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Labour Administration Convention, 1978 (No. 150) - Suriname (RATIFICATION: 1981)

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In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on labour inspection and labour administration, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 81 (labour inspection) and 150 (labour administration) together.

Labour inspection: Convention No. 81

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous requests concerning Articles 3(1)(a) and 5(b) of the Convention. The Committee further notes the Labour Inspection Act Amendment of 7 April 2017 (SB 2017 No. 39), amending the Decree on Labour Inspection (SB 1983 No. 42).
Article 3(1)(b) and (2) of the Convention. Labour inspection’s duties in the area of occupational safety and health (OSH). The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the labour inspectorate has planned to implement the introduction of a new and uniform standard on noise and a Safety Passport for every worker. The Government indicates that the Safety Passport will include information on OSH skills and capacities, and will facilitate the assessment of OSH risks and the need for training and instructions in case of a new employer. In addition, the Government notes that the labour inspection services will collaborate with the ILO to implement an ILO OSH project in mining, aiming at the establishment of “mining schools”, following the completion of training manuals. The Committee also notes that, according to information from the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, the Government is working with the ILO on an inspection manual for small artisanal mines. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information regarding the role and duties of labour inspectors in the establishment of the Safety Passport, and concerning the development of the inspection manual for small artisanal mines.
Article 7(3). Adequate training. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the different trainings provided for labour inspectors, including their scope, frequency, subjects and content, covering the fundamental Conventions of the ILO, OSH and other topics. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on trainings provided for labour inspectors, including the dates and subjects covered for each training session and the number of inspectors or other persons attending each training session.
Articles 10 and 11. Sufficient number of labour inspectors and necessary arrangements for the performance of the labour inspectors’ duties. Application in practice. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that budgetary constraints hamper the full implementation of the Convention in practice, and that the labour inspectorate lacks sufficient qualified personnel, adequate housing and transport facilities to be present in the hinterland of the country. It requests the Government to provide information regarding the measures taken or envisaged to address the challenges identified, including any measures taken to ensure the recruitment of a sufficient number of labour inspectors (Article 10 of the Convention) and the necessary arrangements to furnish labour inspectors with the transport facilities necessary for the performance of their duties (Article 11).
Article 14. Notification to the labour inspectorate of cases of occupational diseases. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the legislative reforms, including plans to reform the Occupational Safety and Health Act (GB 1947 No. 142) (OSH Act) and the Decree on Labour Inspection (SB 1983 No. 42), would address the issues previously raised under Article 14 of the Convention. The Committee notes in this respect that the amendment by the Labour Inspection Act Amendment (SB 2017 No. 39) of the Decree on Labour Inspection (SB 1983 No. 42), now the Labour Inspection Act, is silent on the issue of notification of occupational accidents and diseases to the labour inspection services. The Committee also notes that the reform of the OSH Act is still ongoing. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information regarding the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the labour inspection services are notified of industrial accidents and cases of occupational diseases, in accordance with Article 14 of the Convention.
Article 15(b). Professional secrecy. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that the Decree on Labour Inspection did not provide for professional secrecy to be maintained after leaving the service. In this respect, the Committee notes with interest that the Labour Inspection Act Amendment (SB 2017 No. 39) provides in section 9 for the obligation of labour inspectors to maintain professional secrecy after leaving the service, with regard to what has come to their knowledge in the performance of their duties.
Article 18. Penalties for violations of the legal provisions enforceable by labour inspectors. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government that the expeditious penal procedures introduced in the country in 2015 resulted in a much shorter cycle to complete penal proceedings with regard to violations of labour legislation and the imposition of fines. The Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government regarding the number of violations, recommendations of fines, the number of cases transmitted to courts and the number of fines paid. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information regarding the impact of the expeditious penal procedures on the application of adequate penalties for violations of legal provisions enforceable by labour inspectors, in accordance with Article 18 of the Convention, including statistics on the number of contraventions, court sessions concluded, and the fines imposed and paid.
Articles 20 and 21. Publication and communication of annual labour inspection reports. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that, although relevant data was available, the publication of annual reports remained difficult because of the lack of officials tasked with the compilation of the reports. In this respect, the Committee welcomes the transmission of the annual report of the labour inspectorate for 2015, as well as the statistics provided by the Government regarding occupational accidents for the period 2012–15. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the labour inspectorate keeps various records, including on occupational accidents and diseases. The Committee requests the Government to continue to prepare and communicate annual reports of the labour inspectorate in accordance with Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention, ensuring that the annual report contains all of the subjects listed under Article 21(a)–(g) of the Convention.

