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Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156) - Russian Federation (RATIFICATION: 1998)

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The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Labour of Russia (KTR) received on 31 August 2021.
Article 1(2) of the Convention.Other members of the immediate family. The Committee notes that: (1) section 259(3) of the Labour Code provides that dispatching women who take care of sick relatives on business travel or assigning them to work overtime or at night, on weekends, or on public holidays shall be allowed only with their written consent; and (2) Decision No. 1 of 28 January 2014 of the Supreme Court provides a definition of “workers with family responsibilities” which includes employees responsible for other members of their family in need of prescribed care or assistance. The Committee further notes the Government’s statement, in its report, that the Federal Agency for Labour Relations and Employment (RosTrud), which is responsible for supervising employers’ compliance with labour legislation, does not provide for separate records of communications from persons with family responsibilities concerning guarantees provided for under section 259(3) of the Labour Code. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide information on:
  • (i)any measures taken to ensure that men and women workers with responsibilities benefit from the protection of the Convention, both in law and practice, in relation to other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support;
  • (ii)any difficulties faced in practice by these workers with family responsibilities in exercising their rights; and
  • (iii)any relevant judicial decision issued in that regard, in particular on the basis of section 259(3) of the Labour Code.
Article 3. Protection of workers from discrimination based on family responsibilities. The Committee notes that section 3 of the Labour Code prohibits discrimination in employment and occupation on the ground of “family status”. It also notes that, in its observations, the KTR alleges practical difficulties faced by workers with family responsibilities in enforcing their rights in case of discrimination and reiterates its concerns regarding: (1) the inadequacy of the rules regarding the burden of proof which is placed upon the victim of discrimination; and (2) the lack of significant penalties for employers who engage in discrimination. TheCommittee asks once again the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that men and women workers with family responsibilities are adequately protected against discrimination in practice. It asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to:
  • (i)ensure clear rules regarding the burden of proof applicable in cases of discrimination, adequate compensation for victims and sufficiently dissuasive penalties for those responsible of such discrimination; and
  • (ii)raise awareness on the rights of workers with family responsibilities to engage in employment without discrimination, the procedures and remedies available.
The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the number and nature of cases of discrimination in employment and occupation based on family responsibilities (“family status”) identified by labour inspectors or dealt with by the courts, or any other competent authorities, as well as the sanctions imposed and remedies granted.
Article 4. Effective equality of treatment for men and women workers with family responsibilities. The Committee notes that, under the Labour Code, in case of night work, overtime work, work on days off and on holidays, or business trips, written consent needs to be obtained from mothers with children under the age of three, workers with children under the age of 5 without a spouse, workers with children with disabilities, and workers taking care of sick relatives (sections 96, 99, 113 and 259). As a result, men enjoy this protection only when they are single parent, have disabled children or are nursing a sick relative. The Committee notes with regret the repeated lack of information from the Government regarding the issue of equal treatment between men and women with family resposibilities. In this regard, it notes that, in its observations, the KTR highlights that: (1) fathers who are police officers or who are working in Internal Affairs agencies are only entitled to parental leave when children are left without maternal care - in the event of the mother’s death, withdrawal of parental authority, lengthy illness or other situations where his children have no maternal care for objective reasons (section 56(8) of Federal Law No. 342-FZ of 30 November 2011 on Service in the Internal Affairs Agencies); and (2) regarding military staff, parental leave is guaranteed only to women (section 11(13)) of Federal Law No. 76-FZ of 27 May 1998 on the Status of Military Personnel. The Committee further notes that, in the framework of the “Concept of the State Family Policy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025”approved by the Government Order No.1618-r, dated 25 August 2014, “affirmation of traditional values and lifestyles” is specifically identified among current priorities areas in family policies. Finally, it notes that, in its concluding observations, the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) remained concerned about the persistence of patriarchal attitudes and discriminatory stereotypes concerning the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and in society, considering women primarily as mothers and caregivers and focusing solely on traditional family values, which continue to impede progress in advancing gender equality (CEDAW/C/RUS/CO/9, 30 November 2021, paragraphs 22 and 38). The Committee asks the Government to amend sections 96, 99, 113 and 259 of the Labour Code, section 56(8) of Federal Law No. 342-FZ of 30 November 2011 and section 11(13) of Federal Law No. 76-FZ of 27 May 1998, in order to ensure that measures aimed at protecting or assisting workers with family responsibilities are available to both men and women on an equal footing. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in that regard, including in employers’ and workers’ organizations.
Remote and part-time work. The Committee notes the adoption of Federal Act No. 407-FZ of 8 December 2020, which entered into force on 1 January 2021, amending Chapter 49.1 of the Labour Code and regulating remote work for employees on a permanent, temporary (up to six months) or periodical basis (sections 3121 to 3129). It notes the Government’s statement that, for many enterprises, the use of new forms of work, such as flexible working hours and remote work, has become an important element of the operational strategy, which helps in reducing the level of unemployment of those who find it difficult to compete on level terms in the employment market, including women with young children. The Committee notes however that, in its observations, the KTR raised concerns regarding the practice of the National Social Insurance Fund (FSS) to remove support from parents working part-time during parental leave - in most of cases mothers - when part-time working hours are more than 60 per cent of ordinary working hours. The Committee asks the Government to:
  • (i)provide statical information, disaggregated by sex, on the number of workers making use of remote work or any other flexible working time arrangements, including part-time work, in order to accommodate workers with family responsibilities, both in the private and public sectors; and
  • (ii)clarify whether parents working part-time, in particular during parental leave, receive full social benefits in all cases, both in law and practice, as well as any difficulties workers with family responsibilities may have faced with the National Social Insurance Fund (FSS) in that regard.
