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Labour Administration Convention, 1978 (No. 150) - Trinidad and Tobago (RATIFICATION: 2007)

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Previous comments

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the 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, 1947 (No. 81)

Articles 5(a), 17 and 18 of the Convention. Cooperation with the justice system and effective enforcement of legal provisions. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Ministry of Labour is not pursuing the development of a national labour inspection policy at this time. The Government adds that information on any further developments will be provided in due course. While taking note of this information, the Committee requests the Government to provide any update on the adoption of such policy in the future.

Article 5(b). Collaboration with employers and workers or their organizations. In reply to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government reiterates that information on the establishment and operation of OSH committees is requested and reviewed by OSH inspectors during inspection visits and that their findings form part of the inspection report. It also indicates that the Joint Select Committee on Local Authorities, Service Commissions and Statutory Authorities (including the Tobago House of Assembly), in its 12th Report on an inquiry into the occupational safety and health compliance within the public service (2018-19), highlighted, inter alia, the importance of ensuring that Safety and Health Committees are established to facilitate effective oversight. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the activities carried out by OSH committees in workplaces, including specific information on the number, subject matter, and outcomes of investigations requested by OSH committees.

Article 6. Status of labour inspectors. 1. Status of OSH inspectors. In response to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that a number of measures, set out in the 2019-23 Strategic Plan, have been taken to address the operations of OSHA, including: (i) the recommendation of a new organizational structure; (ii) the modification of job descriptions for newly-created positions; and (iii) the conduct of a cost analysis (for new positions) with the intention of upgrading the current salaries. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that these measures are being undertaken with the intention of converting the organization from a contractual employment structure to a permanent employment structure. The Government further indicates that the positions of Labour Inspector I and Labour Inspector II in the Labour Inspectorate Unit (LIU) of the Ministry of Labour are currently being reclassified under a job evaluation exercise. The Government anticipates that the minimum educational entry requirements for the positions will be upgraded. Once the job evaluation exercise is completed, the Ministry of Labour is hoping to fill the vacancies by recruiting labour inspectors under the new and upgraded entry requirements. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the measures taken, including those set out in the 2019-23 Strategic Plan and in the job evaluation exercise, to ensure that OSH inspectors are public officials assured of stability of employment, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention. It also requests once again the Government to provide information on compensation and benefits provided to OSH inspectors in comparison to government employees or contractors exercising similar duties and responsibilities, such as tax inspectors or the police.

2. Status of Chief Labour Inspector and Senior Labour Inspector. Following its previous comments on the ongoing process of classification of the positions of Chief Labour Inspector and Senior Labour Inspector of the LIU, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in October 2019, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour submitted to the Chief Personnel Officer the amended classification questionnaires for the offices of the Senior Labour Inspector, Labour Inspector I, and Labour Inspector II. The Government adds, however, that the classification exercise has not yet been finalized. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as in interim measure, the Minister of Labour approved the employment, on contract, of a Senior Labour Inspector Specialist for a period of three years, with this officer assuming duties in October 2022, as well as a Chief Labour Inspector Specialist, for a period of three years, with this officer assuming duties in August 2022. Noting that these positions have been temporarily filled on a contractual basis, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments related to the classification of the posts of Chief Labour Inspector and Senior Labour Inspector, as well as on the filling of the positions on a permanent basis.

Articles 7(1) and (2), 10, 11 and 16. Recruitment and number of inspectors. Number of inspections. Material means. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there are 14 inspectors (15 in 2020) in the LIU that carried out 120 inspections in 2021 and 729 in 2022. The Committee also notes that the OSHA has 31 inspectors (38 in 2020) and that there has been a declining trend in the number of inspections carried out (from 3,569 in 2019, to 2,096 in 2020, 1,746 in 2021 and 1,529 in 2022). The Government indicates that there are 60 sanctioned positions in the OSHA but that the lack of office space to place all inspectorate staff and the lack of funds for ancillary items that are necessary for the inspectors to function efficiently (including for example, personal protective equipment, laptops, phones, etc.), are the main factors that have affected the Agency’s ability to fill the remaining positions. The Government indicates that the Agency is currently in the process of obtaining a larger office space. The Committee once again urges the Government to pursue its efforts to fill the substantial number of remaining vacant inspector positions at the OSHA and to take the necessary measures to address the lack of funding and office space. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress in this regard. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the number of vacant positions in the LIU and to continue to provide information on the number of inspection visits undertaken by the LIU and OSHA.

Articles 20 and 21. Publication and communication of an annual report on labour inspection. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the OSHA’s annual report, which covers the period October 2019 to September 2020, was submitted to the Ministry of Labour for transmission to Parliament, in accordance with national legislation. The Committee notes that no labour inspection report has been published and transmitted to the Office. The Committee once again requests the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure the publication of OSHA and LIU annual reports. The Committee also requests the Government to transmit a copy of these reports to the ILO, in conformity with Articles 20 of the Convention and to ensure that they contain all the information requested in Article 21 of the Convention.

Labour Administration Convention, 1978 (No. 150)

Article 4. Coordination of functions and responsibilities within the labour administration system. In reply to the Committee’s previous request, the Government indicates that numerous aspects of the 2017-20 Strategic Plan were implemented, including the strengthening of the labour administration arm of the Ministry of Labour and, in particular, the LIU, the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division, and the Labour Market Information System. The Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour is in the process of developing a new strategic plan for the 2024-28 period and that the work of the Ministry is closely aligned to the themes identified in the National Development Strategy (Vision 2030). Some of the goals and strategies articulated under the various themes include providing a clear framework of rights and responsibilities in the workplace; protecting the safety and health of workers; reviewing and reforming all existing labour legislation, and developing new legislation where necessary; and strengthening the relationship between the Government and the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the coordination of the functions and responsibilities of the labour administration system. In this respect, it requests the Government to provide information on the development, implementation and results achieved in the framework of the strategic Plan of the Ministry of Labour for the 2024–28 period.

