Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) - Madagascar (Ratification: 1998)

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

Previous comment

The Committee notes the observations of the General Confederation of Workers’ Unions of Madagascar (FISEMA), received on 1 September 2022. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this regard.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government reiterates that the Ministry of Labour, Employment, the Civil Service and Social Legislation (MTEFPLS) is working closely with the social partners, other ministries and the private sector to develop, apply, monitor and supervise the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy (PNEFP) and its Implementation Plan (PMO), along with other programmes and activities implemented to promote employment. The Government indicates that the update of the PNEFP is “pending implementation” and that the MTEFPLS has launched and put into effect a number of employment promotion programmes, such as “Sera ben'ny asa”, a job fair held since 2019 in three regions of Madagascar to bring together employers and jobseekers. The Government has also developed a “vocational guidance caravan”, in collaboration with a private enterprise and the Platform of Integration and Guidance Coaches (CIO), together with young entrepreneurs. Finally, the Government has introduced the internship office to make it easier to secure internships in enterprises. The internship office was set up with the support of the Industrial Trade Union of Madagascar (SIM) and a private enterprise. Regarding the request by the Christian Confederation of Malagasy Trade Unions (SEKRIMA), in its observations of March 2018, to establish a national employment council, the Government indicates that the MTEFPLS has been working since early 2022 on a plan to revise the Labour Code, which provides for the establishment of a National Labour and Employment Council (CNTE). The Government indicates that the revision of the Labour Code is being carried out in close collaboration with the representative organizations of employers and workers, which were consulted during the following periods: 22–26 March 2021, 21–24 September 2021 and between January and April 2022. Regarding the social partners’ most recent observations, received in September 2022, the Committee notes the regret of the Trade Union Confederation of Malagasy Revolutionary Workers (FISEMARE) that the social partners are consulted on employment service matters in workshops rather than within the National Labour Committee (CNT), the tripartite body for social partner consultation on employment matters. The FISEMA maintains that the social partners should be consulted through the CNT, the legal framework of which gives greater effect to the dialogue mechanism than the workshops in which the social partners are generally invited guests, called upon to approve the Government’s proposals.

The Committee reiterates that the existence of a nationally agreed employment policy is the backbone of any public employment service, as it gives the public service its legitimacy and the institutional, human and financial resources that such an entity requires to achieve its objectives and fulfil its mandates. In addition to being anchored in a clear national policy, an organizational structure and governance system that maximizes the cooperation of the social partners is central to the success of the public employment service. The Committee recalls in this regard that Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention require suitable arrangements to be made through advisory committees for the cooperation of representatives of employers and workers in the organization and operation of the employment service and requests the Government to provide further information on the relevant measures taken at the national level and, where appropriate, at the regional and local levels. In this regard, the Committee recalls that it previously noted the establishment of steering and coordination partnership committees at the national level (CN2PC), the regional level (CR2PC) and the sectoral level (CS2PC), for the development of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy (PNEFP). The Committee notes with regret that the Government fails to mention these committees in its most recent report and to provide detailed information on the framework for consultation with the social partners on the implementation, monitoring and supervision of the PNEFP, and on any other employment promotion programmes and activities. The Government is therefore requested to provide full information in its next report on the manner in which effect is given to the provisions of Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention.

Article 6. Effective organization of the employment service. The Government reiterates that the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) provides a database enabling improved employment intervention at the local level, particularly as regards training and matching applications for employment and vacancies. The Government indicates that, following a ministerial reorganization in 2017, the MTEFPLS is now responsible for implementing the SRIE, rather than the Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training. Following the reorganization, five regions now form part of the SRIE, instead of the originally planned eight. It should also be noted that the SRIE is currently undergoing a reorganization. The MTEFPLS has undertaken a number of initiatives to raise awareness among workers of the services offered by the SRIE, including: media outreach, holding open days, and once again hosting the SRIE within the Communications Technology Regulatory Authority (ARTEC). The Government reports that, in 2021, the SRIE registered 23,041 applications for employment (11,186 from men, or 48.55 per cent, and 11,855 from women, or 51.45 per cent). Unsuccessful applications numbered 4,334. The Committee understands that, among the jobseekers, 5,133 were under 25 years of age, 13,426 were between 25 and 35 years of age and 4,485 were over 35 years of age. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated and detailed information on how the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE), and any other systems introduced or under development, contribute to an improved organization of the labour market. More generally, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on how the employment service implements the objectives set out in Article 6(a) to (e) and to continue to provide up-to-date statistics, disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of applications for employment received, the vacancies notified and the placements made.