Leave entitlements. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that, in 2021, a rule was adopted that will allow parents who are caring for a sick child under seven years of age to be paid 100 per cent of average earnings regardless of their existing work experience. It notes however that the Government does not provide any information on the effective use in practice of family-related leave entitlements by men and women. In that regard, it notes that, in its observations, the KTR indicates that, in 2019, men represented only 2 per cent of the total number of workers who made use of parental leave (670,000 mothers compared to 13,700 fathers). In KTR’s views, such figure may be explained by: (1) gender stereotypes regarding the role of caring for a child; as well as (2) the rules regarding the calculation of the financial support aimed at compensating the loss of earnings during parental leave. As a result, it appears to be financially more beneficial for families that women, who have lower earnings, make use of parental leave. The Committee refers in that regard to its comments made on the application of the Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100) regarding the wide gender pay gap. In light of the persistent gender stereotypes concerning the sharing of family responsibilities, the Committee asks the Government to provide:
  • (i)statistical data, disaggregated by sex, on the extent to which men and women workers make use of family-related leave entitlements, both in the public and private sectors;
  • (ii)information on the proactive measures taken to encourage more men to make use of family-related leave; and
  • (iii)clarifications as to whether foreign workers are entitled to benefits during childcare leave periods.
Article 5. Childcare and family care services and facilities. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that work is currently underway to ensure full availability of pre-school facilities for children from the age of 18 months. The Committee notes that, in its observations, the KTR refers to the persistent shortage of childcare places, the most pressing problem being the provision of places in pre-school facilities for children under 3 years of age. The KTR also highlights the lack of institutions providing care for relatives in need of nursing care, due to age or illness, which falls to working family members, usually women. The Committee asks the Government to provide:
  • (i)information on the measures taken to continue to ensure full availability of pre-school facilities for children;
  • (ii)statistical information on the development and availability of childcare services and facilities; and
  • (iii)information on the number and nature of services and facilities that exist to assist men and women workers with family responsibilities regarding other dependent members of their family.
Article 6. Information and education. The Committee notes that, in its observations, the KTR highlights that (1) the Government does not seem to have prepared any public campaign or information material to address difficulties faced by workers with family responsibilities and (2) an information campaign should be carried out in order to promote responsible fatherhood and encourage more men to make use of parental leave. The Committee notes that the Government did not provide any information in that regard and recalls the obligations under Article 6 of the Convention. In light of the persistence of gender stereotypes considering women primarily as mothers and caregivers, the Committee asks once again the Government to provide specific information on the measures taken, at all levels, to:
  • (i)promote information and education which engender broader public understanding of the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers with family responsibilities;
  • (ii)raise awareness of the specific difficulties faced by these workers, including gender stereotypes; and
  • (iii)encourage a better sharing of family responsibilities between men and women workers.
Article 7. Integration in the labour market. The Committee notes the Government’s information on vocational training or retraining for women who were granted leave to care for children aged up to 3 years, as well as women with children of pre-school age, who are not in an employment relationship and have applied to the employment service. The Government adds that, in 2021, such measures have been continued in the framework of the federal project on “Promoting women’s employment” under the National Project “Demography” adopted pursuant Presidential Decree No.204 of 7 May 2018 on “National Goals and Strategic Objectives of the Russian Federation until 2024”. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on:
  • (i)any vocational guidance and training measures adopted at federal and regional levels to ensure that men and women workers with family responsibilities can become and remain integrated into the labour force, as well as re-enter it after an absence due to family responsibilities, including in the framework of the above projects; and
  • (ii)the number of workers with family responsibilities, disaggregated by sex, who have participated in such vocational guidance and training programmes, including those who have been able to find employment after such programmes.
Articles 9 and 11. Collective agreements. The Committee notes that no information was provided by the Government on the measures taken to specifically support women with children and persons with family responsibilities following the adoption of the 2018-20 tripartite General Agreement. It welcomes, however, the Government’s indication that a new tripartite General Agreement for 2021-2023 was concluded between all the trade union associations, all the employers’ associations and the Government. The Committee notes in particular that all commitments mentioned in the General Agreement for 2018-20 have been extended, in particular the development and implementation of measures to promote employment opportunities for women with minor children, including through the combination of work or study with child-raising, and the dissemination of best practices (section 3.1.2 of the Agreement). The Committee asks the Government to provide information on:
  • (i)the concrete measures implemented, including in the framework of the tripartite General Agreement for 2021-2023, to promote reconciliation of work and family responsibilities and disseminate best practices; and
  • (ii)any collective agreements containing provisions and any other measures whereby employers’ and workers’ organizations participate in the development and implementation of measures to give effect to the Convention.
General observation.Regarding the above issues and more generally, the Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation on workers with family responsibilities, adopted in 2019. In this observation, the Committee recalls the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work’s aim to achieve gender equality at work through a transformative agenda and stresses the importance of the Convention in achieving this goal. The Committee calls for member States, and employers’ and workers’ organizations, to strengthen efforts towards: (i) making non-discrimination of workers with family responsibilities and the adoption of measures to facilitate the reconciliation of work and family responsibilities explicit aims of their national policy; (ii) regularly monitoring and assessing the results achieved within the framework of the national policy towards achieving the aims of the Convention with a view to adjusting the measures adopted or envisaged; (iii) launching regular public information campaigns to promote the sharing of family responsibilities and remove misconceptions around care roles; (iv) ensuring that workers with family responsibilities have effective equal opportunities and rights to enter, re-enter and remain integrated in the labour market; (v) expanding and increasing access of all workers to voluntary and protected measures of working arrangements and leave that facilitate reconciliation of work–family life; (vi) expanding measures that support the reconciliation of work and family responsibilities within social protection systems; (vii) establishing and expanding adequate quality childcare and family services at community level; (viii) promoting social dialogue, collective bargaining and other measures to strengthen, facilitate and encourage the implementation of the principles of the Convention; and (ix) enhancing the capacity of enforcement authorities, including labour inspectors, tribunals, courts, and other competent bodies, to identify, prevent and remedy cases of discrimination in employment and occupation related to family responsibilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or foreseen to apply the points referred to above.