Article 10. Human resources and material means necessary for the operation of the labour administration system. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that measures were taken to fill vacancies within the labour administration system. For example, the Government indicates that, in February 2023, the Director of Personnel Administration of the Service Commission Department was requested to urgently fill the vacant offices of Senior Labour Relations Officer, Labour Relations Officer I, and Labour Relations Officer II within the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division of the Ministry of Labour. The Government indicates that as an interim measure, the Ministry of Labour continues to employ persons on a contractual basis and that the Cabinet recently approved 19 positions to be filled on contract within the Conciliation, Advisory and Advocacy Division. With respect to the material means of the labour administration system, the Government indicates that the Ministry of Labour continues to provide resources for the operation of the labour administration. With reference to its comments above concerning Articles 6, 10 and 11 of Convention No. 81, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the staff of the labour administration system have the status, the stability of employment, and the financial and material resources necessary for the effective performance of their duties, and to provide detailed information in this respect.

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The Committee takes note of the Government’s report and the supplementary information provided in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020). It takes note of the Government’s indications concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of the Conventions, particularly with respect to the carrying out of inspection visits and awareness campaigns.

Labour inspection: Convention No. 81

Article 3(2) of the Convention. Additional duties entrusted to labour inspectors. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication, in its report in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the function of conciliation is now exclusively carried out by the Conciliation Unit at the Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development (MOLSED). It notes in this respect that, if the occupational safety and health (OSH) inspectors in the execution of their duties encounter issues which require conflict resolution, such matters are directed to the Conciliation Unit.

Article 5(a). Cooperation between the inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions. In its previous comment, the Committee took note that several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) had been signed between the OSH Agency and the Tobago House of Assembly; the Environmental Management Authority; the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services and the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that two additional MOUs have been signed between the OSH Agency and the Ministry of Health, and between the OSH Agency and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards. It further notes the detailed information provided by the Government as an appendix to its report on the objectives of these MOUs and the measures undertaken to achieve them.

Articles 5(a), 17 and 18. Cooperation with the justice system and effective enforcement of legal provisions. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that it was developing a National Labour Inspection Policy aimed at providing clear guidance on, among other things, the referral of matters to the Industrial Court. The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the MOLSED is continuing its review of the role and function of the Ministry’s Labour Inspectorate Unit (LIU) as well as the impact of certain issues, such as trafficking, child labour and decent work for migrant workers, on the development of a National Labour Inspection Policy. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the National Labour Inspection Policy, including its impact on the application of the legal provisions enforceable by labour inspectors, and to provide a copy once adopted.

Article 5(b). Collaboration with employers and workers or their organizations. Following its previous comment on the activities of OSH committees in workplaces, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that information on the establishment and operation of these committees is requested and reviewed by OSH inspectors during inspection visits and that their findings form part of the inspection report. The Government also indicates that it is promoting the establishment of OSH committees within the public service, including as part of the ongoing Public Sector OSH Compliance Programme, which commenced in March 2019, and that a brochure on OSH committees was distributed to all Ministries. The Government further indicates that the OSH Agency, as part of its inspections, continues to monitor the establishment of OSH committees, in collaboration with the MOLSED. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by OSH committees in workplaces, including information on the number, subject matter, and outcomes of investigations requested by OSH committees.

Article 6. Status of labour inspectors. 1. Status of OSH inspectors. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that OSH inspectors are engaged on a contractual basis, according to the terms and conditions set by the Human Resource Advisory Committee of the Government. The Committee also takes note of the “Employee Performance Management System Policy and Procedure”, submitted as appendices to the Government’s report, which fixes the criteria and procedures for assessing the performance of OSH inspectors on an annual basis and according to which the authorities responsible for the assessment are human resources and other officials within the OSH Agency. In this regard, it takes note of the “Separation and Termination Policy and Procedures”, also submitted with the Government’s report, which sets out the reasons for termination of OSH inspectors’ contracts, as well as the Grievance Policy and Procedures, under which they can initiate an appeal process. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that OSH inspectors are public officials assured of stability of employment, in conformity with Article 6 of the Convention, including information on compensation and benefits provided to OSH inspectors in comparison to government employees or contractors exercising similar duties and responsibilities.

2. Status of Chief Labour Inspector and Senior Labour Inspector. Following its previous comments on the ongoing process of classification of the positions of Chief Labour Inspector and the Senior Labour Inspector of the LIU, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that classification questionnaires were issued for completion and sign off by the MOLSED. The Government indicates that the next step is to arrange and conduct a job audit with representatives of the MOLSED. It further indicates that the MOLSED is in the process of filling the Senior Labour Specialist positions and that a candidate was selected, but not yet hired, for the position of Chief Labour Inspector Specialist. Noting that these positions have been vacant for a number of years, the Committee urges the Government to continue to provide information on any developments related to completing the classification of the posts of Chief Labour Inspector and Senior Labour Inspector as well as on the filling of the vacant positions.