Labour administration: Convention No. 150

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous requests concerning Articles 2 (delegation of certain activities to non governmental organizations); 3 (direct negotiations between workers and employers); 4 (labour administration system); 9 (parastatal, regional or local agencies); judicial decisions; and the application in practice of the Convention.
Article 5 of the Convention. Consultation, cooperation and negotiation between the public authorities and the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on all entities that have a tripartite structure and on the measures taken to enhance consultations, negotiations or tripartite cooperation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the functioning, activities and governing legislation of various entities, including the Labour Advisory Board (AAC), the National Board on Occupational Safety and Health (NRB), the National Commission on the Elimination Child Labour (NCUK), the Organized Consultation, the Foundation for Productive Work Units (SPWE), the Suriname Labour College (SIVIS), the Suriname Business Forum (SBF), the National Labour Mediation Council (BR), and the Dismissal Board (DB). The Committee notes that the AAC has a standing committee on issues regarding the ILO, and welcomes the establishment of the ILO Sub-Commission, a tripartite consultative body within the AAC, in 2015. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s request that no particular measures were taken to enhance consultations, negotiations or tripartite cooperation at the regional or local levels or in particular economic sectors. With regard to the AAC, the Committee refers the Government to its previous comments on the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144).
Article 6(2)(a). Preparation, administration, coordination, checking and review of national employment policy. The Committee previously noted the objectives of the Multi-Annual Development Plan for 2006–11 and requested information regarding the potential involvement of entities such as the AAC, the National Council for Employment or the Social and Economic Council in the development of the next Multi-Annual Development Plan. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the AAC was not engaged as such in the development of national labour policy or in the Multi Annual Development Plan for 2012–16, but that the advice that came out of its tripartite deliberations influenced the labour agenda determined by the Minister of Labour. The Committee refers the Government to its comments on the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122).
Article 6(2)(b). Study and review of the situation of persons in relation to employment. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, in reply to the Committee’s previous request, regarding the activities of the Labour Market Department (LMD), including the eight visits of the LMD to neighbourhoods with relatively high unemployment rates, in cooperation with the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development (SAO), the SPWE, and the elected local representatives. With respect to its previous request regarding the activities of the SAO, the Committee takes due note of the list of trainings provided, covering a broad range of areas. The Committee refers the Government to its comments on Convention No. 122.
Article 6(2)(c) and (d). Services available to employers and workers. With regard to its previous request for information on the activities of the BR, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that all the activities of the BR are based on the National Mediation Act and that it is strictly engaged in mediation and arbitration activities. The Government also indicates that, in the period 2011–14, the BR dealt with 45 cases. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that the Suriname Arbitration Institute, an alternative dispute resolution mechanism primarily focused on disputes between entrepreneurs, was established in 2014. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of the BR, including on the number of cases dealt with and the ways in which outcomes are reported for these mediation and arbitration cases.
Article 7. Extension of the functions of the system of labour administration to categories of workers who are not, in law, considered employed persons. In its previous comments, the Committee had requested the Government to provide information on any developments regarding the intention to extend labour administration activities to workers engaged in occupations listed in Article 7(a)−(d) of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the SAO and SPWE are in part focused on self-employed persons who want to start a business without employing other persons. In addition, the Committee notes that the Government has provided information regarding the functioning of the Board for Cooperatives (RACO), established by the Cooperatives Act of 1944 (GB 1944 No. 93) and the Board of Cooperatives State Decree (SB 1994 No. 43), which advises the Minister of Labour on matters concerning cooperatives and promotes the development of new and existing cooperatives. The Government further indicates that the review of the position of these categories of workers was brought up in the ILO Sub-Commission of the AAC in June 2015. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information regarding any developments on the intention to extend labour administration activities to categories of workers listed in Article 7(a) and (d), including in the context of discussions of the AAC.
Article 8. National policy concerning international labour affairs. With regard to its request for information on the International Affairs Unit of the Legal and International Affairs Department, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in addition to their duties in respect of ILO reporting and questionnaires regarding the agenda of the International Labour Conference, the officials of the International Affairs Unit are in practice involved in the drafting of labour laws. The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government regarding the ILO Commission of the AAC, which has discussed the comments of the Committee on this Convention and on Convention No. 122. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information regarding the consultations held within the AAC regarding the preparation of national policy concerning international labour affairs.
