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The Committee notes the Government’s report as well as the observation included from the Barbados Employer’s Confederation and the Barbados Workers’ Union.

1. Article 2 of the Convention. In its 1999 direct request, following the Government’s indications and the comments by the Barbados Workers’ Union, the Committee asked the Government to specify the measures taken or envisaged to operate procedures that ensure effective consultations satisfactory to all the parties. In its most recent report, the Government states, and the Barbados Employer’s Confederation confirms, that in Barbados there is currently no tripartite consultative committee. Instead, consultation between representatives of the Government, employers and workers takes place through written communication. However, the Government adds that Barbados has a process of tripartite consultation, as set forth by the social partners in "Protocol III". A subcommittee of social partners, chaired by a minister of the Government, holds meetings on a monthly basis to discuss topics ranging from the state of the economy to WTO negotiations to the issue of genetically modified foods. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide precise information on the operating procedures which ensure effective consultations on all the matters set forth in Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention, including examples of any reports or recommendations made as a result of the consultations held under the established procedures.

2. Article 5, paragraph 1. The Committee notes that the ILO questionnaire and report forms are sent to employers’ and workers’ organizations by the Government for their comments, which are usually taken into consideration when the Government submits its reply to the Office. Please supply a list of the consultations held during the next reporting period, on each of the matters set out in paragraph 1, including information as to the frequency of these consultations and providing details, where appropriate, on all reports and recommendations arising therefrom.