Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Germany (Ratification: 1971)

The Committee has noted the detailed report and the information provided in reply to its previous observation. The Government has referred to the positive effect of economic growth on employment and unemployment levels, and of vocational training and placement activities of the employment services in particular. Unemployment levels have thus declined among the young, while long-term unemployment has increased, especially, apparently, among older workers. It is stated that it is demographic factors (the birth rate, immigration) which have prevented unemployment from falling further. The report analyses employment and unemployment among various groups of the population, sectors and regions, and refers to the series of measures taken under the job promotion legislation; the results of studies of the effects of the legislation were expected shortly. The Government now states that trade unions and employers' organisations were involved at all stages of discussions on the 1985 Job Promotion Act. Trade unions are said to oppose the current easing of restrictions on fixed-term contracts, and, depending on the results of research in hand, it will later be decided whether to extend this system.

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, economic and financial policy has so far succeeded only in preventing an increase in unemployment. Unemployment overall remained at 8.9 per cent in 1987 (the standardised figure published by OECD is 6.2 per cent), with regional unemployment rates ranging from 5 to 12 per cent and an increasing concentration among certain groups. The Committee notes with interest that improvement of the employment market situation remains a major policy objective. It hopes the Government will continue to provide details of the employment policy measures taken in order to promote the aims of the Convention, and in particular that it will be able to indicate the results of its policies and measures in terms of numbers employed and unemployed. It trusts the Government will ensure consultation of employers' and workers' representatives and other persons affected as required by Article 3 of the Convention.