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The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Labour of Russia (KTR) received on 31 August 2016 and the Government’s reply.
Article 1 of the Convention. Other members of the immediate family. In its previous comments, the Committee had requested the Government to provide information on how the Convention was applied in practice to workers with family responsibilities, in particular in relation to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support”, as envisaged under Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication, in its report, that Decision No. 1 of 28 January 2014 (paragraph 2) of the Supreme Court provides a definition of “workers with family responsibilities” in the context of the legislation regulating the work of women and persons with family responsibilities, and that it defines a “worker with family responsibilities” as: (i) an employee who has the responsibility for the upbringing and development of a child in accordance with family and other legislation; (ii) another relative of the child who actually cares for him; and (iii) an employee who is responsible for other members of his or her family in need of prescribed care or assistance. Noting that the report does not contain any information on the practical application of section 259(3) of the Labour Code which requires the written consent of workers taking care of sick relatives to undertake night work and overtime work, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide such information, for example by providing statistical information on the number of cases where workers with family responsibilities have submitted complaints of non-compliance before the labour inspectorate or relevant judicial decisions.
Article 3. Right to engage in employment without discrimination and effective penalties. The Committee previously noted that section 3 of the Labour Code includes “family status” as a prohibited ground of discrimination. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in its Decision No. 1 of 28 January 2014, the Supreme Court held that a difference in treatment based on a worker’s family responsibilities is not permitted in respect of hiring for work, establishment of wages, transfers at work, establishment or variation of individual working conditions, training and additional vocational education, and termination of employment contracts. However, the Committee notes from the KTR’s observations that, in practice, workers with family responsibilities encounter serious difficulties in enforcing their rights in cases of discrimination notably because: (i) there are no clear rules governing the burden of proof, and (ii) there are no significant penalties for employers who engage in discrimination (a court may only provide for moral compensation ranging between 5,000 to 10,000 Russian Rubles (RUB), which is equivalent to EUR70 to 130). Recalling that effective and dissuasive penalties are necessary to ensure the effective application of the Convention in practice, the Committee requests the Government to: (i) provide information on any cases brought before the courts and on the sanctions imposed; (ii) to take measures to raise awareness on the rights of workers with family responsibilities’ right to engage in employment without discrimination, and (iii) to ensure that there are clear rules regarding the burden of proof applicable in cases of discrimination and that there is adequate compensation for victims and sufficiently dissuasive penalties for those responsible of such discrimination.
Article 4. Effective equality of treatment for men and women workers. With regard to night work, overtime work, work on days off and on holidays, or business trips, the Committee previously noted that, under the Labour Code, written consent needs to be obtained from mothers with children under the age of 3, mothers and fathers with children under the age of 5 without a spouse, workers with children with disabilities, and workers taking care of sick relatives (sections 96, 99, 113 and 259). It had requested the Government to ensure that these provisions apply equally to men and women workers with family responsibilities. The Committee notes that the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in its concluding observations of November 2015, remained concerned at the persistence of stereotypes concerning the role and responsibilities of women and men in the family, which are based on the assumption that women’s primary role is to be mothers and caregivers, thus restricting their educational and professional choices and their participation in political and public life and in the labour market (CEDAW/C/RUS/CO/8, paragraph 19). The CEDAW also expressed concern that the new family policy of 2014 includes as a goal the renewal and increase of traditional family values focusing on women only as mothers, without including gender equality issues (CEDAW/C/RUS/CO/8, paragraph 33). Since 2009, the Committee has been drawing the Government’s attention to the fact that, when legislation reflects the assumption that the main responsibility for family care lies with women or excludes men from certain rights and benefits, it reinforces and prolongs stereotypes regarding the roles of women and men in the family and in society. The Committee considers that, in order to achieve the objective of the Convention, measures to assist workers with family responsibilities should be available to men and women on an equal footing, which is not the case if fathers benefit from provisions only in the event they are without a spouse. The Committee once again requests the Government, during the next review of the Labour Code, to amend sections 96, 99, 113 and 259, taking into account the principle of equality of treatment between men and women. In the meantime, it requests the Government to take steps to ensure that measures to assist workers with family responsibilities apply to men and women on an equal footing. Please indicate any steps taken in this regard, including with the collaboration of workers’ and employers’ organizations.
Leave entitlements. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the number of men and women who effectively take childcare leave, and on the specific measures taken or envisaged to encourage men to use their leave entitlement. The Committee notes from the KTR’s observations that, in the Republic of Khakassia, only 28 fathers exercised their entitlement to childcare leave in 2014, and that in Astrakhan Oblast, only 122 fathers did so in 2015. The Committee also notes the KTR’s allegations that a significant number of cases have arisen where benefits are not paid by the employer to the employee, forcing them to appeal to court through a time-consuming process which is not always successful. In response, the Government indicates that, in such cases, employees have the opportunity to appeal to a court and once a court decision confirms that non-payment of benefits has occurred, a bankruptcy procedure is started against the employer. Noting the absence of information provided by the Government in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the specific measures taken to encourage men to exercise their right to childcare leave, through for example, programmes and awareness-raising campaigns encouraging men and women to share family responsibilities equally or incentives to reduce the stigma involved with men taking time off for family reasons. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information regarding appeal processes, including the number of appeals instituted and the length of time taken in such processes, including any evidence of its impact. It also once again requests the Government to clarify whether non-citizens are entitled to benefits during childcare leave periods.
Article 5. Childcare and family care services and facilities. The Government indicates that, between 2013 and 2015, several regional action campaigns had been launched; their objective was to provide access to pre-school facilities and other institutions providing services for the leisure and development of young children. The Government further indicates that, as a result of these campaigns, the availability of pre-school education for children aged from 3 to 7 years reached 99.23 per cent in 2016, compared to 75.5 per cent in 2013. The number of women granted leave to care for children under 3 years of age and who received vocational or supplementary vocational training in 2015 was 17,800 (a 35.9 per cent increase from 2013). However, the Committee notes from the KTR’s observations that, for the past several years, parents of children under 3 years of age have encountered difficulties in enrolling their children in pre school facilities, making it difficult for women to return to work. The KTR suggests this might be due to the Government’s attempt to end the shortage of places in pre-school institutions for children over the age of 3. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed statistical information on the availability of childcare services and facilities, including for children under the age of 3, in order to allow the Committee to assess the progress made over time in ensuring sufficient coverage. It also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the number and nature of services and facilities that exist to assist men and women workers with family responsibilities regarding other dependent members of their family.
Article 6. Information and education. The Committee previously requested the Government to indicate the measures taken to promote information and education on the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women workers, including in particular measures taken to encourage a better sharing of family responsibilities. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that to fulfil Presidential Decree No. 606 of 7 May 2012 and Order No. 64 of 18 February 2013, the Ministry of Labour has worked with the executive bodies of the subjects of the Russian Federation to coordinate the development and implementation of measures to establish conditions enabling women to combine childcare obligations with employment. The Government further indicates that, between 2013 and 2015, a campaign was run in the mass media to raise public awareness in this regard. While taking due note of this information, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the concrete measures taken in the framework of Presidential Decree No. 606 of 7 May 2012 and Order No. 64 of 18 February 2013 to promote information and education on the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers with family responsibilities. It further requests the Government to indicate the results achieved in this regard, including in particular, the impact of the measures taken to encourage a better sharing of family responsibilities between men and women.
Article 7. Integration in the labour market. The Government indicates that following the adoption of the Presidential Decree No. 606 of 7 May 2012, it has adopted measures to establish conditions in which women can combine their childcare obligations with employment, and to arrange vocational training or retraining for women who were granted leave to care for children aged up to 3 years. The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on those specific measures and on how they have assisted workers with family responsibilities to become and remain integrated in the labour force.
Articles 9 and 11. Collective agreements. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on how collective agreements addressed the rights and needs of both men and women workers with family responsibilities. The Committee notes with interest the 2018–20 tripartite General Agreement concluded between all the trade union associations, all the employers’ associations and the Government in which the parties recognized the necessity to expand job opportunities for, among others, women with young children (section III of the General Agreement), and undertook to take measures and formulate programmes to specifically support women with children and persons with family responsibilities (section IV). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures and programmes formulated in application of this tripartite General Agreement, with regards to workers with family responsibilities.