Article 10. Staff of the labour administration system and material means. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the composition, status and conditions of service of the staff of the labour administration system, as well as on the material means and the financial resources allocated for the effective performance of their duties. In this respect, the Committee notes the number of personnel employed in different departments within the Ministry of Labour and entities within the labour administration system, as well as the training courses followed by the officials of those bodies. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that the organizations within the labour administration system are subsidized by the budget of the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information regarding the allocation of financial resources within the labour administration system, including measures in place to ensure that the staff of the labour administration have the material means and the financial resources necessary for the effective performance of their duties, such as legislation governing the payment of salaries of civil servants and the subsidization of organizations within the labour administration system by the Ministry of Labour. With regard to labour inspection services, the Committee refers the Government to its comments above on Convention No. 81.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.
Repetition
The Committee notes the scarce information in the Government’s report. The Committee has equally taken note of the information on the labour administration system contained: (i) in the 2006 handbook elaborated by the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment, and published by the ILO; as well as (ii) in the Government’s reports in relation to other Conventions. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date and as detailed information as possible on every Article of the present Convention.
Article 1 of the Convention. Organization of the labour administration system. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the organization of the whole labour administration system (Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment, its composing departments and, if applicable, its regional and local structure; ministerial institutions on national and, if applicable, regional and local levels; or any other public administrative bodies) and to provide a relevant organizational chart. Further, it would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether there are any parastatal bodies which have been entrusted with labour administration functions.
The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of State Decree SB 1992 No. 71 on the organizational structure of the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment and/or the State Decree of 27 January 1970 containing the terms of reference of this Ministry, respectively, which according to the information in the 2006 handbook, seems to have last been modified in 2002. It also requests the Government to provide any other texts on the organization and functioning of other organs entrusted with functions related to labour administration, such as legal instruments governing the National Labour Mediation Council, the Dismissal Board, the Social Investment Fund, the Foundation for Productive Work Units, the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development, the Suriname Labour College, the Board for Cooperatives, the Board for Occupational Health, the Social and Economic Council and the National Commission on Employment (or the National Council for Employment, after its establishment).
Article 2. Delegation of certain activities to non-governmental organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments regarding the delegation of labour administration activities to non-governmental organizations, including employers’ or workers’ organizations.
Article 3. Activities in the field of labour policy which are regulated by recourse to direct negotiation between employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that, according to the statement by the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment in the 2006 handbook on the labour administration system, collective bargaining agreements are widespread in the country. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments as regards particular activities in the field of labour policy regulated by recourse to direct negotiation between employers’ and workers’ organizations. If applicable, it requests the Government to provide a copy of any relevant collective agreements in force.
Article 4. Organization and effective operation of the labour administration system. The Committee requests the Government to provide information as detailed as possible on the manner in which an effective operation and coordination is ensured among the functions and responsibilities of the different entities of the labour administration system (for example, priorities and targets set out, reporting system and interaction between the different entities).
Article 5 of the Convention and Part IV of the report form. Consultation, cooperation and negotiation between the public authorities and the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee had previously noted that, in conformity with the objective set in the Constitution of the country to involve labour unions in the determination of labour policy (article 31(2) provides, among other things, for their involvement in the preparation of labour legislation and the preparation and supervision of the implementation of social and economic plans), there have been several tripartite bodies set up in the country, such as the Labour Advisory Board, the National Labour Mediation Council, the Dismissal Board (DB) and the Suriname Labour College (SIVIS). Further, the Committee has noted, in its comments under Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), in 2007 and 2009 and its comments under Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) in 2004, 2006 and 2008, the developments concerning the participation of tripartite bodies in the determination of labour policy, namely: (i) the participation of tripartite partners in six commissions set up to revise labour legislation in Suriname and their submission of views regarding amendments or new laws; (ii) the consultation with social partners in the realization of the Multi-Annual Development Plan for 2006–11; and (iii) the submissions by the Labour Advisory Board to the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Public Health in the area of draft legislation on migrant labour, as well as in the area of contract labour and health insurance. It further noted that, under the abovementioned Conventions, the Labour Advisory Board was inactive during some periods of time, that the tripartite Social Economic Council had not been installed until 2009, and that the Government intends to transform the National Commission on Employment into a permanent tripartite entity named National Council for Employment. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on all entities that have a tripartite structure (including entities with a tripartite management board), provide a copy of any legislative texts governing these entities and describe their respective activities and their functioning in practice. It asks the Government to provide a copy of any report or extract from any report on the work of these tripartite entities and to provide information on the impact of their submissions in the area of labour administration.