Articles 7(1) and (2), 10 and 16. Recruitment and number of inspectors. Number of inspections. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the information from the Government that there are currently 15 inspectors at the LIU and 38 inspectors at the OSH Agency (which represents an increase from 28 in 2016 to 38 in 2019). With respect to the LIU, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that 18 positions are vacant. The Government indicates that MOLSED is liaising with the Service Commissions Department to fill the vacant positions of labour inspectors. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the decline of inspections conducted by the LIU (from 1,177 in 2010 to 612 in 2015) was the result of the significant reduction in the number of inspectors from sixteen to ten due to resignations and compulsory retirement. The Government indicates that eight new labour inspectors were recruited in the latter part of 2015 and that, as a consequence, 1,637 inspections were conducted by the LIU in 2015–16. However, the number of inspections then declined to 1,527 in 2018–19. The Committee further notes with interest that the number of inspections conducted by the OSH agency increased from 1,630 in 2017 to 2,133 in 2018 and to 3,105 in 2019. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of inspections conducted by the OSH agency declined to 2,229 in 2020 and those conducted by the LIU to 576 in 2019-20. The Committee urges the Government to pursue its efforts to fill the substantial number of remaining vacant inspector positions at the LIU. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the number of inspection staff, as well as specific information on the reasons for any remaining vacancies. It further requests the Government to continue to provide information on the number of inspection visits undertaken.

Articles 20 and 21. Publication and communication of an annual report on labour inspection. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the OSH Agency has committed to submitting an annual report on labour inspection to the MOLSED in December 2020 and will cover the period from October 2019 to September 2020. The Committee requests the Government to pursue its efforts to ensure the publication of the annual general reports of the OSH Agency and the LIU, and to transmit a copy of these annual reports to the ILO, in conformity with Article 20 of the Convention.

Labour administration: Convention No. 150

Article 3 of the Convention. Activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee previously requested information on any activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations. In this respect, it notes that the MOLSED continues to engage in multipartite consultations with the social partners to create revised labour legislation and it notes the information provided by the Government concerning the status of labour legislation consultations.

Article 4. Coordination of functions and responsibilities within the labour administration system. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the MOLSED adopted a new Strategic Plan for the period 2017–20 together with an Implementation Plan in the context of the Government’s Official Policy Framework and the National Development Strategy 2016–30 (Vision 2030). It notes that six key priority areas of strategic focus have been identified cutting across all of the functional areas of the Ministry: (i) service delivery; (ii) multipartite stakeholder relationships; (iii) policy and legislation; (iv) results-based monitoring; (v) coordinated innovation and small enterprise development and training; and (vi) employment facilitation for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Regarding the Committee’s previous request concerning coordination between the MOLSED and the National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago (NIBTT) with respect to social security issues, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning different areas of collaboration between both agencies. These include: (i) providing information for the Labour Market Information System; (ii) participation in the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Development of a Labour Migration Policy; (iii) discussions towards the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding with the MOLSED; and (iv) participation in consultations on employment standards, severance benefits and foreign labour contracts in Trinidad and Tobago. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the coordination of the functions and responsibilities of the labour administration system. In this respect, it requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the MOLSED for the period 2017 – 20, as well as information on any subsequent plans adopted.

Article 7. Extension of the functions of the labour administration system to include activities for the benefit of categories of workers who are not, in law, employed persons. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the services of the LIU are mainly geared towards protecting the labour rights of vulnerable groups of workers, including low and unskilled workers, young persons, women, domestic workers, and migrant workers. It provides a decentralized service to rural communities, by visiting these areas on a monthly basis to record complaints and conduct inspections as well as conducting awareness campaigns. The Government indicates that, although the COVID-pandemic has negatively affected the public awareness campaigns, the LIU, in collaboration with the Communication Unit of the Ministry and the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, conducted a social media campaign to raise awareness about rights and responsibilities of both workers and employers and the role of the LIU. With respect to domestic workers, the Government indicates that the LIU works closely with the National Union for Domestic Employees to ensure decent work for these workers. The Committee notes that, regarding migrant domestic workers, the LIU provides guidance to the Work Permit Section of the National Employment Services by reviewing employment contracts for consistency with labour law.

Article 9. Labour administration activities carried out by parastatal agencies and regional or local agencies. Following the Committee’s previous request concerning periodic reporting of parastatal agencies responsible for particular labour administration functions, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the OSH Agency, the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited and the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies are all governed by Boards whose members are approved by Cabinet and the Chairpersons are required to submit a number of reports to the MOLSED on the operations of the agencies, including an annual administrative report. The Government indicates that these administrative reports are submitted to Cabinet and, once approved, submitted to the President for presentation to Parliament and to the Joint Select Committee of Parliament on Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises. Additionally, the agencies are required to submit monthly and quarterly reports of achievements and expenditures to the MOLSED, thereby bringing to the attention of the Minister and the MOLSED issues under the purview of these agencies which are related to labour administration.

Article 10. Human resources and material means necessary for the operation of the labour administration system. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that the MOLSED is staffed by both contract workers and civil servants, and it requested the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that labour administration contract staff carry out their duties without any improper external influence. The Committee takes notes of the information provided by the Government concerning the “Guidelines for Contract Employment” issued by the Personnel Department which address matters such as confidentiality, performance management and termination of employment. In the case of the MOLSED, the conflict-of-interest policy requires staff to declare any conflict of interest. With respect to the material means and financial resources available to labour administration staff for the performance of their duties, the Committee notes that the MOLSED provides: (i) transport and vehicle allowances; (ii) allowances for overseas travel; (iii) workshops and training (both overseas and local); (iv) a performance appraisal procedure, which contributes to ensuring that staff are properly remunerated; (v) other tools, such as computers and cellular phones and access to the Government’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which is designed to improve performance by providing psychological and organizational support. With reference to its comments above concerning Article 6 of Convention No. 81, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the staff of the labour administration system have the status, material means and the financial resources necessary for the effective performance of their duties, in accordance with Article 10 of the Convention.