Article 8. Special arrangements for young persons. The Government indicates that in 2021, 1,873 young persons participated in targeted training and integration programmes. Of these, 285 young persons went on to establish their own income-generating activity. The Government adds that the Ministry of National Education (MEN) has implemented a national campaign for the educational and/or socio-occupational integration and reintegration of children who have dropped out of school. The aim is to enable these children to acquire the basic skills needed to enter vocational training. In 2014, this national campaign aimed to reintegrate 500,000 children. The MEN has also introduced a national refresher course scheme (CRAN) for the reintegration of children under 16 years of age, at primary and lower secondary school levels. As regards adapting education and training programmes to the future needs of the employment market, the Government indicates that the MTEFPLS has established the internship office, which enabled a partnership agreement to be signed with public and private universities in August 2021. The Government has other plans targeting young people, including: (i) providing ten years’ compulsory public education, with every child obtaining a general secondary education certificate by the minimum working age; (ii) providing broad access to technical and vocational education, along with quality training adapted to the sectoral needs of growth areas; and (iii) developing the employability of students at the end of their higher education studies. These measures will be financed by the creation of a national education fund. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information, including statistical information, on programmes for young persons, on the number of young persons who have participated in such programmes and on their impact in terms of obtaining lasting employment. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to indicate the arrangements made to take into account changing expectations in the economy and to adapt education and training programmes to future employment market needs. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on their implementation and impact on youth employment.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Government indicates that, in December 2018, the MTEFPLS provided training on the adaptability of the Implementation Plan (PMO) and the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy (PNEFP) at the regional level. The training was aimed at the 22 heads of regional employment services and the heads of department and central directors of the General Directorate for Employment Promotion (DGPE) (formerly General Directorate for Employment). The aim of this training was to optimize the DGPE’s activities in applying the PNEFP and the PMO at the regional level. In September 2019, all DGPE staff and the heads of regional employment services received training on the Initiative for the Emergence of Madagascar (IEM). The aim of the training was to enhance the knowledge of employment staff about their mission and to optimize and ensure the sustainability of initiatives to promote decent employment. The Government has not provided information on the number of participants in the training courses. Regarding the total number of staff assigned to employment services, the Government indicates that there are 171 staff (66 at general directorate level and 105 at regional service level). Observing that having a sufficient number of trained human resources is an important factor in the success of the employment service, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the number and training of public employment service staff, the frequency of such training, its content and its impact, in particular on reinforcing the capacity of the public employment services in the discharge of their duties. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the number of participants in the training courses.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. The Committee notes that in June 2015 the Government revoked the certifications of private employment agencies (Decision No. 20.308/2015/MEETFP revoking the certifications of employment agencies). The Government indicates that it took this measure following a number of complaints of mistreatment of Malagasy workers abroad. The Committee notes with interest that the Government subsequently ratified the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), in 2019. The Government indicates that, despite the revocation of the certifications of private employment agencies, the MTEFPLS is currently bringing national legislation into line with the provisions of Convention No. 181. This involves, among other things, revising the Labour Code and drafting a handbook of procedures for Malagasy migrant workers leaving the country. Following a tripartite national dialogue on migration, a new roadmap on migration was also developed in 2021, with the aim of improving the management and coordination of migration-related activities. Having noted the revocation of the certifications of private employment agencies in Madagascar and the process under way to bring national legislation into line with the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), recently ratified by the Government, the Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the measures adopted or envisaged to promote cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

Part IV of the report form. Representative organizations consulted. The Government indicates that it consulted representative organizations of employers and workers at a workshop held from 3 to 5 August 2022 to present and approve the report. The Government indicates that it sent copies of the report to the Madagascar Chamber of Commerce (GEM) and the Fivondronan'ny Mpandraharaha Malagasy (FIVMPAMA), for the employers’ organizations, and to the FISEMARE, the FISEMA and the SEKRIMA, for the workers’ organizations. However, the FISEMA observes that it did not receive the Government’s report. The Committee reminds the Government that, in accordance with article 23, paragraph 2, of the ILO Constitution, it is required to communicate the report to the representative organizations.The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on the FISEMA’s observation that it did not receive the Government’s report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

The Committee notes the observations of the Christian Confederation of Malagasy Trade Unions (SEKRIMA), received on 7 March 2018. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this regard.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Employment, Technical Education and Vocational Training (MEETFP) works in close collaboration with other ministries, the private sector and the social partners in relation to the creation and promotion of employment. For this purpose, the Government refers to the activities instigated by the MEETFP with the full involvement of the social partners, such as: the formulation of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy (PNEFP) and the Implementation Plan (PMO), the employment component of the PNEFP, drawn up with the ILO’s support and mobilizing all the stakeholders in the world of work, including the representative organizations of employers and workers. In February 2017, a roadmap on migration for employment to Madagascar was developed in consultation with the social partners. The Committee also notes the establishment of steering and coordination partnership committees at the national level (CN2PC), the regional level (CR2PC) and the sectoral level (CS2PC) with a view to ensuring, in consultation with all of the parties concerned, the evaluation, approval and achievement of the objectives of the PNEFP. In this context, the Committee notes the observations of the SEKRIMA to the effect that cooperation between the MEETFP and the social partners takes place through extended working groups and not an official tripartite council. It calls for the establishment of a national employment council. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the involvement of the social partners in the development, application, follow-up and monitoring of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy and the Implementation Plan, the employment component of the PNEFP and on any other programmes and activities implemented for the promotion of employment.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government indicates that the MEETFP has established around 12 offices of the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) in eight regions of the country with a view to establishing a local database and ensuring the accessibility of employment for all persons, in all regions of the country. The SRIE accordingly makes use of practical means to promote effective access to employment. It offers the necessary training and support activities for the effective access of young persons to work, including technical and vocational training, the culture of entrepreneurship, the launching of projects and education in financial matters. The SRIE also constitutes a channel of communication between jobseekers and employers. At the level of the MEETFP, the central and regional employment services help workers to find a suitable job and employers to recruit workers adapted to the needs of enterprises, and they facilitate the transfer of workers from one region of the country to another and the migration of workers from Madagascar to other countries. The Committee notes the SEKRIMA’s observations that the establishment of the decentralized services of the MEETFP began in 2017 and that it is waiting to see the results achieved. It adds that many workers in the regions are not aware of the purpose of these services. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) contributes to an improved organization of the labour market in the eight regions of the country and to provide statistics, disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of applications for employment received, the vacancies notified and the placements made through the services of the SRIE. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to raise the awareness of workers in the regions concerning the services provided by the SRIE.

