform to voice concerns or contribute to discussions on issues affecting their members. Thus, the unions are requesting that the Government meet urgently with the social partners to comply with its obligations. Finally, the Committee notes that the Dominica Employers’ Federation (DEF) confirms the absence of tripartite consultation as required by the Convention.

Recalling that the same issues have persisted for over a decade, the Committee strongly urges the Government to takeall necessary and possible measures without delay to ensure effective tripartite consultations as required by the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard and reminds that it may avail itself of the technical assistance of the Office to support this process. The Committee wishes to recall that Convention No. 144 is the primary instrument giving expression to the principle of tripartism at the national level. Tripartism, and the social dialogue that flows from it, is the cornerstone of the International Labour Organization and remains the essential foundation for achieving social consensus, building resilience, and fostering sound labour practices. The Committee therefore trusts that the Government will demonstrate the political will necessary to give full effect to the Convention.