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Labour inspection: Convention No. 81

Article 3(2) of the Convention. Additional duties entrusted to labour inspectors. The Committee takes due note of the Government’s statement in its report, in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the Labour Inspection Unit (LIU) does not carry out the function of conciliator in trade disputes, and that this function is carried out by the Conciliation Unit at the Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development (MLSED). The Committee notes, however, the Government’s indication that inspectors in the occupational safety and health (OSH) inspectorate are occasionally required to facilitate conflict resolution in connection to interpretation of the OSH Act. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the time and resources of the OSH inspection services spent on conflict resolution, in relation to their primary duties as defined in Article 3(1) of the Convention.

Article 4. Organizational structure of the OSH Agency. The Committee takes note of the organizational structure chart of the OSH Agency provided by the Government in reply to its previous request.

Article 5(a). Cooperation between the inspection services and other government services and public or private institutions. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been finalized between the OSH Agency and the Tobago House of Assembly which includes among its objectives the delivery of effective and efficient monitoring of OSH issues in Tobago and the ensuring of a consistent, coordinated and comprehensive approach to OSH issues. It further notes that MOUs have also been signed between the OSH Agency and the Environmental Management Authority; the Fire Services of Trinidad and Tobago; the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs; and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards. The Committee requests that the Government provide information on the objectives of these additional MOUs, as well as information on measures undertaken to accomplish the objectives for all the MOUs.

Articles 5(a), 17 and 18. Cooperation with the justice system and effective enforcement of legal provisions. The Committee notes that the MLSED is currently working on the development of a National Labour Inspection Enforcement Policy that aims to provide clear guidance on, among other things, the referral of matters to the Industrial Court. The Committee also takes due note of the information provided on the OSH Agency’s Enforcement Policy, in reply to the Committee’s previous request. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the National Labour Inspection Enforcement Policy, including its impact on the application of the legal provisions enforceable by labour inspectors, once adopted.

Article 5(b). Collaboration with employers and workers or their organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous request, that information on the activities of OSH committees in workplaces is not currently available to the OSH Agency. Nonetheless, the Government states that the collection of such information would facilitate the work of the Agency and that it remains committed to ensuring that there is collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to collect information on the activities of OSH committees in workplaces, including information on the number and outcomes of investigations requested by OSH committees, and to provide this information, when collected.

Article 6. Status of labour inspectors. 1. Status of OSH inspectors. The Committee previously noted the Government’s indication that if OSH inspectors’ performance appraisals are unsatisfactory their contracts may not be renewed, but that there is an appeal process in the form of a grievance. Noting the Government’s indication that it will send further information in this respect, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the authority responsible for evaluating the performance of OSH inspectors, as well as the criteria and procedures applied.

2. Status of Chief Labour Inspector and Senior Labour Inspector. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous request, that the positions of Chief Labour Inspector and the Senior Labour Inspector of the LIU are in the process of classification by the Personnel Department. The Committee requests the Government to provide information of any developments related to the classification of the posts of Chief Labour Inspector and Senior Labour Inspector.

Articles 7(1), (2), 10 and 16. Recruitment and number of inspectors. Number of inspections. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that currently there are 18 inspectors at the LIU and 28 inspectors at the OSH Agency. It also notes with concern that there are currently 30 vacancies in the inspectorate, and the Government’s statement that this places a significant constraint on the Inspectorate’s ability to implement its proactive and reactive compliance programmes. The Government indicates in this respect in its report submitted under the Labour Administration Convention, 1978 (No. 150), that the major challenge facing the labour administration system is the inadequate staffing for labour inspections. The Government indicates however that it is seeking to address the vacancies in the inspectorate. The Committee further notes with concern that the number of inspection visits declined from 1,177 in 2010–11 and 1,242 in 2011–12 to 612 in 2014–15. The Committee urges the Government to pursue its efforts to fill the remaining vacant positions at the inspectorate, and to continue to provide information on the number of inspection staff as soon as possible, and remaining vacancies. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the number of inspection visits undertaken, and to provide information on the reasons for the significant decline of inspections between 2010 and 2015. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged in the meantime to overcome the constraints identified due to the significant number of vacancies.

Articles 20 and 21. Publication and communication of an annual report on labour inspection. The Committee notes the relevant excerpts of the annual reports of the OSH Agency and the LIU for the period of October 2010 to September 2015. The Committee requests the Government to continue to take measures to ensure the publication of the annual general reports of the OSH Agency and the LIU, and to transmit a copy of these annual reports to the ILO, in conformity with Article 20 of the Convention.

Labour administration: Convention No. 150

Articles 1 and 10(1) of the Convention. Organization of the labour administration system and training staff. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report in response to its previous request that the National Training Agency (NTA) is the central coordinating body responsible for planning, coordinating and administering the national training system for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), operating under the Ministry of Education. The Committee refers to its comments made under the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) in this respect.

Article 2. Delegation of labour administration activities to non-governmental organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s statement, in response to the Committee’s previous request, that the MLSED works closely with the social partners for policy development and implementation but that it has not delegated any labour administration activities to employers’ or workers’ organizations.