Article 8. Special arrangements for young persons. The Government indicates that the adoption of Act No. 2015-040, of 22 February 2016, on the orientation of the PNEFP, sets the national objectives to be achieved to reduce the unemployment rate and ensure a strong economy with socially balanced growth based on solidarity by 2020. The Government indicates that the Ministry responsible for employment has adopted measures with a view to taking effective action to combat youth unemployment, including: the establishment of an enterprise and employment incubator; the consolidation and extension of the employment information system (labour market mediation, support for vocational guidance and placement); and the validation of the skills acquired through vocational experience. The Government also plans to implement the draft Sectoral Education Plan (PSE) 2018–22. The PSE sets out a vision of quality education for all and guarantees stable development in accordance with the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Government indicates that the PSE also covers the field of technical education and vocational training, as well as skills development (ETFP/DC), based on three strategic components; access to training, the relevance and quality of training and governance based on partnership. The Committee notes the observations of the SEKRIMA concerning the commitment shown by the private sector in co-financing vocational training for young persons and further training for employees. For this purpose, the PNEFP is required to establish an intersectoral vocational training fund which would take account the financial needs of each sector and would ensure the defiscalization of the contributions made by enterprises, while at the same time guaranteeing the independence and effective allocation of funds to intersectoral, sectoral and national plans. Taking due note of the various types of training and integration programmes that have been established to provide assistance to young persons, the Committee requests the Government to provide updated statistical information on the number of young persons who have participated in the integration and training programmes referred to above, as well as relevant data on the impact of these programmes in terms of obtaining lasting employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide relevant information on the impact of the new projects and to indicate the arrangements made to take into account changing expectations in the economy with a view to improving the adaptation of education and training programmes to future labour market needs.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Government indicates that the staff of the employment service benefit from regular training through various workshops to improve skills. In December 2016, training on migration for employment was organized in six regions of the country. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the vocational training provided for employment service staff with an indication of the frequency of training courses and their content, and to report their impact, and particularly their effect in practice in terms of reinforcing the capacity of the employment services in the exercise of their functions. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of participants in the training courses and the total number of staff members assigned to employment services in the country.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. In this respect, the Government indicates that, in the framework of the roadmap on migration for employment, many measures have been taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies, including: the organization of regular meetings for exchanges of experience; the training of those responsible; the preparation of training curricula and reference materials; and visits to establishments to provide assistance. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies. It also requests the Government to report the number of private employment agencies, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and placements made by such agencies. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to continue the process of the ratification of the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes the observations of the Christian Confederation of Malagasy Trade Unions (SEKRIMA), received on 7 March 2018. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this regard.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Employment, Technical Education and Vocational Training (MEETFP) works in close collaboration with other ministries, the private sector and the social partners in relation to the creation and promotion of employment. For this purpose, the Government refers to the activities instigated by the MEETFP with the full involvement of the social partners, such as: the formulation of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy (PNEFP) and the Implementation Plan (PMO), the employment component of the PNEFP, drawn up with the ILO’s support and mobilizing all the stakeholders in the world of work, including the representative organizations of employers and workers. In February 2017, a roadmap on migration for employment to Madagascar was developed in consultation with the social partners. The Committee also notes the establishment of steering and coordination partnership committees at the national level (CN2PC), the regional level (CR2PC) and the sectoral level (CS2PC) with a view to ensuring, in consultation with all of the parties concerned, the evaluation, approval and achievement of the objectives of the PNEFP. In this context, the Committee notes the observations of the SEKRIMA to the effect that cooperation between the MEETFP and the social partners takes place through extended working groups and not an official tripartite council. It calls for the establishment of a national employment council. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the involvement of the social partners in the development, application, follow-up and monitoring of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy and the Implementation Plan, the employment component of the PNEFP and on any other programmes and activities implemented for the promotion of employment.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government indicates that the MEETFP has established around 12 offices of the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) in eight regions of the country with a view to establishing a local database and ensuring the accessibility of employment for all persons, in all regions of the country. The SRIE accordingly makes use of practical means to promote effective access to employment. It offers the necessary training and support activities for the effective access of young persons to work, including technical and vocational training, the culture of entrepreneurship, the launching of projects and education in financial matters. The SRIE also constitutes a channel of communication between jobseekers and employers. At the level of the MEETFP, the central and regional employment services help workers to find a suitable job and employers to recruit workers adapted to the needs of enterprises, and they facilitate the transfer of workers from one region of the country to another and the migration of workers from Madagascar to other countries. The Committee notes the SEKRIMA’s observations that the establishment of the decentralized services of the MEETFP began in 2017 and that it is waiting to see the results achieved. It adds that many workers in the regions are not aware of the purpose of these services. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) contributes to an improved organization of the labour market in the eight regions of the country and to provide statistics, disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of applications for employment received, the vacancies notified and the placements made through the services of the SRIE. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to raise the awareness of workers in the regions concerning the services provided by the SRIE.

