Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Ratification: 1998)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In its previous direct request, the Committee had requested the Government to take measures to include in the legislation provisions which provide protection against acts of anti-union discrimination and interference by the employer or employers’ organizations in workers’ organizations (and vice versa) and which encourage collective bargaining in the private and public sectors (with the sole possible exception of public servants engaged in the administration of the State).

The Committee had noted that, according to the previous report of the Government: (i) the Committee’s concerns about the shortcomings of the legislation have been drawn to the attention of the competent authority; and (ii) concerning collective bargaining, it is the practice of most of the trade unions.

The Committee notes the Government’s latest report reiterating that a new Labour Relations Bill is presently awaiting Cabinet’s approval. The Committee hopes that the said Bill will address the abovementioned issues, and requests the Government to indicate the progress made in this regard.