Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Greece (Ratification: 1981)

The Committee notes the observations of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises and Industries (SEV) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), received on 30 August 2019 and 1 October 2020, the observations of the SEV received on 31 August 2021 and 1 September 2022, and the observations of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) received on 30 August 2019 and 1 September 2021, as well as the Government’s replies received on 19 November 2019, 8 April 2022, and 29 August 2022.

Articles 1, 2, 5 and 6 of the Convention. Representative organizations. Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it continues to work in close cooperation with the most representative workers’ and employers’ organizations, and that the Division on the Promotion of the Application of International Labour Standards of the Supreme Labour Council (the ILS Division) remains the body responsible for consultations held between the Government and the social partners on the application of the Convention. In their observations, the SEV and the IOE indicate that, although the National General Collective Labour Agreement of 2018, signed by the national social partners, requested the Government to activate a Tripartite Consultation Council to meet the country's obligations under the Convention, no response has been received in this regard. In its reply, the Government reports that the ILS Division, which was established and operates on the basis of Article 2 of the Convention, provides for the implementation of the procedures that ensure tripartite consultation on issues relating to the activities of the ILO. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in October 2018, the ILS Division met to discuss the agenda of the 108th Conference and prepare its reply to the interim ILO Report, which included the proposed draft texts of a Convention and a Recommendation on violence and harassment in the world of work. The Government further indicates that the ILS Division appointed new members for a two-year term in March 2020, and that it met under its new composition in May 2021 to discuss the ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). The Committee notes with interest that the meeting ended by delivering a unanimous favourable opinion, which led to the ratification of both Conventions. The Government adds that the ILS Division also met in May 2022 to discuss the agenda of the 110th Conference. In their observations, the SEV and the IOE indicate that no meeting of the ILS Division was held in 2019 and that there has been no further development regarding the potential ratification of the Dock Work Convention, 1973 (No. 137), the Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152) and the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129). In response, the Government explains that the ILS Division’s failure to convene meetings in 2019 resulted from the transition to a new government, but indicates that both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Labour met with the representatives of the most representative workers’ and employers’ organizations following the elections of June 2019. The SEV and the IOE indicate that the ILS Division met once a year from 2020 to 2022. They express the view that, while there have been recent improvements, there is still a need to ensure the regular operation of the tripartite bodies, as they have been inactive for years. The employer organizations suggest that technical assistance from the ILO could be helpful in this regard. The GSEE, for its part, expresses the view that its proposals are not considered, that the ILS Division does not function properly, and that bipartite meetings with the leadership of the Ministry of Labour cannot replace the tripartite institutional process. In reply, the Government stresses its willingness to enhance social dialogue and indicates that an open channel of communication exists either through correspondence or during the tripartite consultations under the auspices of the ILS Division. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on the new composition of the Division on the Promotion of the Application of International Labour Standards of the Supreme Labour Council, as well as on the nature and impact measures taken to promote and strengthen tripartism and social dialogue. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to communicate updated information on the content, frequency and outcome of the tripartite consultations held on all matters concerning international labour standards as required under Article 5(1)(a)–(e) of the Convention, including with respect to the possible ratification of unratified Conventions, particularly Conventions Nos 129, 137 and 152, and the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930.