Article 8. Special arrangements for young persons. The Government indicates that the adoption of Act No. 2015-040, of 22 February 2016, on the orientation of the PNEFP, sets the national objectives to be achieved to reduce the unemployment rate and ensure a strong economy with socially balanced growth based on solidarity by 2020. The Government indicates that the Ministry responsible for employment has adopted measures with a view to taking effective action to combat youth unemployment, including: the establishment of an enterprise and employment incubator; the consolidation and extension of the employment information system (labour market mediation, support for vocational guidance and placement); and the validation of the skills acquired through vocational experience. The Government also plans to implement the draft Sectoral Education Plan (PSE) 2018–22. The PSE sets out a vision of quality education for all and guarantees stable development in accordance with the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Government indicates that the PSE also covers the field of technical education and vocational training, as well as skills development (ETFP/DC), based on three strategic components; access to training, the relevance and quality of training and governance based on partnership. The Committee notes the observations of the SEKRIMA concerning the commitment shown by the private sector in co-financing vocational training for young persons and further training for employees. For this purpose, the PNEFP is required to establish an intersectoral vocational training fund which would take account the financial needs of each sector and would ensure the defiscalization of the contributions made by enterprises, while at the same time guaranteeing the independence and effective allocation of funds to intersectoral, sectoral and national plans. Taking due note of the various types of training and integration programmes that have been established to provide assistance to young persons, the Committee requests the Government to provide updated statistical information on the number of young persons who have participated in the integration and training programmes referred to above, as well as relevant data on the impact of these programmes in terms of obtaining lasting employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide relevant information on the impact of the new projects and to indicate the arrangements made to take into account changing expectations in the economy with a view to improving the adaptation of education and training programmes to future labour market needs.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Government indicates that the staff of the employment service benefit from regular training through various workshops to improve skills. In December 2016, training on migration for employment was organized in six regions of the country. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the vocational training provided for employment service staff with an indication of the frequency of training courses and their content, and to report their impact, and particularly their effect in practice in terms of reinforcing the capacity of the employment services in the exercise of their functions. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of participants in the training courses and the total number of staff members assigned to employment services in the country.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. In this respect, the Government indicates that, in the framework of the roadmap on migration for employment, many measures have been taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies, including: the organization of regular meetings for exchanges of experience; the training of those responsible; the preparation of training curricula and reference materials; and visits to establishments to provide assistance. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies. It also requests the Government to report the number of private employment agencies, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and placements made by such agencies. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to continue the process of the ratification of the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes the observations of the Christian Confederation of Malagasy Trade Unions (SEKRIMA), received on 7 March 2018. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this regard.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Employment, Technical Education and Vocational Training (MEETFP) works in close collaboration with other ministries, the private sector and the social partners in relation to the creation and promotion of employment. For this purpose, the Government refers to the activities instigated by the MEETFP with the full involvement of the social partners, such as: the formulation of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy (PNEFP) and the Implementation Plan (PMO), the employment component of the PNEFP, drawn up with the ILO’s support and mobilizing all the stakeholders in the world of work, including the representative organizations of employers and workers. In February 2017, a roadmap on migration for employment to Madagascar was developed in consultation with the social partners. The Committee also notes the establishment of steering and coordination partnership committees at the national level (CN2PC), the regional level (CR2PC) and the sectoral level (CS2PC) with a view to ensuring, in consultation with all of the parties concerned, the evaluation, approval and achievement of the objectives of the PNEFP. In this context, the Committee notes the observations of the SEKRIMA to the effect that cooperation between the MEETFP and the social partners takes place through extended working groups and not an official tripartite council. It calls for the establishment of a national employment council. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the involvement of the social partners in the development, application, follow-up and monitoring of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy and the Implementation Plan, the employment component of the PNEFP and on any other programmes and activities implemented for the promotion of employment.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government indicates that the MEETFP has established around 12 offices of the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) in eight regions of the country with a view to establishing a local database and ensuring the accessibility of employment for all persons, in all regions of the country. The SRIE accordingly makes use of practical means to promote effective access to employment. It offers the necessary training and support activities for the effective access of young persons to work, including technical and vocational training, the culture of entrepreneurship, the launching of projects and education in financial matters. The SRIE also constitutes a channel of communication between jobseekers and employers. At the level of the MEETFP, the central and regional employment services help workers to find a suitable job and employers to recruit workers adapted to the needs of enterprises, and they facilitate the transfer of workers from one region of the country to another and the migration of workers from Madagascar to other countries. The Committee notes the SEKRIMA’s observations that the establishment of the decentralized services of the MEETFP began in 2017 and that it is waiting to see the results achieved. It adds that many workers in the regions are not aware of the purpose of these services. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) contributes to an improved organization of the labour market in the eight regions of the country and to provide statistics, disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of applications for employment received, the vacancies notified and the placements made through the services of the SRIE. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to raise the awareness of workers in the regions concerning the services provided by the SRIE.

