Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1992, which contains a general statement concerning economic development in Bolivia, the Government's objectives and a number of references to vocational training activities. The Government states that the impact of structural adjustment is beginning to be felt and that economic growth is creating more jobs and producing a marked decrease in the unemployment rate which, according to the data from the National Statistical Institute, is 5.8 per cent. The Committee points out that the Government recognizes the difficulties persisting as a result of accumulated structural imbalances. A considerable part of the population has not enjoyed the benefits of progress: marginal categories of the population in rural and urban areas are experiencing conditions of extreme poverty and call for urgent attention. The Government adds that the objectives of the current plan include recapitalization of public enterprises, providing greater incentives for investment in production, generating employment and increasing the skills of the population. The Committee takes due note that the Government proposes, between 1994 and 1997, to generate 287,452 new jobs and trusts that in its next report it will indicate the extent to which the employment objectives which it has set have been achieved. The Committee refers once again to its previous comments in which it emphasized the need to provide the detailed information required by the report form on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, particularly with regard to the most vulnerable categories of the population, such as women, young people seeking their first job, workers who have lost their jobs as a result of economic adjustment, indigenous peoples, etc. The Committee would wish to be in a position to fully evaluate, on the basis of the information supplied by the Government in its next report, the manner in which as a "major goal" an "active" policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment has been set forth and implemented "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy" (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. Article 3. The Committee notes that the Government considers it of vital importance, at this stage of the consolidation of democracy and economic stability, to conclude an agreement between the major social and economic partners, the basis of which is set out in the "Plan For All". With reference once again to its previous comments, in which it noted the comments made by workers' organizations and the discussions held in the Conference Committee, the Committee urges the Government to supply in its next detailed report the information required by the report form concerning the consultations with the representatives of the persons affected by the employment policy. These consultations should have the objective of taking fully into account their experiences and views and securing their full cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for the employment policy. The Committee would be particularly grateful to receive information on the manner in which it has been possible to give effect to its previous comments regarding consultations held with representatives of employers' and workers' organizations, and with representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as those working in the rural sector and the informal sector, and those who have been affected by structural adjustment measures.

3. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with interest the information supplied by the Government on the activities of the National Institute of Vocational Education and Training (INFOCAL). It notes that the above Institute continues to achieve satisfactory results: between 1989 and 1992, an annual average of 4,142 persons received training. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would include information in its next report on the manner in which the persons who have been trained by INFOCAL, as well as by other projects in progress, some of which are receiving assistance from the international community, have been able to find lasting employment, and on the other measures which are envisaged to coordinate education and vocational training policies with prospective employment opportunities.