Article 3. Activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on all activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations.

Article 4. Coordination of functions and responsibilities within the labour administration system. The Committee notes the organizational chart of the MLSED, provided by the Government, indicating the manner in which the labour administration system is organized following a review. It also notes the information provided by the Government that, following an audit undertaken in 2003, it undertook a number of activities to provide better services and to promote greater coordination in its work. From 2011 to 2015, the work of the MLSED was guided by a Strategic Plan which recognized the importance of the principles of the Decent Work Agenda. The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government, in response to its previous request, that social security does not fall under the remit of the MLSED and that it is dealt with by the National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the effective operation of the labour administration system, including any subsequent strategic plans adopted. It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the MLSED coordinates with the National Insurance Board with respect to social security issues.

Article 5. Tripartite consultation, cooperation and negotiations within the labour administration system. The Committee notes that a tripartite Industrial Relations Advisory Committee (IRAC) was appointed for a two-year term from 2012–14 and prepared a policy paper for the amendment of the Industrial Relations Act that was used in the drafting of the Industrial Relations (Amendment Bill), 2015. It also notes that the purpose of the Bill was to strengthen and improve the industrial relations system in Trinidad and Tobago and to create an independent dispute settlement process by the formation of the Conciliation and Mediation Service. It also notes the information provided by the Government on the activities of the Minimum Wages Board, which is responsible for advising and making recommendations to the Minister of Labour on matters relating to the fixing of minimum wages and terms and conditions of service; and the HIV/AIDS Advocacy and Sustainability Centre Advisory Board, which includes representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations and provides guidance for the development of the National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS. The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government concerning the ILO 144 Tripartite Consultative Committee, and it refers in this respect to its comments made under the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144).

Article 6(2)(a). Preparation, implementation, supervision and evaluation of the national employment policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, in reply to its previous request, concerning the development of a national employment policy, and refers in this respect to its comments under the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122).

Article 7. Extension of the functions of the labour administration system to include activities for the benefit of categories of workers who are not, in law, employed persons. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous request concerning the manner in which labour administration services are provided to workers who are not, in law, treated as employed persons, that as part of the preventative conciliation initiative, it has sought to focus its efforts on the informal sector and those who may be more vulnerable to workplace exploitation. The Government also indicates that self-employed persons can access the services of the OSH Agency and the HIV/AIDS Advocacy and Sustainability Centre, which has also undertaken sensitization of workers in the informal economy. Members of cooperatives can access the services of the Cooperatives Development Division, including cooperatives operating in the informal economy. The Government further indicates that the LIU extends its services to the informal economy with respect to the enforcement of the national minimum wage. Taking due note of this and related information, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how the LIU monitors or reviews enforcement of the national minimum wage laws for those operating in the informal economy, and whether the LIU plays a role in providing for the proactive monitoring of working conditions for domestic workers, including those listed in the recently created Register of Domestic Workers.

Article 8. Responsibilities related to the preparation of national policy concerning international labour affairs and State representation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, in response to its previous request, that the ILO 144 Tripartite Consultative Committee provides critical guidance in respect of ratification and effective implementation of international labour standards. It refers in this respect to its comments under Convention No. 144.

Article 9. Verification of the legality of labour administration activities carried out by parastatal agencies and regional or local agencies and their conformity with the objectives established. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, in response to its previous request, that the MLSED has oversight over the National Entrepreneurial Development Company, Ltd., the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies and the OSH Agency. The Government indicates that it uses the periodic reports of these agencies to satisfy itself that they are operating in accordance with national laws, are adhering to objectives assigned to them and to undertake an assessment of their activities. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information regarding the periodic reporting of the parastatal agencies responsible for particular labour administration activities to the MLSED, with a view to the proper coordination of their functions and responsibilities.

Article 10. Human resources and material means necessary for the operation of the labour administration system. The Committee welcomes the information provided by the Government regarding the composition of the MLSED, as well as the detailed job descriptions for a number of positions, outlining their duties and responsibilities, compensation and benefits as well as the required knowledge, skills, experience and training for these posts. Noting the Government’s indication that the MLSED is staffed by both contract workers and civil servants, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that labour administration contract staff carry out their duties without any improper external influence, and to provide further information on the material means and financial resources available to labour administration staff for the performance of their duties.