Article 8. Special arrangements for young persons. The Government indicates that the adoption of Act No. 2015-040, of 22 February 2016, on the orientation of the PNEFP, sets the national objectives to be achieved to reduce the unemployment rate and ensure a strong economy with socially balanced growth based on solidarity by 2020. The Government indicates that the Ministry responsible for employment has adopted measures with a view to taking effective action to combat youth unemployment, including: the establishment of an enterprise and employment incubator; the consolidation and extension of the employment information system (labour market mediation, support for vocational guidance and placement); and the validation of the skills acquired through vocational experience. The Government also plans to implement the draft Sectoral Education Plan (PSE) 2018–22. The PSE sets out a vision of quality education for all and guarantees stable development in accordance with the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Government indicates that the PSE also covers the field of technical education and vocational training, as well as skills development (ETFP/DC), based on three strategic components; access to training, the relevance and quality of training and governance based on partnership. The Committee notes the observations of the SEKRIMA concerning the commitment shown by the private sector in co-financing vocational training for young persons and further training for employees. For this purpose, the PNEFP is required to establish an intersectoral vocational training fund which would take account the financial needs of each sector and would ensure the defiscalization of the contributions made by enterprises, while at the same time guaranteeing the independence and effective allocation of funds to intersectoral, sectoral and national plans. Taking due note of the various types of training and integration programmes that have been established to provide assistance to young persons, the Committee requests the Government to provide updated statistical information on the number of young persons who have participated in the integration and training programmes referred to above, as well as relevant data on the impact of these programmes in terms of obtaining lasting employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide relevant information on the impact of the new projects and to indicate the arrangements made to take into account changing expectations in the economy with a view to improving the adaptation of education and training programmes to future labour market needs.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Government indicates that the staff of the employment service benefit from regular training through various workshops to improve skills. In December 2016, training on migration for employment was organized in six regions of the country. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the vocational training provided for employment service staff with an indication of the frequency of training courses and their content, and to report their impact, and particularly their effect in practice in terms of reinforcing the capacity of the employment services in the exercise of their functions. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of participants in the training courses and the total number of staff members assigned to employment services in the country.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. In this respect, the Government indicates that, in the framework of the roadmap on migration for employment, many measures have been taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies, including: the organization of regular meetings for exchanges of experience; the training of those responsible; the preparation of training curricula and reference materials; and visits to establishments to provide assistance. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies. It also requests the Government to report the number of private employment agencies, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and placements made by such agencies. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to continue the process of the ratification of the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes the observations of the Christian Confederation of Malagasy Trade Unions (SEKRIMA), received on 7 March 2018. The Government is requested to provide its comments in this regard.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Employment, Technical Education and Vocational Training (MEETFP) works in close collaboration with other ministries, the private sector and the social partners in relation to the creation and promotion of employment. For this purpose, the Government refers to the activities instigated by the MEETFP with the full involvement of the social partners, such as: the formulation of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy (PNEFP) and the Implementation Plan (PMO), the employment component of the PNEFP, drawn up with the ILO’s support and mobilizing all the stakeholders in the world of work, including the representative organizations of employers and workers. In February 2017, a roadmap on migration for employment to Madagascar was developed in consultation with the social partners. The Committee also notes the establishment of steering and coordination partnership committees at the national level (CN2PC), the regional level (CR2PC) and the sectoral level (CS2PC) with a view to ensuring, in consultation with all of the parties concerned, the evaluation, approval and achievement of the objectives of the PNEFP. In this context, the Committee notes the observations of the SEKRIMA to the effect that cooperation between the MEETFP and the social partners takes place through extended working groups and not an official tripartite council. It calls for the establishment of a national employment council. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the involvement of the social partners in the development, application, follow-up and monitoring of the National Employment and Vocational Training Policy and the Implementation Plan, the employment component of the PNEFP and on any other programmes and activities implemented for the promotion of employment.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Government indicates that the MEETFP has established around 12 offices of the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) in eight regions of the country with a view to establishing a local database and ensuring the accessibility of employment for all persons, in all regions of the country. The SRIE accordingly makes use of practical means to promote effective access to employment. It offers the necessary training and support activities for the effective access of young persons to work, including technical and vocational training, the culture of entrepreneurship, the launching of projects and education in financial matters. The SRIE also constitutes a channel of communication between jobseekers and employers. At the level of the MEETFP, the central and regional employment services help workers to find a suitable job and employers to recruit workers adapted to the needs of enterprises, and they facilitate the transfer of workers from one region of the country to another and the migration of workers from Madagascar to other countries. The Committee notes the SEKRIMA’s observations that the establishment of the decentralized services of the MEETFP began in 2017 and that it is waiting to see the results achieved. It adds that many workers in the regions are not aware of the purpose of these services. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the manner in which the Regional Employment Information System (SRIE) contributes to an improved organization of the labour market in the eight regions of the country and to provide statistics, disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of applications for employment received, the vacancies notified and the placements made through the services of the SRIE. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to raise the awareness of workers in the regions concerning the services provided by the SRIE.

Article 8. Special arrangements for young persons. The Government indicates that the adoption of Act No. 2015-040, of 22 February 2016, on the orientation of the PNEFP, sets the national objectives to be achieved to reduce the unemployment rate and ensure a strong economy with socially balanced growth based on solidarity by 2020. The Government indicates that the Ministry responsible for employment has adopted measures with a view to taking effective action to combat youth unemployment, including: the establishment of an enterprise and employment incubator; the consolidation and extension of the employment information system (labour market mediation, support for vocational guidance and placement); and the validation of the skills acquired through vocational experience. The Government also plans to implement the draft Sectoral Education Plan (PSE) 2018–22. The PSE sets out a vision of quality education for all and guarantees stable development in accordance with the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Government indicates that the PSE also covers the field of technical education and vocational training, as well as skills development (ETFP/DC), based on three strategic components; access to training, the relevance and quality of training and governance based on partnership. The Committee notes the observations of the SEKRIMA concerning the commitment shown by the private sector in co-financing vocational training for young persons and further training for employees. For this purpose, the PNEFP is required to establish an intersectoral vocational training fund which would take account the financial needs of each sector and would ensure the defiscalization of the contributions made by enterprises, while at the same time guaranteeing the independence and effective allocation of funds to intersectoral, sectoral and national plans. Taking due note of the various types of training and integration programmes that have been established to provide assistance to young persons, the Committee requests the Government to provide updated statistical information on the number of young persons who have participated in the integration and training programmes referred to above, as well as relevant data on the impact of these programmes in terms of obtaining lasting employment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide relevant information on the impact of the new projects and to indicate the arrangements made to take into account changing expectations in the economy with a view to improving the adaptation of education and training programmes to future labour market needs.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Government indicates that the staff of the employment service benefit from regular training through various workshops to improve skills. In December 2016, training on migration for employment was organized in six regions of the country. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the vocational training provided for employment service staff with an indication of the frequency of training courses and their content, and to report their impact, and particularly their effect in practice in terms of reinforcing the capacity of the employment services in the exercise of their functions. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of participants in the training courses and the total number of staff members assigned to employment services in the country.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. In this respect, the Government indicates that, in the framework of the roadmap on migration for employment, many measures have been taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies, including: the organization of regular meetings for exchanges of experience; the training of those responsible; the preparation of training curricula and reference materials; and visits to establishments to provide assistance. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies. It also requests the Government to report the number of private employment agencies, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and placements made by such agencies. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to continue the process of the ratification of the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181).

