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1. The Committee notes the Government’s first report, received in December 2002, on the application of the Convention. It also notes the communication from the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (USS) dated 11 October 2002 attached to the Government’s report. The information transmitted by the Government indicates that the consultations required by the Convention are held within the Tripartite Federal Commission for ILO matters created in December 2000, and through written communications. The USS contends that the activities of the Federal Commission are confined to a minimum, and that, with regard to written communications concerning the consultations provided for under Article 5, paragraph 1(d), of the Convention, delays in the transmission of the reports make it impossible undertake a careful analysis and make proposals. Furthermore, the USS considers that training on the role of the social partners is necessary. Recalling that the nature and form of the procedures are to be determined in each country, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report information on the consultations held to ensure the effectiveness of the consultation procedures on the matters set out in Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention, in particular concerning questions arising out of reports to be made to the ILO under article 22 of the ILO Constitution (Article 5, paragraph 1(d), of the Convention). Please also indicate whether arrangements have been made or are envisaged for the financing of any necessary training of participants in the consultation procedures (Article 4, paragraph 2).

2. The Committee notes the records of the Federal Commission’s meetings held on 26 February 2001 and 1 March 2002. Please indicate whether consultations were held with the representative organizations regarding the working of the procedures, as provided for under Article 6 of the Convention.