CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report and the Tripartite Agreement of 23 April 2000 concerning, inter alia, resolving the crisis of employment and unemployment.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that the activity rate decreased from 55.7 per cent in 1999 to 54 per cent in 2000, and that those worst affected were women, young people, and unskilled workers. Rural areas were worst affected, due to drought and growth of urban employment. Growth in employment was mainly in self-employment and unpaid work. The unemployment rate for the population decreased slightly from 13.8 per cent to 13.5 per cent. The main beneficiaries were women, adults between 35-44 years of age, and skilled workers. In urban areas, salaried employment decreased by 3.3 per cent, while self-employment increased by 26.6 per cent. Most job growth was in precarious work in the informal sector. The rate of unemployment dropped from 21.9 per cent to 21.4 per cent, with women being the main beneficiaries. For skilled workers, the unemployment rate dropped from 28.2 per cent to 25.9 per cent. In rural areas, growth in employment was in temporary family units of production, resulting in a 17.5 per cent increase in unpaid work. The rate of employment of people over 15 years of age in rural areas increased from 56.6 per cent to 59.3 per cent. The unemployment rate dropped from 5.6 per cent to 5.1 per cent.

2. The Government has established a 5th Plan of Development for Employment Promotion 2000-04. The principal measures are training and placement of young workers so that they may acquire supplementary practical experience to help them secure a job, and encouraging initiatives by young people to create enterprises. To help promote growth of businesses, the Government provides tax holidays for investors; has established a fund to promote investment and the National Agency for Promotion of Investments; has adopted laws concerning promotion of investment; and aims to improve the regulatory climate to encourage entrepreneurs. In addition, the Government aims to decrease public spending and reduce public debt, to encourage development of the private sector. The Committee notes this information. It would appreciate continuing to receive information on the impact of these measures on employment promotion.

3. Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2. In reply to the observations of 1999, the Government states that its general economic policy is developed and reviewed in consultation with the social partners. Furthermore, workers are represented in the Chamber of Counsellors, which forms part of Parliament. Employers and workers are also represented in the Superior Council for national planning and promotion, and in the National Agency for Employment Promotion and Competencies. The Committee notes this information. It would appreciate receiving further information on the manner in which other groups affected, such as rural and informal sector workers, are taken into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes. Please also supply further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

4. The Committee also notes the conclusions of the Tripartite Agreement of 23 April 2000 on resolving the crisis of employment and unemployment. The Agreement draws attention to the Government’s efforts to create 17,435 jobs in the last six months of 2000. It also highlights the need to support and provide the necessary follow-up for programmes on self-employment and small and medium enterprises, and to reinforce training for integration and rehabilitation of workers. Lastly, it identifies the need to prepare for the participation of the social partners in taking complementary measures to revive employment. The Committee notes this Agreement with interest and would appreciate further information on any follow-up measures taken.