Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association

Collective bargaining15

Time-limits for bargaining

1. In one case where the legislation contained a provision whereby a time- limit of up to 105 days was fixed, within which employers had to reply to proposals by the workers, and a time-limit of six months fixed within which collective agreements had to be concluded (which could be prolonged once for a further six months), the Committee expressed the view that it would be desirable to reduce these periods in order to encourage and promote the development of voluntary negotiation, particularly in view of the fact that the workers in the country in question were unable to take strike action.