Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government's report and the attached documents and statistics.

1. The Committee notes with interest that Mrs. Carmen Paz de Pinzón has been reinstated as officer of medical records and health statistics by Resolution 2240-90 of 24 May 1990 of the Social Security Fund.

2. With regard to working conditions in the Canal Zone, the Committee notes the Government's statement that the United States Congress is currently debating Bill No. HR 1558 to amend Act No. 96-70 of 1979. It also notes the views of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the proposed amendments, which have been forwarded to the United States Embassy in Panama. The Committee hopes that the problems of discrimination in employment and occupation in the Canal Zone will be resolved. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any progress made in this respect.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning sexual harassment in the workplace. It asks the Government to provide further information on the following points: (a) the steps taken to support the action of non-governmental organizations to secure specific legal measures to protect workers against acts of sexual harassment in the workplace; and (b) the measures adopted to ensure that termination of the employment relationship by the worker, with entitlement to compensation for unjustified dismissal (under sections 128(6) and 223(4) and (13) of the Labour Code), is not the only remedy available in the event of sexual harassment.