Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Jamaica (Ratification: 1996)

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The Committee notes the observations of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) and the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF), transmitted together with the Government’s report. It also notes the Government’s reply to the JCTU observations.

Article 5 of the Convention. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes the Government’s general indication that tripartite consultations on matters related to Article 5(1) of the Convention are held within the Labour Advisory Council (LAC). The Committee nevertheless observes that, once again, the Government does not provide information on the content and outcome of the tripartite consultations. With respect to the periodicity of the tripartite consultations held, the Committee notes that, while acknowledging the important role played by the LAC in facilitating tripartite consultations, the JTUC nevertheless indicates that the LAC has not met as frequently as needed. In its reply, the Government indicates that meetings of the LAC are held quarterly, as well as when an urgent matter arises. The Government acknowledges that LAC meetings took place less frequently in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It adds that, following the outbreak of the pandemic, the LAC has also met virtually. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the last meeting of the LAC was held on 20 August 2021 and that another would shortly be convened. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide detailed updated information on the frequency, content and outcome of the tripartite consultations heldon the matters relating to international labour standards covered by the Convention, including with respect to: the Government’s replies to questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the International Labour Conference (Article 5(1)(a)); the proposals to be made to the competent authorities upon the submission of instruments adopted by the Conference (Article 5(1)(b)); the re-examination at appropriate intervals of unratified Conventions and Recommendations to which effect has not yet been given (Article 5(1)(c)); reports to be made on the application of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(d)); and proposals for the denunciation of ratified Conventions (Article 5(1)(e)).

Article 4(2). Financing of training. The Committee notes that, in its observations, the JTUC highlights the insufficiency or absence of appropriate arrangements between the competent authority and the representative organizations with a view to financing any necessary training for participants in the consultation procedures. The JTUC adds that it has noted this issue as an agenda point for future discussion in the LAC. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the outcome of any tripartite consultations relevant to the application of Article 4(2) of the Convention, and to indicate whether arrangements have been made or are envisaged for financing or other type of support in relation to any necessary training of participants in the consultation procedures provided for by the Convention.