Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in the report received in August 2007, which includes additional observations from the Czech–Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS).

2. Questions arising out of Article 22 reports. In relation to its 2005 observation concerning the consultations required by Article 5, paragraph (1)(d), of the Convention, the Committee notes with interest that in 2006 and 2007, drafts of reports were sent to the individual social partners for comments prior to their submission to the ILO and their comments were incorporated in the final wording of the reports. The Government also indicates that in consideration of the comments submitted by CMKOS, special meetings were held with CMKOS in August 2006 and August 2007 at which agreement was reached as to the incorporation of their comments in the final version of the reports. The Committee notes with interest the information provided and commends the Government and social partners for their approach in promoting the effective consultation required by the Convention on this matter.

3. Re-examination of unratified Conventions and denunciation of Conventions. The Committee notes the statement CMKOS included in the Government’s report recalling that in the parliamentary debate concerning the adoption of the new Labour Code, the Government expressed that the draft submitted to Parliament had created the conditions for ratification of the Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978 (No. 151) and the Collective Bargaining Convention, 1981 (No. 154). The CMKOS further recalls that the legal conditions for ratification of Conventions Nos 151 and 154 are met, whereas the Government does not consider these ratifications among its priorities. The Committee further notes the continued consultation concerning the denunciation of the Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45). In this regard, the Committee recalls that in its 2005 direct request on Convention No. 45, the Government was invited to give favourable consideration to the ratification of the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176), which shifts the emphasis from a specific category of workers to the safety and health protection of all mineworkers, and possibly also to denounce Convention No. 45. It further invites the stakeholders concerned to hold tripartite consultations for the re-examination of unratified Conventions so that it can consider what measures might be taken to promote, as appropriate, their implementation, ratification, or denunciation (Article 5, paragraph 1(c) and (e), of the Convention).