Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Gabon (Ratification: 2009)

The Committee notes the observations of the Trade Union Congress of Gabon (CSG), which were received on 24 July 2015.

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of a national employment policy. Participation of the social partners. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures implemented under the employment action plan adopted in 2010, and on the consultations held with the social partners. In its observations the CSG indicates that the formulation of an employment action plan in 2010 was not the subject of consultations with the social partners. The CSG adds that, in the absence of an employment policy, unemployment in Gabon has increased, as illustrated by the number of enterprises which are closing and dismissing their workers without any new enterprises being established. The Government confirms in its report that it has not consulted either employers’ and workers’ organizations or representatives of workers in rural areas or in the informal economy during the formulation of the action plan. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information, including statistical information, on the impact of measures implemented under the employment action plan, in terms of the promotion of full and productive employment, the creation of sustainable employment and the reduction of unemployment. It also requests the Government to supply information on any measures taken or contemplated to ensure effective consultations with representatives of employers and workers, and also representatives of workers in rural areas and in the informal economy, in order to secure their cooperation in formulating and implementing employment policy programmes and measures, as required by Article 3 of the Convention.

Article 2. Collection and use of employment data. The Government reiterates that no statistical data are currently available. The Government also expresses concern at the difficulties it faces in collecting statistical data on trends in employment and underemployment among women and young people. Underlining the importance of a system of labour market data collection for determining the measures to adopt in order to achieve the objectives of the Convention and for reviewing regularly the measures taken, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on progress made in this respect, along with statistical data from any economic and demographic surveys that it has conducted. It also requests the Government to provide in its next report any available data on the situation and trends regarding employment, unemployment and underemployment, including with respect to women and young people.

Coordination of employment policy with poverty reduction. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that, although the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in Gabon is one of the highest in Africa, the high unemployment and poverty rates point to the existence of many shortcomings, with social indicators below those of countries with comparable incomes. In this context, the Government reports on its “one young person = one job” campaign and training programme. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the measures taken to ensure that employment, which is a crucial factor in poverty reduction, is at the very centre of its macroeconomic and social policies, and also on the results of the “one young person = one job” campaign and training programme.

Vulnerable groups. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee requests the Government once again to provide information on the impact of the steps taken to facilitate the integration of young people and women in the labour market.

Promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In its previous comment, the Committee noted the reduction in the time taken to secure approval, available free of charge from the Ministry for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, for establishing an enterprise, and the provisions of Decree No. 0254/PR/MEEDD issuing the Public Procurement Code, which gives priority to small and medium-sized national enterprises, especially in the award of contracts and the subcontracting of parts thereof. In this regard, the CSG notes the reduction in formalities for establishing an enterprise but expresses regret that most enterprises of this kind are not operating because of a lack of contracts. The Government indicates in its report that there are ongoing initiatives in the area of enterprise creation and although their impact remains to be seen, an increase in the establishment of single-person enterprises should be noted. The Committee requests the Government once again to provide information, including statistics, on the impact of measures taken to promote the creation of sustainable employment by SMEs.

Coordination of education and training policy with employment policy. The CSG notes the Government’s efforts to match training and employment. The Government indicates in its report that there is a genuine will to match the supply of training to available jobs, which has resulted in the opening of a petroleum industry school in Port-Gentil and a mining industry school in Moanda. However, it adds that the considerable drop in oil prices is disadvantageous for enterprises in the sector, which are obliged to lay off workers. The Government points out that its efforts are being undermined by this situation. The Committee requests the Government once again to provide an evaluation of the impact of the measures taken to ensure that the promotion of vocational training is better matched to employment prospects, particularly for young people.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee observes that the drawing up of a detailed report, containing the information asked for in the present direct request, can provide the Government and the social partners with an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of employment policy for achieving the goals of full and productive employment, as set out in the Convention. It recalls that the preparation of a report containing detailed information and statistics to enable a general appraisal of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country may necessitate consultation of the various ministries or government agencies concerned, such as those responsible for education, economic affairs and statistics. The Committee recalls that the Government can avail itself of the technical assistance from the ILO in this regard.