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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
Articles 1 and 10(1) of the Convention. Organization of the labour administration system and training of staff. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the National Training Agency (NTA), established to ensure that the workforce is certified, competent, innovative, enterprising and entrepreneurial. It notes the Government’s statement that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, to which the Agency reports, is committed to ensuring increased participation in technical and vocational education and training, especially by citizens who have been historically disadvantaged due to systemic barriers, such as the differently abled, financially challenged, the academically underprepared and those who live in rural communities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the Agency, specifying the number of persons who took part in such training and the benefits they derived. It again asks the Government to indicate whether social security comes within the remit of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development (hereinafter “Ministry”) and, if so, to indicate the body responsible for it.
The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in response to its query about “Trade Union Services” and “Enterprise Services”, as well as the information on other technical services of the Ministry. It requests the Government to provide further details on the organization of the labour administration system as a whole, including any parastatal and regional or local agencies or any other form of decentralized administration, and any institutional framework for the coordination of the activities of such bodies and for consultation with and participation by employers and workers and their organizations.
Article 2. Delegation of labour administration activities to non-governmental organizations. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information on this point. It again requests the Government to indicate whether any labour administration activities have been delegated to employers’ or workers’ organizations (such as activities pertaining to social security, training, and workers’ education).
Article 3. Activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government, including the two collective agreements between the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and the General Workers Federation in respect of terms and conditions of work. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on all other activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations.
Article 4. Coordination of functions and responsibilities within the labour administration system. The Committee notes that the coordination of functions is ensured by the Permanent Secretary, to whom all heads of division report. It also notes that the labour administration system is currently under review due to the addition of several new units. It requests the Government to provide information on the results of this review and particularly on the coordination of the administration’s functions following the addition of the new units mentioned in the report.
Article 5. Tripartite consultation, cooperation and negotiations within the labour administration system. According to the Government’s report, the Ministry is currently giving active consideration to the establishment of an Industrial Relations Advisory Committee, and will apprise the ILO of developments in this area. The Government also refers to several tripartite committees established to address issues such as minimum wages, labour standards, occupational safety and health, and HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on progress made in setting up the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee and to specify its composition and terms of reference as soon as it has been established. It also asks the Government once again to provide copies of any report or extracts of reports on the work of the abovementioned tripartite committees and to give an indication of the impact of this work on the development of legislation or practice in areas covered by the labour policy. Please also indicate whether measures have been taken to promote tripartite consultation, negotiation and cooperation also at the regional and local levels, as well as at the level of the different sectors of economic activity.
Article 6. Preparation, implementation, supervision and evaluation of the national policy. In its previous comments the Committee asked for information on a report drafted by a tripartite committee assessing the labour market situation. The government provides general information on the labour market in its country. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the follow-up given to the report on the labour market situation and the role played in this regard by the competent bodies of the labour administration system (Article 6(2)(a)).
Furthermore, the Committee again asks the Government to indicate whether activities are carried out by the competent bodies within the labour administration to draw attention to defects and abuses noted in connection with working conditions, occupational accidents and labour inspection and to submit proposals to remedy them (Article 6(2)(b)).
Article 7. Extension of the functions of the labour administration system to include activities for the benefit of categories of workers who are not, in law, employed persons. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government. It again asks the Government to provide details of the manner in which labour administration services are provided to workers who are not, in law, treated as employed persons, such as members of cooperatives.
Article 8. Responsibilities related to the preparation of national policy concerning international labour affairs and State representation. The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government on the meetings of the “ILO 144 Tripartite Committee” and the Ministry’s consultations with social partners to help guide policy formulation. It requests the Government to provide additional information on the follow-up given to proposals made by this tripartite committee and to the consultations that were held with social partners.
Article 9. Verification of the legality of labour administration activities carried out by parastatal agencies and regional or local agencies and their conformity with the objectives established. The Government’s report contains no information on this point. The Committee again asks the Government to provide detailed information on the means available to the Ministry to satisfy itself that the agencies referred to in this Article of the Convention are operating in accordance with national laws and are adhering to the objectives assigned to them.
Article 10. Human resources and material means necessary for the operation of the labour administration system. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the level of qualification and remuneration of the Head of Labour Administration, senior officers and the Head of Conciliation and Labour Relations. It further notes that 26 officers received training between September 2010 and June 2011. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the other labour administration bodies, specifying the composition of the staff, their remuneration, conditions of service, the qualifications required for the posts they hold and the training they are given in the course of employment (areas covered, frequency, duration, participation, etc.). It also asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that labour administration contract staff carry out their duties without any improper external influence, and to describe the material means and financial resources available to labour administration staff for the performance of their duties.
Judicial decisions. Application in practice. The Government’s report contains no information under these parts. The Committee again asks the Government to reply in detail to the requests made in these parts of the report form.
Technical assistance from the Office. According to the Government’s report, thanks to ILO technical assistance the Ministry has been able to ensure that its policies and programmes are consistent with international labour standards, and training workshops in labour inspection, occupational safety and health, gender issues, migration and legal issues have served to build the capacity of the Ministry to design activities which will promote decent work. While noting this information, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the policies and programmes referred to, such as copies of texts or extracts of reports, and on activities to promote decent work carried out as a result of technical assistance from the Office. Please also provide information on any action plans designed to give effect to the recommendations of the 2003 audit.

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Articles 1 and 10(1) of the Convention. Organization of the labour administration system and training of staff. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the National Training Agency (NTA), established to ensure that the workforce is certified, competent, innovative, enterprising and entrepreneurial. It notes with interest the Government’s statement that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, to which the Agency reports, is committed to ensuring increased participation in technical and vocational education and training, especially by citizens who have been historically disadvantaged due to systemic barriers, such as the differently-abled, financially challenged, the academically under-prepared and those who live in rural communities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the Agency, specifying the number of persons who took part in such training and the benefits they derived. It again asks the Government to indicate whether social security comes within the remit of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development (hereinafter “Ministry”) and, if so, to indicate the body responsible for it.

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in response to its query about “Trade Union Services” and “Enterprise Services”, as well as the information on other technical services of the Ministry. It requests the Government to provide further details on the organization of the labour administration system as a whole, including any parastatal and regional or local agencies or any other form of decentralized administration, and any institutional framework for the coordination of the activities of such bodies and for consultation with and participation by employers and workers and their organizations.

Article 2. Delegation of labour administration activities to non-governmental organizations. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information on this point. It again requests the Government to indicate whether any labour administration activities have been delegated to employers’ or workers’ organizations (such as activities pertaining to social security, training, and workers’ education).

