CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes the observations made by the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU), forwarded to the Government in April 2005.

2. Tripartite consultations required by the Convention. In its communication, the MCTU indicates that the Government does not always carry out the consultations required by the Convention. It further states that the Government does not consult in order to seek the opinions of workers on matters to be discussed on the agenda before leaving for the Conference. The MCTU also indicates that the Employment Act was amended without consultation with the social partners, and that the Government removed the service charge for hotel, food processing and catering workers without consulting the union. In this regard, the Committee recalls that the Convention requires to operate procedures which ensure effective consultations, with respect to the matters concerning international labour standards set out in Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Convention between representatives of the Government, of the employers and of the workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the consultations held on each matter set out in Article 5, paragraph 1 during the period covered by the next report, specifying their purpose and frequency, and the nature of any reports or recommendations resulting from the consultations.