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Article 1 of the Convention. Other members of the immediate family. The Committee recalls that section 259(3) of the Labour Code requires written consent of workers taking care of sick relatives, to undertake night work, overtime work, business trips, or work on days off and on holidays. It notes the Government’s indication that collective agreements provide for additional days of paid leave in cases of serious illness of close relatives. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on how the Convention is applied to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support” as envisaged under Article 1 including the practical application of section 259(3) of the Labour Code.
Article 3. Right to engage in employment without discrimination. The Committee recalls that section 3 of the Labour Code includes “family status” as a prohibited ground of discrimination. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the practical application of section 3 of the Labour Code, with regard to the ground of “family status”, including information on any cases brought before the courts.
Article 4. Leave entitlements. The Committee recalls the Government’s previous indication that fathers taking childcare leave have received social benefits on the same footing as women. The Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the number of men and women who have taken childcare leave, and the specific measures taken to encourage men to do so. The Committee also requests the Government once again to clarify whether non-citizens are entitled to benefits during childcare leave periods. Further, the Committee requests the Government to provide the Rules on the establishment and the payment of state benefits for citizens with children approved by Government Decision No. 865 of 30 December 2006, which was not attached to the report.
The Committee recalls that under the Labour Code, in the case of night work, overtime work, work on days off and on holidays, or business trips, written consent needs to be obtained from workers with children under the age of 5 without a spouse, workers with children with disabilities, and workers taking care of sick relatives, and only mothers with children under the age of three (sections 96, 99, 113 and 259). The Committee recalls that when legislation reflects the assumption that the main responsibility for family care lies with women or excludes men from certain rights and benefits, it reinforces and prolongs stereotypes regarding the roles of women and men in the family and in society. The Committee considers that, in order to achieve the objective of the Convention, measures to assist workers with family responsibilities should be available to men and women on an equal footing (General Survey on fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 786). The Committee asks the Government to review sections 96, 99, 113 and 259 of the Labour Code, in the light of the principle of equality, and to take steps to ensure that they apply to men and women on an equal footing. Please indicate any steps taken in this regard, including with the collaboration of workers’ and employers’ organizations.
Article 5. Childcare and family care services and facilities. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide detailed statistical information on the availability of childcare services and facilities that would allow the Committee to assess the progress made over time in ensuring sufficient coverage. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the number and nature of services and facilities that exist to assist workers with family responsibilities regarding other dependent members of their family.
Article 6. Information and education. The Committee recalls that under Article 6, it is the responsibility of the Government to take appropriate measures to promote information and education which engender a broader public understanding of the principle of equality. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to promote information and education on the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers, including in particular measures taken to encourage a better sharing of family responsibilities between men and women, as envisaged in Paragraph 11 of the Workers with Family Responsibilities Recommendation, 1981 (No. 165).
Article 7. Integration in the labour market. The Committee again asks the Government to provide information on how the different programmes and schemes for the promotion of employment have assisted workers with family responsibilities to become and remain integrated in the labour force, including information, vocational guidance and training targeting workers with family responsibilities.
Articles 9 and 11. Collective agreements. The Committee again asks the Government to provide information on how collective agreements address the rights and needs of workers with family responsibilities. Please provide examples of relevant provisions contained in collective agreements.

