Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Ratification: 2001)

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. The Committee had previously referred to the need to amend the following sections of the Trade Unions Act (TUA): section 11(3), so as to eliminate the discretionary authority of the registrar in respect of the registration of trade unions; and section 25, so as to limit the powers of the registrar to conduct investigations into the accounts of trade unions. The Committee recalls that, in its previous direct request, it had noted the Government’s indication that the new Labour Bill which, as previously stated, would repeal the abovementioned sections of the TUA, was still awaiting Cabinet’s approval.

The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its report that: (1) there have been some setbacks on the progress of the new Labour Relations Bill as a result of circumstances outside the control of the Department of Labour; (2) it has become necessary to review the draft Bill by way of consultations with the new leadership of the respective social partners; and (3) this process has commenced and it remains hopeful that the new Bill will be adopted in the near future.

The Committee hopes that the new Labour Relations Bill will be adopted in the near future and will address the abovementioned issues. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any progress made in this regard.