Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2022, publiée 111ème session CIT (2023)

Convention (n° 82) sur la politique sociale (territoires non métropolitains), 1947 - Polynésie française

Part III of the Convention. Improvement of standards of living and other social policy objectives. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government on the points initially raised in 2014 regarding measures to improve the living standards of the French Polynesian population. The Government reports that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices in 2014 was growing. Wealth created rose two per cent in 2014 compared to 2013. The Committee notes the positive impact of the increase in GDP on the purchasing power of Polynesians. According to the reports, the average gross wage increased by 0.3 per cent in 2016. The Government adds that it implemented several measures aimed at promoting the creation of sustainable jobs and at boosting employment by enterprises. In particular, various economic aids were accorded to employers concluding open-ended contracts. These measures contributed to raising the employment index in the territory. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on progress achieved in implementing social and economic policies covered by the provisions of the Convention applicable to French Polynesia, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, showing that the improvement of the living standards of the population is taken as the principal objective in the planning of economic development.

Part V of the Convention. Remuneration of workers and related questions. The Government indicates that the Polynesian inter-occupational guaranteed hourly minimum wage (SMIG) has been static since the last increase in October 2016. The Committee recalls that, under Article 14(1) of the Convention, “the fixing of minimum wages by collective agreements freely negotiated between trade unions which are representative of the workers concerned and employers or employers' organizations shall be encouraged”. The Committee requests the Government to provide information concerning the procedure for fixing the SMIG, including the frequency of the procedure and the date at which the next revision of the SMIG is envisaged, to ensure that it continues to provide workers with the minimum living income.

Part VII of the Convention. Vocational education and training. The Government indicates that under the framework agreement on the development of apprenticeship, an apprenticeship training committee has been put in place. This committee brings together the actors concerned with training of the State (the vice-rectorate) and of the Country (the General Directorate for Education and Training (DGEE) of the Ministry of Education). The Government also indicates that the reform of the work experience and occupational training systems is programmed. The work in progress proposes various training and work experience programmes and promotes dual training. In this connection, the Committee refers to the 2021 report of the Government of the French Republic, which addresses the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention in respect of French Polynesia. The report indicates that, with full respect for the competencies devolved to the non-metropolitan territories, the central State retains competence in the field of university teaching. Thus, the Committee notes that the University of French Polynesia (UPF) has put in place a university certificate entitled: “Tahitian language and Polynesian culture studies”. The Central Government also indicates that under the Foreign Languages, Literature and Civilizations BA programme (LLCER), the Polynesian languages course prepares students for careers in teaching and the tertiary sector related to Polynesian languages. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the nature and results of the reforms and efforts made in the field of education with regard to the formulation and implementation of education and vocational training programmes, including statistical data disaggregated by sex and age, specifying the number of participants in the different occupational training and apprenticeship programmes.

Part VIII of the Convention. Miscellaneous provisions. The Committee recalls that, in the declaration of 21 July 1954, appended to the ratification of the Convention, the Government of the French Republic agreed that the provisions of the Convention applied to French Polynesia, subject to modifications to Articles 3(3); 4; 8(b) and 18(2) (ILO, Official Bulletin, 31 December 1954, Vol. XXXVII, No. 7, pp. 371–372). The Government indicates in its report that the modifications made by France are no longer relevant, with the exception of those to Article 3(3). The Committee recalls that under Article 22(2), the Government may, by a subsequent declaration renounce in whole or in part the right to have recourse to any modification indicated in any former declaration. This modification, in accordance with article 35(2) and (3) of the Constitution of the ILO, must be in the form of a declaration communicated to the Director-General of the International Labour Office. The Committee therefore requests the Government to consider the possibility of such a course of action, in conformity with Article 22(2) of the Convention and with Article 35(3) of the Constitution of the ILO.