The Committee asks the Government to indicate if measures have been taken to enhance consultations, negotiations or tripartite cooperation also on regional or local level or in different economic sectors.
Article 6(2)(a), (b), (c) and (d). Preparation and administration of national labour policy and employment policy. Services available to employers and workers. The Committee noted, under its comment under Convention No. 122 in 2007, that the Multi-Annual Development Plan for 2006–11 contains the following objectives: (i) eradication of unemployment through the creation of facilities for small businesses; (ii) achieving a gender balance by promoting the employment of women in management positions; (iii) fostering vocational training; (iv) creating a social investment fund to provide credit facilities for small businesses; and (v) renaming the National Commission on Employment to the National Council for Employment and providing for a tripartite structure. The Committee asks the Government to indicate if and how it is envisaged to involve entities like the National Labour Advisory Board, the National Council for Employment or the Social and Economic Council in the development of future national labour policy or, for example, the Multi-Annual Development Plan for 2012–17 (Article 6(2)(a)).
As employment services are concerned, the Committee notes the information in the 2006 handbook of the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment, on the functions of its Labour Market Department (composed of the following units: Labour Market Analysis, Labour Statistics, Employment Agency and Labour Market Development), as well as the functions of the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development in the area of job market training. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the Labour Market Department and to provide a copy of any relevant documentation in this regard. In addition, it also requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development, namely the content, scope, frequency and participants of any training courses made available to workers. Please also indicate if there are other bodies entrusted with functions related to employment policy and provide information on its activities (Article 6(2)(b)).
The Committee equally notes the information in the handbook on the different functions of the National Labour Mediation Council (providing general advice, carrying out mediation or conciliation, providing assistance to parties before an arbitration tribunal and carrying out instances of arbitration). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the Labour Mediation Council in practice and to provide a copy of any relevant report. Further, please indicate if there are other bodies entrusted with the provision of services other than in the area of dispute resolution or bodies entrusted with the provision of technical advice on labour matters, to employers and workers and their respective organizations (Article 6(2)(c )and (d)).
Article 7. Extension of the functions of the system of labour administration to categories of workers who are not considered employed persons by law. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any development regarding the intention to extend labour administration activities to workers engaged in occupations listed in paragraphs (a)–(d) of this Article.
Article 8 of the Convention. Participation in the preparation of national policy concerning international labour affairs. The Committee has previously noted, for example in its comments under Convention No. 144 in 2001, 2004 and 2006, that tripartite consultations have taken place in the Labour Advisory Board, with a view to subsequent ratifications of several international labour Conventions, namely Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). The Committee equally notes the information on the functions of the International Affairs Unit of the Legal and International Affairs Department at the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on consultations held within tripartite bodies like the Labour Advisory Board in this regard and the impact in law and practice of views expressed therein. Further, please provide information on the activities of the International Affairs Unit of the Legal and International Affairs Department or any other body entrusted with functions in this regard and communicate a copy of any reports containing information on their activities.
Article 9 of the Convention. Supervision of parastatal and regional or local agencies to which particular labour administration activities may have been delegated. The Committee requests the Government, if applicable, to describe the means to ensure that any parastatal organisms and regional or local entities respect national laws and objectives of national labour policy.
Article 10 of the Convention. Staff of the labour administration system and material means. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date and detailed information on the composition, status and conditions of service of the staff of the labour administration system. Please provide a copy of legal texts governing the labour administration staff, documentation on the content, frequency and scope of training provided or any other relevant information in this regard (paragraph 1).
Further, please describe the material means and the financial resources allocated for the effective performance of duties of the personnel and, if applicable, any difficulties encountered in this regard (paragraph 2).
Judicial decisions. Application in practice. The Government is requested to respond in detail to the questions under these points of the form, and to provide information on any practical difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the scarce information in the Government’s report. The Committee has equally taken note of the information on the labour administration system contained: (i) in the 2006 handbook elaborated by the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment, and published by the ILO; as well as (ii) in the Government’s reports in relation to other Conventions. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide up-to-date and as detailed information as possible on every Article of the present Convention.

