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The Committee notes with interest that the first meeting of the Higher Labour and Employment Council (CSTE) was held on 26 and 27 September 2001 with the technical and material assistance of the ILO. In its report the Government indicates that, during the first session of the CSTE, a number of draft texts to be issued under the Labour Code were submitted and endorsed by the social partners. With regard to the problem of wage arrears, the Government states that it hopes to find a feasible solution for the reimbursement of wage arrears in the context of the CSTE.

The Committee also notes the comments made by the Federation of Autonomous Comorian Workers’ Organizations (USATC), to the effect that the Government has not made an effort to resolve the problem of the payment of wage arrears. Moreover, the USATC reports that the Government has broken off social dialogue to avoid the problem. It adds that employees are suffering the effects of the failure to pay wages and of the freeze on careers upon the pension scheme of the Comoros Retirement Fund. The USATC also states that the wages of public officials have been suspended under abusive conditions by the Ministry of the Public Service, Labour and Employment. The Committee notes the Government’s reply to the effect that state officials have not suffered any delay in the payment of wages in 2001.

While noting that the Government reaffirms its commitment to seek a consensus solution to the reimbursement of wage arrears, the Committee is bound to urge the Government once again to take the necessary measures to ensure in practice the regular payment of wages and the total reimbursement of arrears. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on any developments in the situation and the measures taken in this respect.