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The Committee notes the Government's report. The Committee also notes the discussions in the Conference Committee in 1996 and the report of the freedom of association mission undertaken from 7 to 11 October 1996, as requested by the Government in the Conference Committee.

The Committee recalls that for many years it has been emphasizing the need for public employees who are not engaged in the administration of the State to benefit from the right to collective bargaining. In this respect, the Committee notes with interest the information in the Government's report that a Bill has been submitted to the Congress of the Republic guaranteeing the right of collective bargaining to public employees.

The Committee expresses the firm hope that the Congress will adopt the Bill as soon as possible to bring the legislation into conformity with the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments in this respect and to transmit the text of the Act in question as soon as it is adopted.

Furthermore, the Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 1997.]