Article 1 of the Convention. Organization of the labour administration system. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the organization of the whole labour administration system (Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment, its composing departments and, if applicable, its regional and local structure; ministerial institutions on national and, if applicable, regional and local levels; or any other public administrative bodies) and to provide the ILO with a relevant organizational chart. Further, it would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether there are any parastatal bodies which have been entrusted with labour administration functions.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide the ILO with a copy of State Decree SB 1992 No. 71 on the organizational structure of the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment and/or the State Decree of 27 January 1970 containing the terms of reference of this Ministry, respectively, which according to the information in the 2006 handbook, seems to have last been modified in 2002. It would equally be grateful if the Government would provide any other texts on the organization and functioning of other organs entrusted with functions related to labour administration, such as legal instruments governing the National Labour Mediation Council, the Dismissal Board, the Social Investment Fund, the Foundation for Productive Work Units, the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development, the Suriname Labour College, the Board for Cooperatives, the Board for Occupational Health, the Social and Economic Council and the National Commission on Employment (or the National Council for Employment, after its establishment).

Article 2. Delegation of certain activities to non-governmental organizations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep the ILO informed of any developments regarding the delegation of labour administration activities to non-governmental organizations, including employers’ or workers’ organizations.

Article 3. Activities in the field of labour policy which are regulated by recourse to direct negotiation between employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that, according to the statement by the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment in the 2006 handbook on the labour administration system, collective bargaining agreements are widespread in the country. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep the ILO informed of any developments as regards particular activities in the field of labour policy regulated by recourse to direct negotiation between employers’ and workers’ organizations. If applicable, it requests the Government to provide a copy of any relevant collective agreements in force.

Article 4. Organization and effective operation of the labour administration system. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide as detailed information as possible on the manner in which an effective operation and coordination is ensured among the functions and responsibilities of the different entities of the labour administration system (e.g. priorities and targets set out, reporting system and interaction between the different entities).