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In its previous comments, the Committee referred to issues related to the scope of application of the Convention, the right to engage in employment without discrimination, childcare facilities and services and the possibility of providing for the right of workers with family responsibilities through collective agreements. The Committee notes the Government’s report received on the 18 November 2011 in Russian. The Committee will examine this report as soon as the translation becomes available.

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In 2007, the Committee noted that the Government’s report under examination at the time failed to respond to a number of specific points previously raised by the Committee. The Committee therefore reiterated a number of requests for information. The Committee notes the latest report by the Government, and noted with regret that, once again, no reply was provided to a large number of questions raised by the Committee. The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to reply to all outstanding issues, as set out below.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government once again to provide information on how the Convention is applied to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support” as envisaged under Article 1.

Article 3. Right to engage in employment without discrimination. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that a draft law on “state guarantees of equal rights and freedoms and equal opportunities of men and women in the Russian Federation”, which was under consideration by the State Duma, provides that measures to protect maternity and paternity are not considered to be discrimination. In this context, the Committee stressed that addressing the needs of workers with family responsibilities, both women and men, is a key aspect of achieving effective equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers and encourages the Government to ensure that the principles of the Convention, in particular those set out in Article 3, are fully reflected in the legislation. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the steps taken to this end.

Article 4. Terms and conditions of employment and social security. The Committee recalls that, as of 1 January 2007, fathers taking childcare leave have received social benefits on the same footing as women. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the number of men and women who have made use of the entitlement to take childcare leave, and the specific measures taken to encourage men to do so. The Committee also requests the Government once again to clarify whether non-citizens are entitled to benefits during childcare leave periods. Further, the Committee requests the Government to provide the Rules on the establishment and the payment of state benefits for citizens with children approved by Government Decision No. 865 of 30 December 2006, which was not attached to the report.

The Committee recalls its previous comments concerning the requirement of obtaining written consent of women with children under 3 years of age when sending them on business trips or in the case of overtime work, night work, days off and work on holidays (sections 96, 99, 113 and 259 of the Labour Code). Men do not enjoy this protection, except if they are a single parent, have disabled children or are nursing sick relatives. While the Committee notes that the Labour Code amendments of 30 June 2006 extended these measures (written consent is now required from a mother or a father caring, without a spouse, for a child up to 5 years of age), the Committee also notes that they are still available to men only on an exceptional basis, as indicated above. The Committee once again requests the Government to review these provisions in the light of the principle of equality, and to take steps to ensure that they apply to men and women on an equal footing. Please indicate any steps taken with regard to this matter.

Article 5. Childcare facilities and services. The Committee notes from the report that, in 2006, there were 3,421 “territorial establishments for social assistance to family and children”. The Committee in unclear as to the nature of these establishments and therefore asks the Government to indicate more specifically the number of childcare facilities or services, particularly facilities or services caring for a child below the mandatory school age during daytime, and the number of children they are caring for. Please also elaborate on how these facilities are organized and function.

Article 6. Information and education. In reply to its previous comments regarding this Article, the Government states that is has a positive attitude towards the activities of non-governmental organizations designed to promote equality between men and women, and support their activities. The Committee recalls that under Article 6, it is the responsibility of the Government to take appropriate measures to promote information and education which engender a broader public understanding of the principle of equality. The Committee, therefore, requests the Government once again  to indicate the measures taken to promote information and education on the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers, including in particular measures taken to encourage a better sharing of family responsibilities between men and women, as envisaged in Paragraph 11 of the Workers with Family Responsibilities Recommendation, 1981 (No. 165).

Article 7. Labour market measures. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on how the different programmes and schemes for the promotion of employment have assisted workers with family responsibilities to become and remain integrated in the labour force.

Articles 9 and 11. Collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the Convention identifies collective agreements as a means of application and provides for the right of workers’ and employers’ organizations to participate in devising and applying measures designed to give effect to the Convention. The Committee, therefore, requests the Government once again to provide information on how collective agreements address the rights and needs of workers with family responsibilities. Please provide examples of relevant provisions contained in collective agreements.

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The Committee notes that the Government has not yet provided replies to a number of specific points raised by the Committee in its previous comments. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide a report containing information with regard to all the matters set out below.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provided information on how the Convention is applied to “other members of their immediate family who clearly need their care or support” as envisaged under Article 1.

2. Article 2. Application of the Convention to non-citizens. The Committee recalls that the Convention is intended to cover nationals and non-nationals residing in the country. It, therefore, asks the Government to clarify the manner in which the Convention is applied to non-national workers residing in the territory of the Russian Federation. In this regard, please indicate whether the guarantees and privileges for workers with family responsibilities under the Labour Code are also enjoyed by non-citizens and state whether non-citizens are entitled to receive social benefits, including benefits during childcare leave periods.

3. Article 3. Right to engage in employment without discrimination. The Committee notes with interest that the Labour Code amendments of 30 June 2006 added “family status” as a prohibited ground of discrimination in section 3 of the Labour Code. The Committee also notes that the draft law on “state guarantees of equal rights and freedoms and equal opportunities of men and women in the Russian Federation”, which is still under consideration by the State Duma, provides that measures to protect maternity and paternity are not considered to be discrimination. Stressing that addressing the needs of workers with family responsibilities, both women and men, is a key aspect of achieving effective equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers, the Committee encourages the Government to ensure that the principles of the Convention, in particular those set out in Article 3, are fully reflected in the legislation, and requests the Government to indicate the steps taken to this end.

4. Article 4. Terms and conditions of employment and social security. The Committee welcomes that, as stated in the report, as of 1 January 2007 fathers taking childcare leave have received social benefits on the same footing as women. The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the different social benefits available to workers with family responsibilities and to indicate the relevant laws or regulations providing for such benefits. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the number of men and women who have made use of the entitlement to take childcare leave, and the specific measures taken to encourage men to do so.

5. The Committee recalls its previous comments concerning the requirement of obtaining written consent of women with children under 3 years of age when sending them on business trips or in the case of overtime work, night work, days off and work on holidays (sections 96, 99, 113 and 259 of the Labour Code). Men do not enjoy this protection, except if they are a single parent, have disabled children or are nursing sick relatives. While the Committee notes that the Labour Code amendments of 30 June 2006 extended these guarantees (written consent is now required from a mother or a father caring, without a spouse, for a child up to 5 years of age), the Committee also notes that these guarantees are still available to men only on an exceptional basis, as indicated above. The Committee requests the Government to review these provisions in the light of the principle of equality, and to consider providing these guarantees to men and women on an equal footing. Please indicate any steps taken with regard to this matter.

6. Article 5. Childcare facilities and services. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the manner in which childcare and social institutions adequately respond to the needs of workers with family responsibilities. In this regard, please provide updated information on the number of childcare facilities or services and the number of children they are caring for.