Article 3. Activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government, including the two collective agreements between the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and the General Workers Federation in respect of terms and conditions of work. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on all other activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations.

Article 4. Coordination of functions and responsibilities within the labour administration system. The Committee notes that the coordination of functions is ensured by the Permanent Secretary, to whom all heads of division report. It also notes that the labour administration system is currently under review due to the addition of several new units. It requests the Government to provide information on the results of this review and particularly on the coordination of the administration’s functions following the addition of the new units mentioned in the report.

Article 5. Tripartite consultation, cooperation and negotiations within the labour administration system. According to the Government’s report, the Ministry is currently giving active consideration to the establishment of an Industrial Relations Advisory Committee, and will apprise the ILO of developments in this area. The Government also refers to several tripartite committees established to address issues such as minimum wages, labour standards, occupational safety and health, and HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on progress made in setting up the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee and to specify its composition and terms of reference as soon as it has been established. It also asks the Government once again to provide copies of any report or extracts of reports on the work of the abovementioned tripartite committees and to give an indication of the impact of this work on the development of legislation or practice in areas covered by the labour policy. Please also indicate whether measures have been taken to promote tripartite consultation, negotiation and cooperation also at the regional and local levels, as well as at the level of the different sectors of economic activity.

Article 6. Preparation, implementation, supervision and evaluation of the national policy. In its previous comments the Committee asked for information on a report drafted by a tripartite committee assessing the labour market situation. The government provides general information on the labour market in its country. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the follow-up given to the report on the labour market situation and the role played in this regard by the competent bodies of the labour administration system (Article 6(2)(a)).

Furthermore, the Committee again asks the Government to indicate whether activities are carried out by the competent bodies within the labour administration to draw attention to defects and abuses noted in connection with working conditions, occupational accidents and labour inspection and to submit proposals to remedy them (Article 6(2)(b)).

Article 7. Extension of the functions of the labour administration system to include activities for the benefit of categories of workers who are not, in law, employed persons. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government. It again asks the Government to provide details of the manner in which labour administration services are provided to workers who are not, in law, treated as employed persons, such as members of cooperatives.

Article 8. Responsibilities related to the preparation of national policy concerning international labour affairs and State representation. The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government on the meetings of the “ILO 144 Tripartite Committee” and the Ministry’s consultations with social partners to help guide policy formulation. It requests the Government to provide additional information on the follow-up given to proposals made by this tripartite committee and to the consultations that were held with social partners.

Article 9. Verification of the legality of labour administration activities carried out by parastatal agencies and regional or local agencies and their conformity with the objectives established. The Government’s report contains no information on this point. The Committee again asks the Government to provide detailed information on the means available to the Ministry to satisfy itself that the agencies referred to in this Article of the Convention are operating in accordance with national laws and are adhering to the objectives assigned to them.

Article 10. Human resources and material means necessary for the operation of the labour administration system. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the level of qualification and remuneration of the Head of Labour Administration, senior officers and the Head of Conciliation and Labour Relations. It further notes that 26 officers received training between September 2010 and June 2011. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide further information on the other labour administration bodies, specifying the composition of the staff, their remuneration, conditions of service, the qualifications required for the posts they hold and the training they are given in the course of employment (areas covered, frequency, duration, participation, etc.). It also asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that labour administration contract staff carry out their duties without any improper external influence, and to describe the material means and financial resources available to labour administration staff for the performance of their duties.

Parts III and IV of the report form. The Government’s report contains no information under these parts. The Committee again asks the Government to reply in detail to the requests made in these parts of the report form.

Part V. Technical assistance from the Office. According to the Government’s report, thanks to ILO technical assistance the Ministry has been able to ensure that its policies and programmes are consistent with international labour standards, and training workshops in labour inspection, occupational safety and health, gender issues, migration and legal issues have served to build the capacity of the Ministry to design activities which will promote decent work. While noting this information, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the policies and programmes referred to, such as copies of texts or extracts of reports, and on activities to promote decent work carried out as a result of technical assistance from the Office. Please also provide information on any action plans designed to give effect to the recommendations of the 2003 audit.

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The Committee notes the Government’s first report received by the ILO on 8 January 2010 and accompanied by Civil Service Act No. 29 of 1965, as amended. The Committee also notes the ILO’s technical memorandum of 2003 on the evaluation of the labour administration (audit) containing a number of recommendations for the improvement of its operation. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not provide all the information required to assess the report in relation to the above recommendations and requests the Government to provide further information and documentation on the following points.

Article 1 of the Convention. Organization of the labour administration system. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether social security comes within the remit of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development (the Ministry of Labour) and, if applicable, which of the bodies forming part of that Ministry play a role in determining vocational training and skills development policies.

The Committee further requests the Government to provide any information available on the “Trade Union Services”, “Enterprise Services” and “Enterprise Development” units, mentioned in the ILO’s 2003 audit.

The Government is requested to describe in detail the Ministry of Labour’s external services and provide the organizational chart of the entire labour administration system, including, if applicable, parastatal and regional or local agencies or any other form of decentralized administration, as well as any institutional framework for the coordination of the activities of such bodies and for consultation with and participation by employers and workers and their organizations.

Article 2. Delegation of labour administration activities to non-governmental organizations. Noting that, according to the Government, no labour administration activities are entrusted to non-governmental organizations, the Committee draws its attention to the fact that employers’ and workers’ organizations constitute non-governmental organizations within the meaning of the Convention. The Government is therefore requested to indicate whether labour administration activities have been delegated to employers’ and workers’ organizations, including, for example, activities relating to social welfare, training and workers’ education.