Article 5 of the Convention and Part IV of the report form. Consultation, cooperation and negotiation between the public authorities and the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee had previously noted that, in conformity with the objective set in the Constitution of the country to involve labour unions in the determination of labour policy (article 31(2) provides, among other things, for their involvement in the preparation of labour legislation and the preparation and supervision of the implementation of social and economic plans), there have been several tripartite bodies set up in the country, such as the Labour Advisory Board, the National Labour Mediation Council, the Dismissal Board (DB) and the Suriname Labour College (SIVIS). Further, the Committee has noted, in its comments under Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) in 2007 and 2009 and its comments under Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) in 2004, 2006 and 2008, the developments concerning the participation of tripartite bodies in the determination of labour policy, namely: (i) the participation of tripartite partners in six commissions set up to revise labour legislation in Suriname and their submission of views regarding amendments or new laws; (ii) the consultation with social partners in the realization of the Multi-Annual Development Plan for 2006–11; and (iii) the submissions by the Labour Advisory Board to the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Public Health in the area of draft legislation on migrant labour, as well as in the area of contract labour and health insurance. It further noted that, under the abovementioned Conventions, the Labour Advisory Board was inactive during some periods of time, that the tripartite Social Economic Council had not been installed until 2009, and that the Government intends to transform the National Commission on Employment into a permanent tripartite entity named National Council for Employment. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate all entities that have a tripartite structure (including entities with a tripartite management board), provide a copy of any legislative texts governing these entities and describe their respective activities and their functioning in practice. It asks the Government to provide the ILO with a copy of any report or extract from any report on the work of these tripartite entities and to provide information on the impact of their submissions in the area of labour administration.

The Committee asks the Government to indicate if measures have been taken to enhance consultations, negotiations or tripartite cooperation also on regional or local level or in different economic sectors.

Article 6(2)(a), (b), (c) and (d). Preparation and administration of national labour policy and employment policy. Services available to employers and workers. The Committee noted, under its comment under Convention No. 122 in 2007, that the Multi-Annual Development Plan for 2006–11 contains the following objectives: (i) eradication of unemployment through the creation of facilities for small businesses; (ii) achieving a gender balance by promoting the employment of women in management positions; (iii) fostering vocational training; (iv) creating a social investment fund to provide credit facilities for small businesses; and (v) renaming the National Commission on Employment to the National Council for Employment and providing for a tripartite structure. The Committee asks the Government to indicate if and how it is envisaged to involve entities like the National Labour Advisory Board, the National Council for Employment or the Social and Economic Council in the development of future national labour policy or, for example, the Multi-Annual Development Plan for 2012–17 (Article 6(2)(a)).

As employment services are concerned, the Committee notes the information in the 2006 handbook of the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment, on the functions of its Labour Market Department (composed of the following units: Labour Market Analysis, Labour Statistics, Employment Agency and Labour Market Development), as well as the functions of the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development in the area of job market training. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the activities of the Labour Market Department and to provide a copy of any relevant documentation in this regard. In addition, it would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the activities of the Foundation for Labour Mobilization and Development, namely the content, scope, frequency and participants of any training courses made available to workers. Please also indicate if there are other bodies entrusted with functions related to employment policy and provide information on its activities (Article 6(2)(b)).

The Committee equally notes the information in the handbook on the different functions of the National Labour Mediation Council (providing general advice, carrying out mediation or conciliation, providing assistance to parties before an arbitration tribunal and carrying out instances of arbitration). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the activities of the Labour Mediation Council in practice and to provide the ILO with a copy of any relevant report. Further, please indicate if there are other bodies entrusted with the provision of services other than in the area of dispute resolution or bodies entrusted with the provision of technical advice on labour matters, to employers and workers and their respective organizations (Article 6(2)(c )and (d)).

Article 7. Extension of the functions of the system of labour administration to categories of workers who are not considered employed persons by law. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate any development regarding the intention to extend labour administration activities to workers engaged in occupations listed in paragraphs (a)–(d) of this Article.

Article 8 of the Convention. Participation in the preparation of national policy concerning international labour affairs. The Committee has previously noted, for example in its comments under Convention No. 144 in 2001, 2004 and 2006, that tripartite consultations have taken place in the Labour Advisory Board, with a view to subsequent ratifications of several international labour Conventions, namely Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). The Committee equally notes the information on the functions of the International Affairs Unit of the Legal and International Affairs Department at the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide detailed information on consultations held within tripartite bodies like the Labour Advisory Board in this regard and the impact in law and practice of views expressed therein. Further, please provide information on the activities of the International Affairs Unit of the Legal and International Affairs Department or any other body entrusted with functions in this regard and communicate a copy of any reports containing information on their activities.

