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

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ratification: 1977)

The Committee notes the observations of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), received on 26 October 2017. With regard to tripartite consultations on direct ILO matters, the TUC indicates that on occasions where there has been a failure of proper consultation, this has been quickly remedied. It adds, however, that in recent years, in the wider workings of government, there has been a reduction in the number of public bodies upon which trade unions and the interest of working people are actively and properly represented. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes that the Government is continuing to actively consider the ratification of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188). The Government indicates that the small Tripartite Working Group (TWG) established in early 2014, was expanded later in that same year in order to provide better representation to industry and workers. It includes representatives of government, as well as organizations representing industry and those representing individual fishermen. The Government indicates that the TWG met 14 times and discussed all aspects of the Convention. The TWG is also involved in the development of a proposed legislative package which, subject to ministerial approval, will be made available for public consultation. The Committee also notes that following the round-table discussion held in 2014 on the possible ratification of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), no further action has been taken in this regard. It notes the Government’s indication that it continues to seek proportionate improvements to the social and employment protections available to domestic workers where particular problems are identified. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated detailed information on the content and outcome of the tripartite consultations held on matters relating to international labour standards covered by the Convention, including with regard to the re-examination of unratified Conventions such as the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188).