Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Sint Maarten

Active employment policy. The Committee notes the report submitted by the Government in reply to its 2011 direct request and the description of the economic situation of Sint Maarten. The Government indicates that it is its policy to pursue the development of the labour market of Sint Maarten in which every individual has the opportunity to practise in a freely chosen profession, in a safe, healthy and productive work environment. The Government hopes to achieve that by developing effective and efficient labour policies and legislation, supervising the execution thereof, and promoting accessible social, legal and economic benefits. The Committee also notes that in 2012 the economy grew by approximately 1.5 per cent; that expansion stemmed primarily from growth in the restaurants, hotels, transports, storage and communications sectors. That was basically a spin off from the outstanding performance in the tourism sector for 2012. Real value added in the transport, storage and communication sectors rose due to increased activities in both air and sea transportation. The Government further indicates that the unemployment rate increased from 10.6 to 12.2 per cent between 2007 and 2009, and that the 2012 rate is being estimated at 11.5 per cent. The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the progress achieved in pursuing an active employment policy as required by Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention.

Youth employment. The Government indicates that in 2009 youth unemployment accounted for 29.4 per cent of the total unemployment, and that it stems from mismatch between labour supply and demand. More specifically, the Government attributes youth unemployment to school drop-outs and inadequate training. The Committee notes the projects and programmes aimed at the continuous training or education of workers, either targeting directly the youth population (aged between 14 and 24) or comprising opportunities for them. The initiatives mentioned in the Government’s report include, on the one hand, secondary vocational education, placement and second chance programmes, and, on the other hand, small business development and entrepreneurship programmes. The Committee invites the Government to include in its next report information on the results achieved by the projects and programmes implemented in terms of ensuring lasting employment for young persons who enter the labour market.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Government indicates that the Foundation for the Promotion of Education is a body governed by a tripartite structure which was officially established with the goal to promote and implement secondary vocational education. In addition, the Committee notes that, during the reporting period under review, a Tripartite Committee chaired by the Minister of Labour was established. The Tripartite Committee has three subcommittees namely; Labour Market Affairs Committee, Legislative Affairs Committee and the International Labour Standards Committee. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the progress achieved by the Tripartite Committee on the matters covered by the Convention. It reiterates its interest in examining specific information on the consultations held with the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, including details of their contribution to the design and implementation of an active employment policy.