Article 9 of the Convention. Supervision of parastatal and regional or local agencies to which particular labour administration activities may have been delegated. The Committee requests the Government, if applicable, to describe the means to ensure that any parastatal organisms and regional or local entities respect national laws and objectives of national labour policy.

Article 10 of the Convention. Staff of the labour administration system and material means. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide up-to-date and detailed information on the composition, status and conditions of service of the staff of the labour administration system. Please provide a copy of legal texts governing the labour administration staff, documentation on the content, frequency and scope of training provided or any other relevant information in this regard (paragraph 1).

Further, please describe the material means and the financial resources allocated for the effective performance of duties of the personnel and, if applicable, any difficulties encountered in this regard (paragraph 2).

Parts III and V of the report form. The Government is requested to respond in detail to the questions under these points of the form, and to provide information on any practical difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous comments. It would be grateful if the Government would provide further information on the points raised below.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes Decree SB 1992 No. 71 regarding the organization and structure of the Ministry of Labour. It would however reiterate its previous request for information on the staffing and field structure of the labour administration.

Article 4. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that through an ILO employment project the Ministry of Labour has been strengthened, the staff is receiving training, and some equipment like computers and transport vehicles is being made available. Please give more particulars on how such assistance and any other future inputs of material means and financial resources are improving the effective operation of the system of labour administration.

Article 5. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information regarding the various tripartite bodies such as the National Planning Board which was never operational, the Mediation Board, and the most successful Labour Advisory Council. Please indicate how bodies like the Mediation Board and the National Advisory Council operate at the local levels and at the different sectors of economic activity. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would provide its views on the comments made by the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (STIA) on the existing arrangements for mediation and other dispute settlement machinery. Please provide information on the STIA's statement that the Mediation Board has for some time now been incomplete and has required to be supplemented by the Labour Advisory Council.

Article 7. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the statement that there is no concrete information available regarding the promotion of the extension of labour administration activities to workers engaged in occupations listed in this Article. Please communicate any information on progress made in this respect.

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Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government's indication that no important changes have occurred in application of the Convention, but that the Ministry is formalising its organisational structure. It would be grateful if the Government would kindly provide information on the following points:

Article 1 of the Convention. With respect to the organisation of the labour administration, please provide information on its staffing and field structure.

Article 3. Please indicate if there are particular activities in the field of labour policy which are regulated by recourse to direct negotiation between employers' and workers' organisations.

Articles 4 and 10. Please include in future reports details of organisational, budgetary and staffing developments affecting the efficiency of labour administration. Please indicate what material means and financial resources necessary for the effective performance of duties are made available to the staff of the labour administration system.

Article 5. The Committee would also be glad if the Government provided full information on the manner in which arrangements are made within the system of labour administration at the national, regional, and local levels and in different sectors of economic activity to ensure consultation, co-operation and negotiation between public authorities and the most representative organisations of employers and workers.

Article 6(2)(c) and (d). Please provide information on services available to employers and workers and their respective organisations designed to promote consultation and co-operation between public authorities and bodies and employers' and workers' organisations as well as between such organisations. Please also state what technical advice is available to employers and workers and their respective organisations.

Article 7. Please provide information on progress achieved in promoting the extension of labour administration activities to workers engaged in occupations listed in this Article.

Additionally, the Committee would be pleased if, in future reports, the Government would so far as possible respond to the questions posed in the report form.

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The Committee has noted with interest the information provided by the Government in reply to the Committee's earlier request, and would be glad to receive further information as follows:

Articles 4 and 10 of the Convention. Please keep the Committee informed of organisational, budgetary and staffing developments aimed at increasing the efficiency of labour administration.

Article 7. Please keep the Committee informed of progress in the extension of labour administration activities to self-employed workers and co-operatives.

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