Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

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

The Committee notes the observations from the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) received on 1 September 2015, which are of a general nature.

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. Legislative matters. 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 had noted the Government’s indication that the new Labour Relations Bill which would repeal the abovementioned sections of the TUA was still awaiting the Cabinet’s approval. In its previous observation, the Committee noted that the Government indicated in its report that: (i) there had 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; (ii) it had become necessary to review the draft Bill by way of consultations with the new leadership of the respective social partners; and (iii) this process had commenced and the Government remained hopeful that the new Bill would be adopted in the near future. The Committee expressed the hope that the new Labour Relations Bill would be adopted in the near future and would address the abovementioned issues.

The Committee notes that the Government reports that: (i) no changes have occurred with respect to legislation or practice affecting the application of the Convention; (ii) there has been no new development with regard to the ongoing consultation in respect of the proposed Labour Relations Bill; and (iii) the Government continues to remain hopeful that the new Bill will be adopted in the near future.

The Committee firmly hopes that the Government will continue the consultation with the social partners and that the Labour Relations Bill will be adopted in the near future and will address the abovementioned issues. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.