Article 3. Activities in the field of national labour policy regulated by having recourse to direct negotiations between employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that, according to the introductory part of the Industrial Relations Act (Chapter 88:01), collective agreements may be concluded on matters relating to conditions of work. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide a copy of any other texts governing collective bargaining, as well as a copy of any collective agreements in force concerning conditions of work.

Article 4. Coordination of functions and responsibilities within the labour administration system. The Committee duly notes the detailed information concerning the operation of the central labour administration and the coordination of its functions and responsibilities. The Committee requests the Government to describe the manner in which coordination is ensured with regard to the external services of the labour administration’s central bodies.

Article 5. Tripartite consultation, cooperation and negotiation within the labour administration system. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Authority, the Minimum Age Advisory Council, the Tripartite Consultations Committee established under ILO Convention No. 144 and the National Productivity Council. It also notes the creation of a tripartite committee responsible for contributing to the establishment of a development policy and corresponding action plan. The 2003 audit referred to above also mentions an advisory committee on industrial relations, as provided for by section 80 of the Labour Relations Act. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep the ILO informed of the composition and functioning of the advisory committee on industrial relations, provide a copy of any report or extracts from any report on the work of the abovementioned tripartite bodies and give an indication of the impact of this work on developments relating to the legislation or practice in areas of labour policy.

The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken to promote tripartite consultation, negotiation and cooperation also at the regional and local levels, as well as at the level of the different sectors of economic activity.

Article 6(a). The Committee notes that the Ministry of Labour’s Manpower Unit ensures the operation of seven one-stop career resource centres which are responsible for the placement of migrant workers in employment and the provision of vocational training. The Committee understands that a tripartite committee has drafted a report assessing the labour market situation and has devised an employment promotion policy.

The Government is requested to provide information on the follow-up given to the report on the labour market situation and the role played in this regard by the competent bodies of the labour administration system.

Article 6(b). The Committee notes that the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the Ministry of Labour compile data on working conditions, vacancies, occupational accidents and labour inspection and that most of the data relating to the labour market are collected using the NHRMIS statistical system and published in an annual report. Furthermore, the Research and Planning Division carries out socio-economic studies for use by other departments within the Ministry. The creation of a labour market information service is also envisaged. The Government is requested to indicate whether activities are carried out by the labour administration bodies to draw attention to the weaknesses and abuses noted in these areas and submit proposals to remedy them.

Article 7. Extension of the functions of the labour administration system to include activities for the benefit of categories of workers who are not, in law, employed persons. According to the Government, the labour administration’s remit covers most categories of self-employed workers and workers occupied in the informal economy. In this regard, the Committee notes sections 5 and 7 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2004. Furthermore, with regard to members of cooperatives, the Government points out the existence of a division within the Ministry of Labour responsible for promoting their development. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the manner in which labour administration services are provided to the workers mentioned in its report who are not, in law, regarded as employed persons.

Article 8. Responsibilities related to the preparation of national policy concerning international labour affairs and State representation. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information provided by the Government concerning the Ministry of Labour’s International Affairs Unit, created in 2007 to coordinate and manage activities aimed at fulfilling the Government’s international labour commitments. Furthermore, the Committee refers to its 2008 observation concerning the application of the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144), in which it noted that, following consultations held by the Tripartite Consultations Committee, this Committee recommended the ratification of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information concerning the consultations held within the abovementioned tripartite bodies and indicate the action taken in response to the opinions formulated.

Article 9. Verification of the legality of the labour administration activities carried out by parastatal bodies and their conformity with the objectives established. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the means available to the Ministry of Labour to ensure that the parastatal agencies and regional and local agencies referred to in this Article of the Convention are operating in accordance with national laws and are adhering to the objectives assigned to them.

Article 10. Human resources and material means necessary for the operation of the labour administration system. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided Annex 1 mentioned in its report concerning the composition of the staff working within the labour administration system. It notes that the 2003 audit reported a shortage of staff in terms of both quality and quantity within certain Ministry departments and indicated the implementation of a process to modernize the means of operation of the labour administration system and an ambitious staff training programme. According to the Government, staff numbers have increased, particularly within the Conciliation Unit, the Labour Inspectorate Unit and the Occupational Safety and Health Authority Agency. It mentions that 152 contract posts have been created within this agency.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information concerning the composition of the staff of the labour administration system (civil servants and contract staff), their remuneration and conditions of service, as well as the qualifications required for the posts that they occupy.

It requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that labour administration contract staff carry out their duties without any improper external influences.

The Government is also requested to provide information on the training given to these members of staff during their employment (areas covered, frequency, duration, participation, etc.).

The Committee also requests the Government to describe the material means and financial resources made available to the labour administration staff for the performance of their duties.

Parts III and IV of the report from. The Government is requested to reply in detail to the requests made in these parts of the report form.

Part V. Technical assistance from the Office. The Committee notes with interest the information concerning the various forms of technical assistance provided by the ILO to improve the operation of the labour administration system, for example, training in the country as well as within the ILO Training Centre of Turin, Italy, in the areas of labour inspection, conciliation, mediation and health and safety of child workers, as well as to develop a decent work programme and provide assistance on the issue of cooperatives. The Government also points out a project aimed at creating a unit responsible for establishing a labour market information system. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any developments resulting from the technical assistance provided by the Office, in particular concerning the implementation of any action plan designed to give effect to the recommendations made in the 2003 audit.