7. Article 6. Information and education. The Committee stresses the importance of promoting information and education to engender a broader public understanding of the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment. In this regard it recalls that “if the measures taken to implement a national policy under Article 3 are to be effective in furthering equality between men and women, they should be accompanied by a major campaign of sensitization in order to promote widespread acceptance of the notion that the family is the concern of each individual, for men and women” (General Survey 1993, paragraph 90). The Committee, therefore, requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to promote information and education on the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women workers, including measures taken to encourage a better sharing of family responsibilities between men and women, as envisaged in Paragraph 11 of the Workers with Family Responsibilities Recommendation No. 165.

8. Article 7. Labour market measures. The Committee notes that the draft concept of labour market activity 2006–10  targets women seeking to re-enter the labour market after maternity leave and raising children. The ongoing labour market measures continued to pay special attention to women in a vulnerable position, including those with young or disabled children, and single mothers. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the different programmes and schemes assisting workers with family responsibilities to become and remain integrated in the labour force.

9. Articles 9 and 11. Collective agreements. The Committee recalls that the Convention identifies collective agreements as a means of application and provides for the right of workers’ and employers’ organizations to participate in devising and applying measures designed to give effect to the Convention. The Committee, therefore, requests the Government to provide information on how collective agreements address the rights and needs of workers with family responsibilities. Please provide examples of relevant provisions contained in collective agreements.

[The Government is requested to report in detail in 2009.]

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not include a reply to its previous comments concerning the definition of “dependent child”, nor does the Government indicate how the Convention is applied to “other members of their immediate family who are clearly in need of care or support”. It asks the Government to provide this information in its next report.

2. Article 2. The Committee notes the adoption of the new Labour Code on 30 December 2002. It notes that section 1 of the Labour Code states that “the purposes of the labour law shall be setting official state guarantees of the labour rights and freedoms of the nationals … ” and that section 3 of the Labour Code of 2002 provides that no one can be constrained in his or her labour rights and freedoms or get any advantages irrespective of a number of grounds, including sex and nationality. The Committee also notes that Act No. 81 of 19 May 1995 (as amended in 2001) on the state benefits to citizens with children which grants monthly benefits to both fathers and mothers or other relatives and guardians who are taking care of children up to one and a half years, and the Presidential Decree of 30 May 1994 (as amended in 2001) on the level of compensation paid to certain categories of citizens which provides for monthly compensation to mothers and other relatives taking care of a child up to the age of 3, only seem to apply to citizens. The Committee recalls that the Convention is intended to cover nationals and non-nationals residing in the country, and asks the Government to clarify the manner in which the Convention is applied to non-national workers residing in the territory of the Russian Federation.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes with interest the numerous provisions in the new Labour Code protecting and promoting the rights of workers with family responsibilities, such as the preferential right for married workers with one or two dependants to retain their job in case of personnel reduction (section 179), special working time arrangements (sections 93, 96, 99 and 113) and Chapter 41 on special procedures for female employees and employees with family responsibilities. It also notes that on the basis of Government Ordinance No. 855 of 28 June 2001, a National Plan of Action for 2001-05 has been adopted, which provides for activities to promote equal opportunities for women in the area of employment and to create conditions for combining family and work responsibilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information on the implementation of the abovementioned provisions of the Labour Code as well as the practical measures taken under the National Plan of Action to create the necessary conditions for reconciling work and family responsibilities and the results achieved.

4. Article 4. The Committee notes the provisions in the new Labour Code that enable workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment. It notes in particular that section 5 prohibits the refusal to conclude a contract with women because of their pregnancy or “presence of children”, and that sections 96, 99 and 113 along with section 259 provide that women with children below the age of 3 may be sent on business trips and work overtime, work at night or work on days off and non-working holidays only with their written agreement and when it is not forbidden by medical recommendation. It also notes that section 259 grants the same guarantees to employees who have disabled children or who care for persons disabled from birth up to 18 years of age, and to employees caring for sick relatives. Furthermore, section 264 extends the guarantees and privileges granted to women in relation to night work, overtime, free days and holidays, business trips, additional leave privileges, work schedules and other privileges and guarantees specified by laws and statutory acts to single parents and guardians of non-adults. While welcoming these provisions in the Labour Code, the Committee notes that the guarantees and privileges granted under these provisions do not cover fathers of children up to the age of 3, except when they are a single parent, have disabled children or are nursing sick relatives. Noting, however, that other provisions such as those related to child-care leave (section 256) or leave for adoptive parents (section 257) cover both male and female employees, the Committee asks the Government, when the occasion arises, to consider extending the abovementioned privileges and guarantees granted to mothers of children below the age of 3, also to the fathers of those children.

5. Further to the above and in reference to its previous comments concerning the Government’s indication that it is deemed necessary to develop economic incentives and benefits to encourage employers to hire workers with family responsibilities and women in a weaker position on the labour market, the Committee reiterates its request for information from the Government on any measures taken in this regard, as well as on any other programmes introduced or planned to further the application of Article 3 of the Convention.

6. Article 5. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that a highly developed network of day-care centres has been created in the country and that a system of supervision of children after school has been organized. It notes in this regard the statistical information provided on the number of day-care centres operating in the country and the number of children attending these centres. The Government also indicates that a system of social assistance to families and children is being developed which provides for assistance to workers with family responsibilities in educational, medical, welfare, economic, legal and other fields. The Committee notes that the number of social institutions involved in this system have been on the increase (107 in 1994, rising to 2,134 in 1999 and 2,774 in 2002). It asks the Government to provide further information on the manner in which the childcare network and social institutions respond adequately to the needs of these workers. The Committee reiterates its request for information on any programmes and activities undertaken pursuant to the national survey on the situation of children with insufficient family support, as well as on any measures taken or envisaged to further the application of Article 5 of the Convention. 

7. Article 6. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken to inform and educate the community in general about the provisions of the Convention and refers to paragraphs 90-95 of its 1993 General Survey on workers with family responsibilities. 

