Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Nicaragua (Ratification: 1981)

1. The Committee notes the replies made by the Government to the points raised in the direct request of 1991. The Government refers to the new National Development Strategy, which was prepared in March 1991, the objective of which is to "improve the quality of life for the majority of the Nicaraguan population, overcome poverty, respect individual freedoms and dignity and protect the environment". A stabilization programme is being carried out which involves the privatization of State enterprises, the liberalization of foreign trade and the authorization of the activities of private banks. The Government recognizes that 14,000 workers in the public sector have been affected by the structural adjustment measures during the first six months of the programme. A programme of occupational rehabilitation benefited 11,000 of the workers affected. The Committee trusts that the Government will indicate in its next report the impact on the labour market and on employment of the stabilization programme (see the report form for Article 1 of the Convention).

2. The Committee states that an Emergency Social Investment Fund (FISE) and a Fund for Deprived Sectors (FASO) have been established as labour market oriented programmes. The Committee requests the Government to describe in its next report the manner in which the above funds have contributed to the creation of productive employment for the categories of workers who often find difficulties in obtaining lasting employment, such as young persons, women and workers affected by structural adjustment measures.

3. With reference to education and vocational training policies, the Committee notes with interest the establishment of the National Technological Institute (INATEC). Within the framework of the tripartite advisory council of the INATEC, according to the Government's statement in its report on the application of Convention No. 142, the preparation and execution of strategic plans for the development of the human resources of the country are undertaken with a view to guaranteeing a dynamic and flexible mobilization of the supply of technical and vocational training for young persons and adults, whether they are seeking their first job or are returning to the labour market. The Committee refers to the comments that it is making this year under Convention No. 142, and trusts that in its next report on the application of Convention No. 122 the Government will continue to supply information on the coordination of education and training policies and measures with prospective employment opportunities.

4. The Committee notes the various measures which have been taken to compile and analyse statistical data on the labour market. It trusts that the next report will include extracts of reports, studies and inquiries in order to enable it to assess the volume and distribution of the labour force, as well as the situation, level and trends in employment (Part VI of the report form).

5. Please continue to supply detailed information on the manner in which productive employment is promoted in the rural sector, and in particular when initiatives have been taken to ensure the rational use of natural resources and adequate protection for the environment.

6. Article 3. In its previous comments, the Committee recalled the importance of consultations with the representatives of the persons affected by the measures that are adopted. These consultations should have the objective of taking into account the experience and views of such persons and enlisting their support for the implementation of the measures. In its report, the Government states that the only experience which is available is in the field of vocational training. The Committee urges the Government to make particular efforts to hold the consultations provided for by the Convention with regard to employment policy with the representatives of employers and workers, as well as with representatives of the rural sector and the informal sector. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect in its next report.