Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report.

1. Article 2 of the Convention. Right of workers without distinction whatsoever to establish and join trade union organizations, including in export processing zones. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the provisions of the Labour Code of 1974 apply to labour relations between employers and workers in the export processing zones established under Act No. 89-14 of September 1989. It requests the Government to provide a copy of any collective agreements covering workers in the above zones.

2. Article 3. Right of workers' organizations to elect their representatives in full freedom. The Committee recalls that foreign workers must be allowed to hold trade union office at least after a reasonable period of residence in the host country, and requests the Government to take the necessary measures without delay to amend section 6 of the Labour Code of 1974, which prohibits foreigners from carrying out administrative or management functions in trade unions. It requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments in this respect and to provide it with a copy of the text of the amended Labour Code.