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2015.

Repetition

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to the observations of the Trade Union Confederation of Malagasy Revolutionary Workers (FISEMARE) received in September 2014, and to the previous comments. The Government refers to Decree No. 2014-293 of May 2014 determining the functions of the Ministry of Employment, Technical Education and Vocational Training, and the general organization of the Ministry, with an indication that the texts implementing the Decree are still under preparation, as are those respecting cooperation with the social partners for the organization and operation of the employment service. The Government indicates that one of the principal missions of the new structure is to ensure full employment. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which cooperation with the social partners has been ensured in the organization and operation of the new structure of the employment service.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Committee notes that the regional employment services put workers into contact with employers, while controlling the conformity of the clauses of employment contracts with the legislation that is in force. The Government indicates that the inadequacy of material resources in the services makes it difficult to centralize, compile and establish reliable employment statistics. The Committee requests the Government to inform it of the activities undertaken by regional employment services to effectively carry out the functions enumerated in the Convention.

Article 8. Special arrangements for young persons. The Government describes the existing administrative structure in the context of action to combat unemployment, particularly for young people. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the measures adopted in the context of employment services and vocational training to combat youth unemployment.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Government indicates that the Employment Department regularly provides training for its staff. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the measures taken for the training of the staff of the employment service both when entering service and any further training.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. With regard to the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), the Committee notes that the Government is planning to examine its ratification. With reference to cooperation between private employment agencies and the migration services, the Government adds that the migration service operates as an employment service and is the authority responsible for issuing visas for any employment contract for workers emigrating from Madagascar. The Committee requests the Government to describe the measures taken specifically to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

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

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to the observations of the Trade Union Confederation of Malagasy Revolutionary Workers (FISEMARE) received in September 2014, and to the previous comments. The Government refers to Decree No. 2014-293 of May 2014 determining the functions of the Ministry of Employment, Technical Education and Vocational Training, and the general organization of the Ministry, with an indication that the texts implementing the Decree are still under preparation, as are those respecting cooperation with the social partners for the organization and operation of the employment service. The Government indicates that one of the principal missions of the new structure is to ensure full employment. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which cooperation with the social partners has been ensured in the organization and operation of the new structure of the employment service.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. The Committee notes that the regional employment services put workers into contact with employers, while controlling the conformity of the clauses of employment contracts with the legislation that is in force. The Government indicates that the inadequacy of material resources in the services makes it difficult to centralize, compile and establish reliable employment statistics. The Committee requests the Government to inform it of the activities undertaken by regional employment services to effectively carry out the functions enumerated in the Convention.

Article 8. Special arrangements for young persons. The Government describes the existing administrative structure in the context of action to combat unemployment, particularly for young people. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the measures adopted in the context of employment services and vocational training to combat youth unemployment.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Government indicates that the Employment Department regularly provides training for its staff. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the measures taken for the training of the staff of the employment service both when entering service and any further training.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. With regard to the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), the Committee notes that the Government is planning to examine its ratification. With reference to cooperation between private employment agencies and the migration services, the Government adds that the migration service operates as an employment service and is the authority responsible for issuing visas for any employment contract for workers emigrating from Madagascar. The Committee requests the Government to describe the measures taken specifically to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2017.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the observations of the Trade Union Confederation of Malagasy Revolutionary Workers (FISEMARE), which were received in September 2014. FISEMARE reiterates the lack of National Labour Council (CNT) meetings since 2012 and indicates that the two draft texts on further vocational training submitted to the CNT are still pending. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in respect of the observations of FISEMARE. Moreover, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to indicate the manner in which the cooperation of the social partners has been ensured in the organization and operation of the employment service.

Article 6. Organization of the employment service. FISEMARE indicates that, following the resolution of the national political crisis, the Government assigned part of the employment service from the Ministry of the Public Service, Labour and Social Legislation to the Ministry of the Population. The functions of the new employment service include matching training to employment and youth employment guidance, while labour integration and retraining and further vocational training are still covered by the employment service of the Ministry of the Public Service, Labour and Social Legislation. The Committee once again invites the Government to indicate the manner in which the employment service has contributed to ensuring “effective recruitment and placement” in the context of the national crisis.

Article 8. Special arrangements for young persons. The Committee once again invites the Government to provide updated information on the measures adopted in the context of employment and vocational training services to combat youth unemployment.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Committee asks the Government to report any measures taken or envisaged to give effect to this Article.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. The Committee once again invites the Government to indicate how effective cooperation is secured between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2015.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2009 and the labour market statistics covering the period between 2007 and 2009. It requests the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that the social partners who are members of the National Labour Council (CNT) are always consulted on every matter relating to employment and continuous training. It indicates that the Employment and Vocational Training Commission of the CNT has examined two draft texts on continuous vocational training; a draft amendment to Decree No. 64-495 of 18 November 1964 establishing an employment service and a draft Decree to reinforce the missions of the Malagasy Employment and Vocational Training Observatory. The Committee invites the Government to indicate in its next report the manner in which the cooperation of the social partners has been secured in the organization and operation of the employment service.

