CMNT_TITLE

Plantations Convention, 1958 (No. 110) - Guatemala (RATIFICATION: 1961)

Other comments on C110

Observation

Direct Request

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Part II of the Convention (Engagement and recruitment and migrant workers). Articles 5–19 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report replies only partially to the various points raised in the previous direct request, in particular as regards migrant workers, annual holidays with pay, housing and medical care in respect of plantation work. The Committee understands that a number of initiatives to improve the living and working conditions in the agricultural sector have been developed under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA). It also understands that the Agricultural Policy 2011–2015 has been developed under the National Policy for Integrated Rural Development (PNDRI) adopted in 2009. The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the implementation of these policies and their impact on the working and living conditions of plantation workers.

Part IV (Wages). Articles 24–35. Part XI (Labour inspection). Articles 71–84. The Committee notes the adoption of Government Agreement (Acuerdo Gubernativo) No. 359-2012 of 23 December 2012 setting the minimum wage for the agricultural sector at 71.40 quetzals (approximately US$9) per day. The Committee also notes the statistical information provided by the Government concerning the number of labour inspection visits carried out in the period 2012 13 in the commercial, agricultural, construction and service sectors. Recalling earlier comments of workers’ organizations denouncing the Government’s failure to supervise compliance with labour legislation, including the payment of minimum wages, in tens of plantations, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the comments made under the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129). In addition, noting the extensive use of child labour in coffee, sugar cane, cardamom and cotton plantations (approximately 30 per cent of seasonal workers in these plantations are believed to be children), the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on any targeted measures to supervise and control the working conditions of under-aged workers in plantations.