Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - Report No 327, March 2002

Case No 1957 (Bulgaria) - Complaint date: 12-MAR-98 - Closed

Effect given to the recommendations of the Committee and the Governing Body

1. 30. The Committee has been called on several occasions to examine this case, which deals with eviction of trade union premises and confiscation of trade union property of the National Syndical Federation (GMH). When it last examined the case [323rd Report, paras. 35-38], the Committee noted with regret that the Government merely reiterated the information provided in earlier communications, that no progress had been accomplished and that the authorities maintained a non-conciliatory approach. The Committee reiterated its request that constructive discussions be held as soon as possible to settle the issues, and requested to be kept informed of developments.
2. 31. In its communication of 10 September 2001, the Government limits itself to stating that it has no additional information to provide in this respect.
3. 32. The Committee recalls that this case, which dates back to March 1998, involves very serious allegations of freedom of association principles, i.e. acts by the authorities which make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for a trade union to function normally. The Committee deeply regrets the Government’s continued lack of cooperation and the absence of constructive dialogue, in spite of its repeated calls to do so. The Committee requests once again the Government to initiate as soon as possible discussions with the complainant organization, in order to settle the issues of trade union premises and confiscation of trade union property of the GMH. The Committee strongly hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide positive information in the very near future, and requests it to keep it informed of any development in these respects.