Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Rural Workers' Organisations Convention, 1975 (No. 141) - Costa Rica (Ratification: 1991)

The Committee notes the Government’s detailed information relating to the various programmes and activities implemented by the Directorate for Labour Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Farming, and the Institute of Rural Development to promote and boost the participation of rural workers’ organizations. The Committee notes in particular that workshops have been held on collective bargaining techniques; that participation in the Rural Development Boards has been boosted; and that the establishment of associations has been promoted through various means, with the participation of young persons, women, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples, promoting chains of production in agriculture, fishing and non-agricultural activities. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that cases of violations of trade union rights in agriculture are duly identified within the Labour Inspection and Case Administration System (SILAC), which is currently run by the National Directorate for Labour Inspection (DNI). The Committee notes the statistical information supplied by the Government and observes that in the 2014–16 period, six cases were handled by the DNI regarding violations of trade union rights in agriculture: five cases involved anti-union harassment and one case involved temporary suspension of an employment contract. The Committee encourages the Government to continue taking steps to promote the participation of rural workers’ organizations and requests it to provide information in this respect.