Functions of the employment service. The Government indicates that, following the adoption of Decree No. 2009-804 of 9 June 2009 determining the responsibilities of the Minister of the Public Service, Labour and Labour Legislation, the missions of the employment service have been broadened, taking into account the increase in the number of unemployed as a result of national and international crises. In its General Survey of 2010 on employment instruments, the Committee observed that, in the context of the global economic crisis, efficient employment services play a key role in maintaining full employment and securing the needs of the workers and enterprises affected (General Survey, op. cit., paragraph 202). It invites the Government to indicate the manner in which the employment service has contributed to ensuring “effective recruitment and placement”, as required by Article 6 of the Convention, in the context of the national and international crisis.

Article 8. Special measures for young persons. In reply to the previous comments, the Government indicates that in 2007,  around 100 apprenticeship contracts were concluded between the employment services and first-time jobseekers, but that since 2008, in view of the changes made at the level of those responsible, negotiations for apprenticeship contracts have been set aside and the number of apprenticeship contracts only amounts to around ten. The Committee invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on the measures adopted in the context of employment and vocational training services to combat the unemployment of young persons.

Article 9. Staff of the employment service. The Committee requests the Government to report any measure adopted or envisaged to give effect to this Article.

Article 11. Collaboration with private employment agencies. The Committee notes Decree No. 2005-396 of 28 June 2005, which was attached to the report, establishing the arrangements for the operation of private employment agencies and for the granting and withdrawal of authorization. In its contribution to the 2010 General Survey, the Government also indicated that there were no major obstacles to the ratification of the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181). The Committee hopes that the Government and the social partners will make progress with a view to the ratification of Convention No. 181. It also invites the Government to indicate in its next report how effective cooperation is ensured between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in October 2004 and, in particular, the statistics for the year 2003. It requests the Government to continue to supply information on the action taken by the provincial and prefectural employment services to ensure a free public employment service and to achieve the best possible organization of the employment market, as required by the Convention (Article 1 and Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 10, of the Convention).

2. Cooperation of the social partners. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the National Employment Council was involved in the conception of the document entitled National vision of employment, a document that served as a basis for the preparation of the Ouagadougou Employment Summit of September 2004. The National Employment Council also took part in the elaboration of a framework document on national employment policy, as well as two texts respecting the creation and operation of the Malagasy Employment and Vocational Training Observatory. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information in its next report on all the arrangements made within the National Employment Council to ensure cooperation with representatives of the social partners concerning the organization and operation of the employment service (Articles 4 and 5).

3. Functions of the employment service. In reply to its previous comments on the repeal of Order No. 4747/97, the Government indicates that the operation of the employment service is now governed by Decree No. 2004-198, of 17 February 2004, establishing the functions of the Minister of the Public Service, Labour and Social Law. Please supply information on the manner in which the employment service effectively ensures the discharge of each of the functions listed in Article 6 of the Convention.

4. Special measures for young persons. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the employment service envisages placing young first-time jobseekers, aged between 16 and 25, in apprenticeship in private enterprises or apprenticeship centres. Furthermore, it envisages that a contract or agreement will be established between the employment service and the employer with a view to the effective application of these measures. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to supply, in its next report, statistics on the results obtained through the application of these special measures (Article 8).

5. Staff of the employment service. The Committee takes note of the latest information supplied by the Government on this question and requests it to keep it informed of the effect given to the draft Decree on this subject (Article 9, paragraphs 1 and 2).

6. Collaboration with private employment agencies. In response to its previous comments on collaboration between private employment agencies not conducted with a view to profit and the public employment services, the Government indicates that this collaboration, as well as the implementation of an inspection system and the operation of the various employment agencies, will be regulated by texts issued under the new Labour Code, which was recently approved by the Parliament and is to be promulgated in the near future. The Committee requests the Government to supply copies of the above implementing texts once they have been adopted (Article 11 and Part III of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the Government’s report, received in June 2003. It notes in particular the labour market statistics for 2002 and the new body set up within the Labour Ministry under Decree No. 2003-077 of 28 February 2003, assigning new functions to the Employment and Vocational Training Department. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide information on the measures taken by the employment services in the provinces and prefectures to provide a free public employment service and to ensure the best possible organization of the labour market, as required by the Convention (Articles 1, 3(2) and 10). The Government is also asked to include in its next report statistical information on existing public employment offices, applications for employment received, vacancies notified and persons placed in employment by these offices (Part IV of the report form).

Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the National Employment Council resumed work only in January 2003. It accordingly asks the Government to provide, for the period covered by the next report, any texts relating to the activities of the employment service adopted by the Council, or any other document showing the arrangements made by the Council to enlist the cooperation of representatives of employers and workers in the organization and operation of the employment service.

Article 6. Noting that Order No. 4747/97 has been repealed, the Committee asks the Government to indicate how the employment service carries out effectively each of the functions listed in this provision of the Convention.

Article 8. The Government states that special measures for young persons are being studied. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide detailed information on the special measures for young persons to be initiated and developed within the framework of the employment and vocational guidance services.

