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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report and wishes to draw attention to the following points.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention. Consultations with employers and workers concerned. The Committee notes with concern the Government’s indication that Part IX of the Labour Act (Cap. 28:01) on the employment boards has been repealed by virtue of section 25 of the Labour Relations Amendment Act 2002 (Act No. 17 of 2002). The Committee also notes that section 11 of the Labour Amendment Act 2005 (Act No. 7 of 2005) revised section 19 of the Labour Act and now provides that the minister may appoint advisory councils consisting of such persons as the minister may deem fit, to investigate and make recommendations as to the fixing of minimum wages and benefits for employees or any other related matters. In view of these legislative changes, the Committee asks the Government to specify how the requirement for full consultations with, and direct participation of, representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the determination of minimum wage levels is given effect in law and practice.

Article 5 and Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a labour administration database is currently under preparation to capture multiple statistics on the workforce and labour inspection. The Committee would appreciate if the Government would continue supplying up to date information, especially regarding any difficulties encountered in the practical application of the Convention in view of the recently announced freeze on wages and salaries in the public and private sectors and the soaring inflation rate that exceeds 7,000 per cent.