8. Article 7. The Committee notes that section 5 of the Act on Employment and Population of 19 April 1991 (No. 1034-1) specifies the national policy measures in the field of employment to promote special action for the employment of citizens with particular needs in relation to social protection and facing difficulties in finding jobs (including parents, single parents, parents with very young or disabled children, or unemployed parents). It also notes that the proportion of women among unemployed parents raising very young and disabled children is 75 per cent; among single parents, 94.6 per cent; and among parents with many children, 73 per cent. The Government indicates in this regard that the employment services provide vocational training to women in need of education for social reasons (e.g. women on leave to take care of children and single mothers) and that the employment services and vocational guidance centres have successfully introduced programmes and technologies of intensive training of the unemployed in skills and occupations for which there is labour market demand. Noting the statistical data concerning vocational guidance services and training provided to unemployed women, as well as the percentage (24 per cent) of single parents with many children and those raising children of pre-school age or disabled children, who have been placed in work, the Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to enable unemployed women and parents to become and remain integrated in the labour force and the results achieved. Please also indicate how the vocational training services provided to unemployed women with family responsibilities have enabled them to find employment in practice.

9. Articles 9 and 11. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide copies of collective agreements containing clauses relevant to the application of the Convention, as well as information on the manner in which it is cooperating with employers’ and workers’ organizations to devise and apply measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the report of the Government and requests it to provide additional information on the following points.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not include a reply to its previous comments concerning the definition of "dependent child", nor does the Government indicate how the Convention is applied to "other members of their immediate family who are clearly in need of care or support". It asks the Government to provide this information in its next report.

2. Article 2. The Committee notes the adoption of the new Labour Code on 30 December 2002. It notes that section 1 of the Labour Code states that "the purposes of the labour law shall be setting official state guarantees of the labour rights and freedoms of the nationals …" and that section 3 of the Labour Code of 2002 provides that no one can be constrained in his or her labour rights and freedoms or get any advantages irrespective of a number of grounds, including sex and nationality. The Committee also notes that Act No. 81 of 19 May 1995 (as amended in 2001) on the state benefits to citizens with children which grants monthly benefits to both fathers and mothers or other relatives and guardians who are taking care of children up to one and a half years, and the Presidential Decree of 30 May 1994 (as amended in 2001) on the level of compensation paid to certain categories of citizens which provides for monthly compensation to mothers and other relatives taking care of a child up to the age of 3, only seem to apply to citizens. The Committee recalls that the Convention is intended to cover nationals and non-nationals residing in the country, and asks the Government to clarify the manner in which the Convention is applied to non-national workers residing in the territory of the Russian Federation.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes with interest the numerous provisions in the new Labour Code protecting and promoting the rights of workers with family responsibilities, such as the preferential right for married workers with one or two dependants to retain their job in case of personnel reduction (section 179), special working time arrangements (sections 93, 96, 99 and 113) and Chapter 41 on special procedures for female employees and employees with family responsibilities. It also notes that on the basis of Government Ordinance No. 855 of 28 June 2001, a National Plan of Action for 2001-05 has been adopted, which provides for activities to promote equal opportunities for women in the area of employment and to create conditions for combining family and work responsibilities. The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information on the implementation of the abovementioned provisions of the Labour Code as well as the practical measures taken under the National Plan of Action to create the necessary conditions for reconciling work and family responsibilities and the results achieved.

4. Article 4. The Committee notes the provisions in the new Labour Code that enable workers with family responsibilities to exercise their right to free choice of employment. It notes in particular that section 5 prohibits the refusal to conclude a contract with women because of their pregnancy or "presence of children", and that sections 96, 99 and 113 along with section 259 provide that women with children below the age of 3 may be sent on business trips and work overtime, work at night or work on days off and non-working holidays only with their written agreement and when it is not forbidden by medical recommendation. It also notes that section 259 grants the same guarantees to employees who have disabled children or who care for persons disabled from birth up to 18 years of age, and to employees caring for sick relatives. Furthermore, section 264 extends the guarantees and privileges granted to women in relation to night work, overtime, free days and holidays, business trips, additional leave privileges, work schedules and other privileges and guarantees specified by laws and statutory acts to single parents and guardians of non-adults. While welcoming these provisions in the Labour Code, the Committee notes that the guarantees and privileges granted under these provisions do not cover fathers of children up to the age of 3, except when they are a single parent, have disabled children or are nursing sick relatives. Noting, however, that other provisions such as those related to child-care leave (section 256) or leave for adoptive parents (section 257) cover both male and female employees, the Committee asks the Government, when the occasion arises, to consider extending the abovementioned privileges and guarantees granted to mothers of children below the age of 3, also to the fathers of those children.

5. Further to the above and in reference to its previous comments concerning the Government’s indication that it is deemed necessary to develop economic incentives and benefits to encourage employers to hire workers with family responsibilities and women in a weaker position on the labour market, the Committee reiterates its request for information from the Government on any measures taken in this regard, as well as on any other programmes introduced or planned to further the application of Article 3 of the Convention.

6. Article 5. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that a highly developed network of day-care centres has been created in the country and that a system of supervision of children after school has been organized. It notes in this regard the statistical information provided on the number of day-care centres operating in the country and the number of children attending these centres. The Government also indicates that a system of social assistance to families and children is being developed which provides for assistance to workers with family responsibilities in educational, medical, welfare, economic, legal and other fields. The Committee notes that the number of social institutions involved in this system have been on the increase (107 in 1994, rising to 2,134 in 1999 and 2,774 in 2002). It asks the Government to provide further information on the manner in which the childcare network and social institutions respond adequately to the needs of these workers. The Committee reiterates its request for information on any programmes and activities undertaken pursuant to the national survey on the situation of children with insufficient family support, as well as on any measures taken or envisaged to further the application of Article 5 of the Convention. 

7. Article 6. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures taken to inform and educate the community in general about the provisions of the Convention and refers to paragraphs 90-95 of its 1993 General Survey on workers with family responsibilities. 