Article 9, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee again observes that the staff of the employment service still have no specific status and no specific conditions of service. It hopes that the Government will make the necessary arrangements without delay to provide the staff of the employment service with a specific status and conditions of employment that make them independent of changes of government and improper external influences.

Article 11 and Part III of the report form. The Government states in its report that the establishment of an administrative procedure is under way to secure cooperation between private employment agencies not conducted with a view to profit and the public employment service, and that there is as yet no system of inspection of the organization and operation of the public employment offices. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of all developments in this area.

Lastly, the Committee refers the Government to its comments on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and hopes that in its next report on Convention No. 88 it will indicate how the public employment service has contributed to the attainment of the employment objectives set in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention and particularly the provisions establishing the function and structure of the Directorate of Employment, within the General Directorate of Labour and Social Laws. It requests the Government to supply in its next report more specific information on the practical measures taken by the provincial and prefectural employment services to provide a free public employment service and ensure the best possible organization of the employment market (Article 1 of the Convention). In particular, please furnish statistical information concerning the total number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by the offices (Part IV of the report form). In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the comments made concerning Convention No. 122 whose application is closely linked to that of Convention No. 88.

  Article 3, paragraph 1. The Government indicates in its first report that the employment service system comprises six provincial services and four prefectural services. Please indicate whether these services are "sufficient in number to serve each geographical area of the country" and are "conveniently located for employers and workers".

  Article 3, paragraph 2. Please furnish indications on the measures to ensure that the employment offices are reviewed in general and that the organization is revised to respond to new conditions in the economy and the working population.

  Articles 4 and 5. The Committee notes that the cooperation of representatives of employers and workers in the organization and operation of the employment service and in the development of employment service policy is provided through the National Employment Council (CNE). The Government also indicates that texts determining general employment service policy must be adopted in the CNE and its commissions. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of any text adopted by the CNE concerning the employment service activities or extracts from documents illustrating the arrangements for ensuring cooperation of representatives of employers and workers in the organization and operation of the employment service within the CNE.

  Article 6. The Committee notes that the draft Labour Code prepared following ratification of Convention No. 88 sets out verbatim the provisions of this Article of the Convention. Noting also the functions of the competent services of the Ministry of Employment listed in sections 39 to 41 of Order No. 4747/97, it requests the Government to indicate how the employment service provides effectively each of the functions set out in this provision of the Convention.

  Article 7(a). The Committee notes that "information sheets" have been designed to provide all necessary information. It requests the Government to indicate the particular occupations, industries and categories of employment seekers for which special measures have been taken.

  Article 8. Please give detailed information on the special arrangements for juveniles that have been initiated and developed within the framework of the employment and vocational guidance services.

  Article 9, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee notes that there are not yet any special status and conditions of service for staff of the employment service. It requests the Government to indicate the status and conditions of service of employment service staff to ensure that they are independent of changes of government or any improper external influence.

  Article 10. Please indicate the measures taken to encourage full use of the employment service.

  Article 11. Please give detailed information on cooperation between the public employment service and private, non-profit-making employment agencies, if any.

  Part III of the report form. Please supply details on the system of inspection of the organization and operation of the public employment offices.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention and particularly the provisions establishing the function and structure of the Directorate of Employment, within the General Directorate of Labour and Social Laws. It requests the Government to supply in its next report more specific information on the practical measures taken by the provincial and prefectural employment services to provide a free public employment service and ensure the best possible organization of the employment market (Article 1 of the Convention). In particular, please furnish statistical information concerning the total number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by the offices (Part IV of the report form). In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the comments made concerning Convention No. 122 whose application is closely linked to that of Convention No. 88.

Article 3, paragraph 1. The Government indicates in its first report that the employment service system comprises six provincial services and four prefectural services. Please indicate whether these services are "sufficient in number to serve each geographical area of the country" and are "conveniently located for employers and workers".

Article 3, paragraph 2. Please furnish indications on the measures to ensure that the employment offices are reviewed in general and that the organization is revised to respond to new conditions in the economy and the working population.

Articles 4 and 5. The Committee notes that the cooperation of representatives of employers and workers in the organization and operation of the employment service and in the development of employment service policy is provided through the National Employment Council (CNE). The Government also indicates that texts determining general employment service policy must be adopted in the CNE and its commissions. The Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of any text adopted by the CNE concerning the employment service activities or extracts from documents illustrating the arrangements for ensuring cooperation of representatives of employers and workers in the organization and operation of the employment service within the CNE.

Article 6. The Committee notes that the draft Labour Code prepared following ratification of Convention No. 88 sets out verbatim the provisions of this Article of the Convention. Noting also the functions of the competent services of the Ministry of Employment listed in sections 39 to 41 of Order No. 4747/97, it requests the Government to indicate how the employment service provides effectively each of the functions set out in this provision of the Convention.

Article 7(a). The Committee notes that "information sheets" have been designed to provide all necessary information. It requests the Government to indicate the particular occupations, industries and categories of employment seekers for which special measures have been taken.

Article 8. Please give detailed information on the special arrangements for juveniles that have been initiated and developed within the framework of the employment and vocational guidance services.

Article 9, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee notes that there are not yet any special status and conditions of service for staff of the employment service. It requests the Government to indicate the status and conditions of service of employment service staff to ensure that they are independent of changes of government or any improper external influence.

Article 10. Please indicate the measures taken to encourage full use of the employment service.

Article 11. Please give detailed information on cooperation between the public employment service and private, non-profit-making employment agencies, if any.

Part III of the report form. Please supply details on the system of inspection of the organization and operation of the public employment offices.