8. Article 7. The Committee notes that section 5 of the Act on Employment and Population of 19 April 1991 (No. 1034-1) specifies the national policy measures in the field of employment to promote special action for the employment of citizens with particular needs in relation to social protection and facing difficulties in finding jobs (including parents, single parents, parents with very young or disabled children, or unemployed parents). It also notes that the proportion of women among unemployed parents raising very young and disabled children is 75 per cent; among single parents, 94.6 per cent; and among parents with many children, 73 per cent. The Government indicates in this regard that the employment services provide vocational training to women in need of education for social reasons (e.g. women on leave to take care of children and single mothers) and that the employment services and vocational guidance centres have successfully introduced programmes and technologies of intensive training of the unemployed in skills and occupations for which there is labour market demand. Noting the statistical data concerning vocational guidance services and training provided to unemployed women, as well as the percentage (24 per cent) of single parents with many children and those raising children of pre-school age or disabled children, who have been placed in work, the Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to enable unemployed women and parents to become and remain integrated in the labour force and the results achieved. Please also indicate how the vocational training services provided to unemployed women with family responsibilities have enabled them to find employment in practice.

9. Articles 9 and 11. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide copies of collective agreements containing clauses relevant to the application of the Convention, as well as information on the manner in which it is cooperating with employers’ and workers’ organizations to devise and apply measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s first report and attached documentation. Noting that the Government is in the process of adopting a new Labour Code the Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Code once it has been promulgated.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes from the report that the Act on Pension Provision of 1990 provides a definition of the term "dependent child". The Government indicates that children under the age of 18 are deemed to be dependent. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would confirm that the definition of "dependent child" for purposes of the Convention in fact applies to all those categories of persons that the Government indicates as being covered by the Pensions Act. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on whether coverage under the Convention is applied to "other members of their immediate family who clearly need care or support".

2. Article 2. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the measures taken to give effect to the Convention apply to all branches of the economy and to all categories of workers. It also notes that the provisions cited in the report as relevant to the application of the Convention, particularly references to the Labour Code, apply only to Russian citizens residing permanently in the territory of the Russian Federation. In this regard, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to paragraph 47 of its 1993 General Survey on workers with family responsibilities which points out that the Convention is intended to cover all workers living in a particular country, whether or not they are nationals of that country. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the Convention is applied to foreign workers residing in the territory of the Russian Federation.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes that, while the report makes reference to the Plan of Action on the Advancement of Children 1998-2000 and to national plans of action on the advancement of women and enhancement of their role in society, it does not indicate whether the Government has enunciated an explicit national policy aimed at enabling men and women workers with family responsibilities to be employed without discrimination and to assist them in reconciling their work and family obligations. Referring to the explanations provided in paragraphs 54 to 89 of its 1993 General Survey on workers with family responsibilities, the Committee requests the Government to consider taking the necessary action to adopt and implement such a national policy in the form most appropriate to national conditions and possibilities, perhaps in the context of the legal and economic reforms being undertaken currently in the country. That policy could then provide the framework for developing, coordinating and evaluating all of the various policies and programmes which are, or might be, taken under the following Articles of the Convention. Accordingly, the Committee hopes that the Government will be able to indicate in its next report that action has been taken in this regard.

4. Article 4. The Committee notes with interest the work carried out by the Ministry of Labour in coordination with the Committee of the State Duma on Women, Family and Youth to develop the national legislation in terms of equal opportunity and treatment, and particularly that amendments were drafted to the Labour Code in connection with the ratification of the Convention. With regard to conditions of employment, the Committee also notes the Government’s reference to section 40-1 of the 1993 Labour Code, which provides, inter alia, that the State guarantees its citizens residing permanently on the territory of the Russian Federation the right to choose work with various labour regimes. In this context, the report refers to the right to choose work "based on different working time arrangements". The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the practical application of this provision. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report under the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), that it deems it necessary to develop economic incentives and benefits to encourage employers to hire workers with family responsibilities and women with reduced competitiveness. That report also indicates that the Government has adopted employment guarantees for certain categories of workers, including parents of many children, and women raising pre-school age or disabled children. The Committee would appreciate receiving information from the Government on the nature and practical application of these measures as well as on any programmes introduced or planned to further the application of this Article, such as those, for example, suggested in paragraphs 17 to 23 and 27 to 31 of the Workers with Family Responsibilities Recommendation, 1981 (No. 165).

5. Article 5. The Committee requests detailed information on the measures taken to ensure that the needs of workers with family responsibilities are taken account of in community planning and to indicate the nature and number of childcare and family services and facilities established. The Committee also requests the Government to supply information derived from the national survey on the situation of children with insufficient family support; and to describe any programmes or activities undertaken pursuant to that survey. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information in its next report on any measures taken or envisaged to further the application of this Article. In this respect, the Committee refers the Government to Chapter V of its 1993 General Survey on workers with family responsibilities.

6. Article 6. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information in its next report on the measures taken to inform and educate the community in general about the provisions of the Convention, including measures which encourage the sharing of family responsibilities between men and women. In this regard, the Committee refers to the examples and explanations provided in paragraphs 90 to 95 of its General Survey, mentioned above.

7. Article 7. The Committee notes the information contained in the report, including statistical data, regarding vocational guidance and vocational training services. Noting that in 1999 an estimated 3.4 million persons were provided with vocational guidance services and that the Government expects the volume of such services to increase, the Committee asks the Government to indicate in its future reports any measures specifically directed at enabling workers with family responsibilities to become and remain integrated in the labour force, as well as to re enter the labour force after an absence due to those responsibilities. In this respect, the Committee refers the Government to Chapter III of its 1993 General Survey, which explains the requirements of this Article and suggests some practical measures which might be taken to secure compliance with the Convention, such as providing distance-learning services and childcare services for trainees with family responsibilities.

8. Article 9. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Convention is applied through laws, by-laws and collective agreements. In this regard, the Committee would appreciate receiving sample copies of collective agreements containing clauses relevant to the application of the Convention.

9. Article 11. The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to indicate in its next report the manner in which it has participated with employers’ and workers’ organizations to devise and apply measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

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